Los Angeles Aug. 16, 2009

The morning after the wedding.  Had breakfast with SJs.  Family picture taking at Lola's front yard. Off to Chinatown for lunch.  Passed by Staples Center, had to have a pic taken even if I despise the Lakers.  Lunch at Ocean Restaurant in Chinatown, good food and really full after.  We over ordered, but what the heck, we finished it all just the same.

Spent the afternoon in a mall, was it Fairfield(?).  Bought chocolates (See's) and got a new Mac Book Pro :-)  Went around Ross, which was at the corner of our house in Palms and got running shoes since I plan to run some time in this vacation.

College friends Twinkle and Melissa picked me up and brought me to Promenade for dinner and drinks.  Dinner in LA Sushi  and love their food as well.  Had coffee at Coffee Bean after.  Exchanged lots of stories and updated them of our friends back home.  Lots of laughter and reminiscing.  Really wanted to spend more time but it was getting late so we had to go home.  I am so glad to see them both and happier to know they are doing well here in the States.  

Los Angeles Aug. 15

My cousin's wedding...

Today is cousin Joan's wedding.  The wedding was  well organized and really as lovely as what brides what dream it to be.  Happy to finally see my cousin to be with her Tony for the rest of her life.  Ceremony was simple and I loved the singing of the song 'Tanging Yaman".

Reception followed in a lovely and majestic garden.  I liked the Beatles' them for the seating and table arrangements.  Met more relatives. Evidently, the reception was Filipino inspired. Glad to see a lechon on the buffet table, I decided to skip it though.  Food was really good and drinks were overflowing.  Program was  entertaining and fun.  Then the dancing came,  we all had to dance this one as the DJ prepared really good music.  Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Bartoli.

The night wasn't over yet, as my SJ cousins and I decided to celebrate the night as we were almost complete and it doesn't really happen that often.  Bought beer and vodka at Ralphs, plus 2 gallons of ice cream.  We enjoyed that night at Palms, just drinking, eating and sharing stories.  For tonight, the SJ cousins were together, after coming from different parts of the globe.

USA 2009 Aug. 13-14

August 13, 2009

  Left Manila via Philippine Airlines.  I am with my cousins for this flight, Christina, Carlo, Bel and my nephew Ajo.  Saw an old classmate of mine in Medical School,  Manny .  Glad to see him and we exchanged contact details.  The 747 plane was clean and really spacious.  I love the warm and accommodating flight crew.  Food was really good ( for flight menu, mind you).  Movie selection was ok.  Watched Duplicity but didn't get to finish it.  Watched She's not that into you and Startrek as well ( both for the 2nd time).  My seat was spacious with much leg room and was seated to a very nice lady next to me, who even invited me to Vegas on my trip there.  Flight was ordinary and uneventful until I met my old high school classmate and good friend, Avic, with her husband and 3 daughters.  Really glad to see her and got to chat with her.  We even have our photo taken at the airport baggage claim.  

Arrived Los Angeles around 8pm.  Immigration wasn't much of a hassle.  Funny moment when an immigration officer asked  us if we have "chicharon" in full American accent, hahaha.

My bro GT and cousins Shaty and husband Jun and Tria picked us up.  I rode with Shaty and Jun and went to Palms blvd to pick up mom, lola, etc.  Late dinner at Denny's and I just had to order steak and breakfast. Really full and found myself happy that I'm back in the US of A after 5 years.  Welcome back Gino Vineli! 

August 14, 2009

Today involved shopping.  Went to Camarillo for some outlet shopping fix.  I loved the scenic Pacific Coast Highway which was our route to get there.  Though I have been to Camarillo before, I still get awed by the numerous outlet shops that they have.  It helped that I researched what stores they have so it saved time as to where I wanted to go.  Got some hydration stuff for running,  topsiders and rubber shoes, shorts and shirts and cologne and some pasalubongs.  Got so into shopping that I actually skipped lunch.  Had to restrain myself from shopping too much though.  We had to hurry back though so we can attend my cousin Joan's wedding rehearsal.

