Last Year’s Summer

As early as January I already remembered to put here my last summer’s journal in Isla Verde. A few days ago, PAGASA announced that the cool winds are already leaving us by March. In celebration of the summer heat that is to come, here is our last summer escapade because this year, I am looking forward to returning there as a promise to myself and the family. Enjoy the pictures some of which I also have posted in facebook.

On March 31, 2009 we left Bicutan for Batangas and met cousin Ruel and his kids Ashley and Clifford at Tito Nestor’s house in Kumintang Ibaba. That night we became drunk over two bottles of GSM a.k.a. gin bulag according to Eddan because it makes one blind due to drunkenness.

The Pugita welcome

Nanay and Eddan's pose

Bahay ni Lola

The next day, we left early for Isla Verde. We arrived there at 7am and met the folks of the island. After fixing our things and eating breakfast, we went swimming with the kids. That afternoon, we went to Tito Darius bahay-kubo behind his ‘real’ house where we had siyesta. Tita Estella and her sister were making suman sa lihiya which I took photos of. Then I toured the nearby chapel of St. Augustine. The night was as usual a night for gin bulag before we went to sleep at the bahay-kubo once again.

Suman ready for cooking

The Chapel

          

Ash and Cliff

Talbukan ng Alon

The next day was another day of swimming with the kids. Ate lunch under the coconut trees at Lola’s house. Then, we went to Tito Ariel’s house which is quite far and Natay had quite a hard time going up the steep walkway which was worth it since we next enjoyed the suman, kalamay and indian mangoes. On our return, we bought soft drinks and Darryl helped to get us some ice. I then took pictures by the seashore. We dined at Lola’s house and slept at the kubo again.

The Climb

The Sunset

Bonfire

On the third day, we opted not to swim in the morning and spared it for the afternoon to minimize sunburn. Had breakfast at Lola’s house and then Trisha and Sheila Mae fetched us for lunch at their house. Siyesta was spent there followed by suman and halu-halo for snack. We went down with Tito Ariel’s family and fetched Darryl and Vino to swim with the rest of the cousins for bonding time. Tatay and Tiyo Indo made a bonfire that night which I didn’t forget to take pictures of. The last night at the kubo prepared us for the next day’s early trip to Batangas. We arrived in Bicutan at 7am the next morning.



At the end of all the sun, sand and sunburn, it is family that we look forward to in the coming summer. More time with Lola, Tito’s, Tita’s and the cousins. Because family matters most.