Family Fun Hike at Mt. Manabu

Last Dec. 30-31, our family, friends and relatives hiked Mt. Manabu in Batangas. Hiking is definitely my father's no. 1 hobby and because of that, he was able to bring our whole ward up the mountains when I was young and now, even my 78 year old lola joined us! The hike was supposed to be an hour and a half long one way but because we have our lola with us, it took us 3 hours to hike. Despite that, it was definitely fun since our lola set the record to be the oldest in the family to have hiked not one, not two but 3 mountains at an old age! Kudos to her!

When we reached the peak, it was soooo cold and Emil and I weren't even prepared. We just brought clothes because I thought my parents were so used to climbing up the mountains and they will take care of us. I was wrong! haha We we're supposed to bring our own blankets which we didn't have so both of us couldn't sleep that night because of the cold. Imagine San Francisco cold outdoors! Or may be I'm exaggerating but it was too cold even though I have a jacket! My whole body was shivering so I needed to go to the next tent and steal their blankets, with permission. haha. I am now a big fan of fleece. Such a light weight material but keeps you so warm.

After hiking, we wanted to eat at this place called Calda in Lipa, Batangas because my parents said they have cheap but huge (up to 36 in) and delicious pizza. When we got there at 1pm, they told us that they can only serve us at 6pm because they have so many orders. Maybe their pizzas are that good. Last resort was Shakey's.

on the way to the foot of the mountain

kain muna ng Jollibee bago sumabak sa bundok

lola with her tungkod

Station 2: Rest stop

we reached the peak at around 3pm

our tent behind us that I didn't even help set up because I was so tired. 

I didn't move from this spot for about 20mins. haha 

The Parentals

the next morning

picture taking before uwian

at Shakey's

Christmas 2013

One of the best things for me during the Holidays is that we get to spend it not only with family but with my mom's relatives. Ever since I can remember, we have a reunion every year Christmas time and have a Kris Kringle. This does not only include my mom's siblings but even her cousins, her aunts and uncles. Now that I am much older, I realize how special this tradition is no matter the circumstances may be. It makes extended family much closer even when the family gets bigger and bigger. Even though life is tough, everybody still tries to be part of the reunion. I've already missed two Christmases with them when I was in Hawaii but I catch up through photos they post on Facebook and that's how I know that another member of the Omadto Family has been added. Aunts and Uncle marry but we still have this tradition and they bring their spouses to our reunion. This year was extra special because we got to go home and mama's older sister Tita Nina, who lives in Iloilo was able to come as well. I even brought Emil and mom for the first time and Emil even joined our Kris Kringle. He was so happy to be part of it and we've talked about doing the same thing when we will have our kids in the future. This is part of the reason why I love spending Christmas in the Philippines! It's the traditions that we have that makes life happier.

Part of the reunion was of course the food. We had plenty because we spent Christmas day here. After eating, we exchanged gifts which is one of the best part, games and Karaoke. What Filipino party doesn't have Karaoke right? We even have BIG prizes for those who hit certain scores! There was also a pool available so there was also a team swimming competition.

Another tradition has been added to the Kris Kringle. Every year we take a photo of our own families and extended families and see how much we've grown. If I am not mistaken, only a few family was not present at the reunion which is a record! Yay!

Reunion was held at a private resort at Pansol, Calamba, Laguna. Sometimes we travel to different provinces to have our reunion (both Summer and Christmas) but this time, we didn't go far.

Paz Family 2013 (complete!)

Amante Family 2013 (minus ate Rhea and Ethan)

Omadto Family 2013

(pink team: Tito Andy's family, mama's younger brother

blue team: Tita Nina's family, mama's older sister

red team: Paz Family

halo halo team: Tito Legie's family, mama's eldest brother)

1st and 2nd cousins (Omadto 3rd generation)

I am so blessed to have family and extended family like them. My mom and her cousins are close and even us cousins may it be first or second are close too! I am blessed to be part of such a happy family.