20 More Days to Christmas

Aloha Everyone,

During early morning hours and after the sun sets, it feels a little cooler. Today’s walk to Bonifacio High Street also seemed a bit easier. Maybe compared to our previous day’s walking, it was less strenuous with less heat and humidity.

Wangfu is an old establishment that serves dim sums. Among the dishes we ordered, my favorite was the stirred fried French string beans.

Can’t believe only 20 more days of holiday shopping until Christmas. You might think people would get tired of celebrating since September. But it’s one of those differences between American and Filipino cultures. The holiday season starts in September and ends on Three Kings Day in January.

Aloha -- Cathi

To BGC High Street for Lunch

Aloha Everyone,

Lorenzo’s Way was one of two places that were opened for early lunch. Malls in our neighborhood open at 10:00 am but the BGC High Street area remain closed until 11:00 am. Not sure if this is their holiday schedule.

Our lunch selection of fried baby calamari was excellent. J.J. commented the reason why calamari in Greece tastes superior is because they use a corn starch mixture rather than flour. I think maybe the quality of calamari is better in Greece.

Forecasted rain made the streets slippery but we were able to go to our bank then to Marugame Ramen for Japanese dinner.

Walking back in the heat of the day was tiring but it’s worthwhile it for our daily walking. I was able to achieve 6.2 miles by end of the day and J.J. finished 3.2 miles.

Our latest laundry took two days to dry aided by air conditioner running.

Aloha -- Cathi

Refilled my American Prescription

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. walked up to the counter at Watson pharmacy and showed them my prescription attached on the box and asked to refill. The pharmacy had 12 pcs on stock. That was perfectly adequate.

The medication is manufactured in the Republic of Korea under a licensing agreement with UNILAB. The product is identical to my US pills in color and size. The cost was US$7 per pill. It’s the only medication which I left behind in our haste to pack.

We did our shopping at Market Place. Happy I was able to buy imported Korean apple. So large it would allow 8 servings :-).

A busy day. We are using our new sheets and laundering the other ones. Running the air conditioners to promote the drying process.

Familiar restaurants for our lunch & dinner venues.

Aloha -- Cathi

Rain & More Rain

Aloha Everyone,

At 9:00 am, J.J. and I went to Landers next door to purchase a new set of queen size bedsheets. No choice when it comes to color.

Rain kept on falling. We had to fall back on our emergency plan for lunch. Purchased 1/4 baked chicken served with rice. Portions were adequate for J.J. Enthusiastic holiday singers entertained the shoppers. J.J. dropped off a monetary gift while I snapped a couple of photos.

Key Coffee at Mitsukoshi Mall on the ground floor was the closest for us to get while avoiding expected rains. J.J. had a spaghetti dish while I had a sourdough croissant with butter, jam & hot water. It was a sensible meal to calm my unsettled stomach. 

The cost for two meals for both of us added to less than US$20. Probably a record low expenditure this stay in the Philippines.

Aloha -- Cathi

Reyes Family Christmas Party 2024

Aloha Everyone,

Greenfield Golf & Country Club was the venue for this year’s Reyes Family Christmas Party. It was a warm and happy gathering in spite of steady rain.

Piping hot vegetable soup was appreciated along with a large selection of meats and fish, fresh fruits and desserts.  The occasion coincided with Letty’s 85th birthday. She looked elegant and ageless surrounded by her husband Peping, siblings, children and grandchildren.

Games devised by Maricar’s children went on beyond traditional the monetary gift giving program.

In spite of my suffering motion sickness on our return car ride, I am grateful for Marita’s support for our transportation and kindness she’s always shown to J.J. and me.

Aloha -- Cathi