Byaheng Norte: Mango Valley

We were supposed to stay in Subic Freeport's Grand Hoyah, the hotel right next to Mango Valley. What caught our eye in the middle of the heavy rain was the promo rate they were advertising on their tarp. It said Php 1,600 per night!

When we inquired, we were advised that the regular rate was Php 2,800, and the Php 1,600 is available if we get a room in their new building, (which is right across the street) and let go of the amenities. We tried to clarify what we were letting go for the Php 1,200 difference, and they just said ‘breakfast.’ DEAL! 

Byaheng Norte: Subic

We had to go to LJ’s hometown, and since it’s also his birthday month, we just made a trip out of it. I wasn’t too confident to drive as I still lack sleep, so LJ decided to take the bus, he’s from there anyway, so how hard can it be, right? Goal was to get to the Grand Hoyah inside Subic Freeport to stay for the evening, and leave for Matain the following day to be able to get to the St Anthony de Padua Parish. 

 

I wouldn’t say it was hard, but it was a long and restless trip, we were able to catch the Victory Liner Bus bound for Olongapo/Iba and it left the Cubao terminal close to 3:30pm. We arrived in Olongapo past 6:30pm, but if you’ll be taking a car, you will definitely get there faster if you eliminate the stop-over and take the SCTEX. The Victory bus took the NLEX Angeles Exit and stayed on the national road for the rest of the drive. We also had a 15-minute stop over in Lubao, Pampanga’s Double Happiness. Victory’s bus also provided free wi-fi, which helped fight the boredom.  

Wedding Duties: Canonical Interview

We scheduled this canonical interview earlier than most couples. It's still a good 5 months from the wedding day, even though we knew that some friends go through the interview just weeks before their ceremony, but aside from the fact that this is a requirement of MTQ to formalize the reservation, we also want to go through this now, perhaps, to make us feel that we are already being guided by the church. 

Wedding Duties: Kumpil Express

I grew up with the impression that all Catholic kids in the Philippines received the Sacrament of Confirmation while they were in grade school. This notion was proven false after I accompanied LJ for his kumpil, together with a couple of friends last Sunday. There were close to a hundred participants, from varying age groups, but majority were definitely way past 12 years old. 

A confirmation certificate is one of the major requirements of the church for you to get married. If you were confirmed when you were younger, you will need to go back to the church where you got confirmed and request for a new certificate which shows an annotation that says “for marriage purposes.”

Birthday ni LJ!

As obvious as what this blog’s title imply, 

today is indeed the natal day of... 

that (once) young, uber smart and witty kid from Subic, 

my awesome travel companion,

the best wedding deal closer on the planet,  

the ultimate Backstreet boys fan, 

the strongest porter in the universe, and 

my most fabulously dressed partner in crime 

*high five!* 

Maligayang Kaarawan Mylsy! 

I hope that your birthday is Legen —— wait for it, 

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DARY! “,)