Cebu, Cebu

We got picked up from the resort early in the morning. My Tita Agnes gave us a ride to the airport in CDOC. We made a quick stop at her house and had breakfast with her husband. Kenny agreed that Tito T.H. was really pretty laid back and intelligent. People were just intimidated by him because of their lack of confidence in speaking English but he's really easy to converse with once you make the initiative and effort. It was also another trip down memory lane for me since it's been more than 12 years since I've been to their house. It was one of my favorite places to hang out at when I was in college and penniless.

While planning for the trip, I was glad that I might be able to witness my college friend Rita's wedding in CDOC. Unfortunately, due to our shortened stay with my family, we decided not to go anymore. Therefore, it was a great surprise when we saw each other at the airport.   We took the same flight to Cebu but they were heading to Boracay instead. Some of her family members will be staying at the Plantation Bay and Rita and her husband will rejoin them on Wednesday. We planned on hooking up when she gets there. She looks great, like a glowing new bride that she is. I'm really happy for her.

Plantation Bay was pretty much a Disneyland for the adults and kids alike. The place was like a huge pool interspersed with villas, facilities and sandbars. The staff were definitely very friendly, polite and helpful. It's like a well-oiled machine that runs smoothly. Hopefully, first impressions will last. I also noticed that there were more southeast Asians clientele than Caucasians. I hope Kenny and Tom won't feel like sore thumbs sticking out.

Tom and Mariah checked in just a few hours later, accompanied by some of her family members. I got to meet her parents, sister and brother-in-law. It was also nice to see Tom again. He looked comfortable around Mariah's family and they seemed pretty impressed by him. At least that's the vibe I got.

We took a quick tour around the place after a much needed late lunch. We checked out the Firing Range and shoot some guns. It was pretty fun,   but of course, the guys enjoyed it more than Mariah and I did. I suppose we will be coming back to the range again before the trip is over. We also got booked for massages tomorrow and we're all looking forward to it. It's finally feeling more like a holiday.

We were scouting for a place to dine at and came upon a Filipino Buffet that also featured Filipino folk dancers . Kenny was definitely appreciative, especially of the dances using the bamboo sticks . He's been interested about them ever since he saw the Filipino movie "Debut" years ago. He took a lot of pictures and didn't seem to mind that the meal was a bit overpriced. It was worth seeing that awe in his face. For me, it was another trip down memory lane again. There seems to be lot of that lately ;-)