I met more relatives in the Wedding rehearsal and was glad to see my cousin Joan and fiancee Tony really excited.  We moved to the Bartoli's residence for dinner.  Met Tony's parents and family and immediately I see similarities with our Filipino families ( close-knit, fun loving and food lovers).  Photos were taken and after some drinks we all heade home and anticipating the big day tomorrow.     

Never running on empty

Today marked the first year with my love and passionate affair with running. Let, me be more specific, today is the first  anniversary of the first race that I ever joined.  I have joined several races since.  I  have now completed my first 15 kilometer run ( done with the 5 and 10K).  I have found my bliss and contentment in every run that I do.  Every run brings me different thoughts and ideas that run up my mind as I navigate different routes.  Even as every run poses a challenge and yet gives me more resolve to increase my distance and determination.  Running, like life, is full of challenges and trials.  But as we all say, life goes on.  So, I keep on running, no matter the pain or difficulty, there will always be a destination and when you reach it, it is worth the journey.   I may never be the fastest runner or the longest distance runner but in my every run, it has taught me that I shall never give up, keep on trying and trying and take full view and appreciate everything that I pass by.  So, I keep on running and running. Never running on empty.  

RACES

Mizuno Infinity Run 5K (June 2008): 32:20

UP Tik takbo 6K ( June 2008): 39:31

Buddy Run 5K ( July 2008): 32:21

Runnex 10 K ( Dec.2008): 1:14:07

Runew 5K ( Jan. 2009): 30:44

Doc Fit 10K (Feb. 2009): 1:03:39

Pinay in Action 10K ( Mar. 2009): 1:09:00

Greenfields 10K (April 2009): 1:10:07

Mizuno Infinity Run 15 K (June 2009): 1:50:56

UP PTAA 10K ( June 2009): 1:05:38

Globe-Ayala Run 21K ( July 2009): 2:36:01

Nike Human Race Subic 10K (Oct.24, 2009): 1:21:40

Condura Run 21K (Feb.7, 2010): 2:44:01

Globe Run For Home 21K (Mar. 21, 2010): 

Dream Marathon 42K (May 22, 2010):  6:35:49

Barcelona

Really loved the place.  Full of energy, vibrance and activity.  Rich in culture. Warm and beautiful people everywhere.  I love Barcelona.  I will miss the tapas, chikas, cervezas, sangrias, vino and everything nice  in Barcelona. Next time again.  

Farewell to the Rock

Goodbye Rocky.  I have never been so much attached to any of our pets since the early 80's in Davao.  You Rock, have seen the family grow. You witnessed our growth and was a big part of it. Even as we left home to start new families, one of the highlights going home was to see you.  You were the best looking of all dogs and the friendliest too.  All the visitors, friends and family know you, as you welcome each one warm-heartedly at home.  You will be missed but forever be remembered.  Sleep in heavenly peace. Thanks.

Boracay 2009

What happened in Boracay....

1.  Still a world class beach

2. I'm happy that majority of the visitors, adopt a "mind your own business" outlook.  You can wear the skimpiest of bikinis to the most outrageous of outfits and yet go on with what you're doing without getting all the attention

3.  It's happy hour every hour here

4.  Let the college kids enjoy and don't let them get into you

5.  It's great that there is a division of crowds.  I liken Station 3 to Recto or Quiapo, Staion 2 to SM Megamall or Mall of Asia, Station 3 to Greenbelt, Powerplant and Shangri La mall.  Of course, I'd rather be in Station 1!

6.  Locals are friendly to visitor.  Which should be the case, like other world class resorts in other countries.

7.  The airport though, leaves much to be desired.  Is this supposed to be world class? Not even close.

8.  Shangri La resort should not even be discussed along with other Boracay resorts.  You just can't, its simply different and yes,  worth the hype.  

9. Watch out for over priced restaurants along D' mall.  It's fine to have high prices as long as the food is excellent.  Sadly, some restaurants are way so over priced and low in quality.

10.  Discovery Shores was the best among all the resorts yet it wouldn't be fair to compare it to the Shang.  Shang is a class of it's own.

11.  Take care of your liver, as alcohol abounds.

12.  As much as there is negative publicity about Boracay, it still is and continues to be amazing as ever.