Saturday, January 17, 2009

Pitstop: Jan09 Vacation

Of all the vacations I had in Manila, this one's the most relaxing. It was also one of the coolest Decembers in Manila that I can remember so far. Add to it that GMA was so generous to keep people away from their work for a consecutive 10+ holidays. Sheesh, and I have to burn 10+ vacation leaves to enjoy this festive season back with my family, which is more than half of my annual leave allocation.

Since most of my friends were like on their own vacation (province or out of the country), I was somehow forced to be a homebody and I enjoyed it! Managed to squeeze in an overnight at Sofitel, cool place with the scenic view of Manila Bay. I again had several rounds in jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, and suddenly I have flashbacks of how I used to do the same at Gold's before (courtesy of ex-company benefits). The following morning was Spiral time, yummy buffet as always. Food trips were also wonderful as I was able to pacify my cravings for Jollibee, Dencio's, Waiying, etc. Surprisingly I was able to do mall-hopping of the 'newer' malls I havent frequented for a long time like Trinoma, Gateway, Rockwell and also had my first time in Serendra/Boni High Street. Oops was I away for that long hehe. I also finished my regular routines ahead of time like dental checkups, derma, massage, foot spa, haircut, tiangge visits and even KTV nights. I only spent 2 jampacked days catching up with friends and had some worthwhile quality time. Lastly, I was able to drop by Manila Memorial, whew it was already almost 2 years ago the last time I was there.

Geesh yeah I do miss this familiar place, the familiar faces. Bonding with family for one was priceless. Catching up with PG batchmates and seeing they're okay with new not-so-stressed and fairly-compensated jobs gave me a nostalgic nodge, suddenly I welcomed the idea of working back in Manila hehe. Of course they would always tease me that I am way beyond my initial 6-months goal of staying in SG :p (hey there's nothing wrong with setting low achievable & realistic goals okei :p), and I was requested again to sing the undying 'Ni Yao De Ai' OST from Meteor Garden during our Centerstage KTV night-out :p.

I left with a heavy heart and the memories, but I didnt cry. From the last time I cried in a plane, I promised myself not to cry again. My mom was emotional again while sending me off (I actually banned her long time ago to send me to airport, that it would be better that we just part ways at the carpark). I feel choked (with suppresed tears) and managed to wave her goodbye. My sisters sent me sms and they would always remind me to 'just go back anytime'. Aawww.

Meeting friends made me realized we've all literally changed and grew. What I like best is that despite the time and distance barriers, the comfort level is still there and I hope it stays there for keeps.

Vacations like this alway break the momentum. After landing, I took a cab back to my SG home and unknowingly I pressed 20+ in the elevator, came out and realized I cant find my house. (sheesh I forgot I'm back to SG, back to reality)

Next day was back to work, and I discovered a shock. What happens next is a blur. No worries, I'll keep hanging on, palaban ako ngyon. I won't be drifting anymore. My new goal for 2009 is to glide with style. (hehe whatever than means)

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