The Reyes Family Christmas Party

Aloha Everyone,

One of the main events of this holiday season is the Reyes Family Christmas Party.

This year’s venue was at Alex and Tintin, one of JJ’s nephew and his wife’s home located in Greenhills. Very spacious multi-level house with covered patio that extends to a grassy lawn area. The place offered sufficient space for the multigenerational gathering.

The catered event was well done with plenty of delicious food. Japanese theme highlighting sushi, sukiyaki, grilled chicken and shrimp tempura was well received. Entertainer was a professional singer who did solo numbers mixing popular songs and Christmas carols. She invited family members to join either as singers or dancers. Peping, the most senior of our clan delighted everyone with taking steps on the lawn using his cane to maintain his balance.

Tinting, always attentive to detail was an ultimate host. Even as she was talking to me, her eyes would scan the entire area to make sure drinks were being served and everyone was having fun.

Same as last year, the much awaited highlight of giving or receiving Christmas money went without a hitch. For me, it was also a good chance to observe family dynamics.

Aloha -- Cathi

Our Breakfast Food Selections

Aloha Everyone,

We purchased two types of Meusli, Special K, Greek Yogurt, Whole Milk, Plain Soda Crackers and fresh bananas for our breakfast food.

Most of these are imported as far away as France. This means we have to carefully read labels and see if they have production dates as well as expiration dates. Not all countries comply to US food safety guidelines.

Dairy products can spoil due to inadequate cold storage on route or after they have reached the Philippines. I recall numerous occasions where supermarkets and grocery chains in the USA notified public of possible cases of salmonella poisoning.

One of the things I am much more cautious than J.J. is what I eat irregardless of where I am dining.

Aloha -- Cathi

Safely in the Philippines

Aloha Everyone,

Our travel time on Tuesday took 27 hours in total including 17 1/2 hours sitting in the plane. J.J. managed to get several short naps. Except for 3 hours of straight sleep, I remained awake during the entire duration of our flight.

Entry process went without a hitch.  I was apprehensive due to a challenge I had on our previous trip last November.  J.J. and I were separated at the immigration booth. This time our passports were actually checked together and both of us received one-year Balikbayan (Returning Home) visa for free.

Traffic in Manila is horrible. Our hotel car driver held a small sign with our names but unfortunately our porters who were helping us failed to spot him. It was 80 degrees. I removed my jacket, scarf to stay cool. Luckily we had asked for wheelchair services so we didn’t have to walk down then up the uneven ramp.

By the time we settled in our very spacious and comfortable mini suite, we were too exhausted to sleep. 

It would take a few days to recover from our journey.

Photos of our inflight meals.

Aloha -- Cathi

We Needed More Than 4 1/2 Days!

Aloha Everyone,

Seriously, we are short of sleep and short of time. When our airline tickets were booked, we didn’t look close enough that 4 1/2 days allocated to prepare for travel to the Philippines included Saturday and Sunday when most businesses are closed. 

J.J. was able to accomplish obtaining theTravel QR Code providing our health information and Online Checking 24-hours prior to departure

Getting our prescriptions that required our doctor’s approval was challenging. We devised Plan A and Plan B.  Pharmacists at Walmart were truly amazing and helpful. Only 30 minutes to spare before the pharmacy closed, we were able to pick up most of our essential medicines.

Deprived of sleep and exercise, we both agreed that “We needed More Than 4 1/2 Days!”

Aloha -- Cathi

Back in Torrance

Aloha Everyone,

Entry back to the United States going through Customs & Immigration was without any incident. Since implementing facial biometrics into the entry process, including at the San Pedro cruise terminal, the longest wait was onboard the ship. Sitting in one of the designated lounges, the two of us chatted with a couple from Vermont who shared universal emotions of disembarking passengers: happy to be going home but reluctant to leave the pampered cruising lifestyle.

J.J. and I were able to complete 5 things we had on our list of things to do including going to the bank, getting our prescriptions before checking in at ESA (Extended Stay America).

My sister dropped by to see me and gave us delicious persimmons from my Mother’s backyard, which we enjoyed with Japanese bento. 

Aloha -- Cathi