#laagnitantong

It was a beautiful Friday, that May 15! As a celebration of the feast day of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of all farmers, the sky cooperated giving us clear, even of white clouds, blue horizon. Papa Tantong was so ecstatic that day when I got home. He even tricked me. He allowed me. based on his text message, to walk my way home from the drop off point in the highway through the dirt road, only to find out that the car is waiting for me in the corner. He doesn't want us, me and my sister, En, to walk to and from the house via the dirt road, even when it's sunny and in broad daylight. I arrived so early than normal. That was 5 o'clock in the afternoon versus 8 or 9 every evening. Papa happily relayed his calls from my brothers in Middle East and my sister-in-law in Surigao. He said he's happy to know that Ate Mely blew a birthday party to his youngest sister, our Auntie Isidra. As it was early yet, we all sat outside the house but within the gates whi...

HOLY THURSDAY   It's been awhile since my last home visit during the holy week. I could not even recall what year was that since I settled in Manila. Informed of my arrival, Jane Mellorin and Dupong Ravelo, two of my Surigaonon close friends, planned a few-day trip to Siargaon. That was delighting because I longed to be back to the island since I left Surigao province in 2003. I flew from Manila to Surigao via Butuan. It was Holy Thursday and I boarded the bus early in order to catch the last boat trip to Siargao Island at Surigao Port. There will be no trip on Good Friday. We learned that the boat was fully booked but my sister in law, Ate Mely had insider connection so we got a sure ticket. Jane and I reunited at Jollibee-Gaisano Mall and later boarded the overcrowded Montenegro RORO and sailed towards Dapa Port in Siargao.       Dupong who's in General Luna (GL) already, sent Isla Cabana's Hotel Shuttle to fetch us at Dapa port. We arrive...

March 26 Thursday At the last minute notice, I had Auntie Myrna Corseco as my company for this Hanoi trip. I actually have other companions, but Ann Canoy's group would come from Singapore. We flew the night flight from Manila to Hanoi. Due to delayed arrival of the turnaround aircraft, we arrived at early dawn in the capital city of Vietnam. Fortunately, I have arranged our airport transfer, so somebody from the crowd waved my name on a piece of paper. I would say that The Landmark Hanoi Hotel was more than nice hotel. Costing less than 20 USD a night, I had a value for money accommodation. We were ushered at the topmost floor (8th), Auntie Myrna and I each occupied the 2 suite rooms. March 27 Friday Aunt Myrna and I decided to just stroll around after breakfast, upon knowing that most tourist spots are within the Old Quarter or the old downtown of Hanoi city. Memorizing the major lines in the map, we crossed the _______ road passing the Lenin Monument and Vietnam M...