theBLOG!!!!: A "Filipin" Good October

Manila & Boracay

September 27- October 2, 2012

When my father was in search of a new partner, little did we know just what all we were bargaining for! In hindsight, I think we would all safely say, that with his new partner and his family, we hit the jackpot...

The Concepcion family (Helen, Luis, and Nalu) are from the Philippines. As we began to get acquainted with Dr. C and his family, it was apparent that they were a kind-hearted, generous clan and a perfect addition to the Paducah populace. Occasionally convening for dinner, they regaled us with stories of their world - cheap massages... beautiful, mythical beaches... intoxicating food... - I was certainly intrigued. Although upon first meeting I was ready to pack my bags for the Philippine Islands, I never thought that I would have the actual opportunity to visit this mysterious land. But, as fait would have it, I moved to Japan, a country significantly closer to the PI than America. And on one lucky day last fall, I woke up to a message from Mrs. C: a generous note inviting me to join them for a long weekend in the Philippines! I did not have to think twice! (A message The Concepcions seemed to understand quite readily, despite the consistent murmurs of "we will sell her on the idea" from my father). Next thing I knew, my bags were packed (only 10 kilos per airline requirements) and I was off to the land of milk and honey (or mangos and massages, as it were).

I spent four fantastic days with the Concepcions, their family and their friends. Their family opened their home and their hearts to me. I could not have asked for a better trip or better company. I thoroughly enjoyed every conversation, every bite, and every moment I could take in.

...Now, roughly ten years after the search for a new doc, not only does my dad's practice flourished with a new fantastic partner, but our family has grown with the additions of Tita Helen, Tito Dinky and our precious Nalu.

Midnight dinner upon arrival in Manila

(Nalu and Dr. C)

Settling in at Mrs. C's family's home: Mrs. C and Nalu

(this is one of Nalu's many animals purchased for her by her uncles)

Breakfast on the first morning before our tour of old Manila

I'm in hog heaven! Check out all the fresh fruit!

Dan (Helen's brother), Dr. C's childhood friend and Dr. C

The Three Amigos.

View of Manila

Dr. C's childhood home

Aron (Mrs. C's brother) cutting the delicious lechon

Nalu and her chicks

Three Days in Paradise: Boracay Island

Corinne, Dan, Nalu, Helen and Luis

Mango!

Theo, Helen, Abbie, Aron, Nalu & Dan

Pre Parasailing

Little did we know who was calling the shots down below!

Shark bait

She survived!

Helmet diving stands

Views from the Hotel

Eat or be Eaten!

I ate!

Hitting the town on a Tricycle

Puerto Princessa, Palawan Island

October 23-29, 2012

Puerto Princess is located on the island of Palawan. With a plethora of options for outdoor recreation and beach activities, Puerto Princessa is the ideal destination for a port call and a little R&R... that is, until NCIS gets involved. Due to liberty restrictions, Tim and I wer only allowed to explore within a few miles' radius. Instead of exploring underwater rivers or beach scenery, we spent quality time within a strip of restaurants and shopping complexes, dodging an ensuing tropical storm. No, no complaint from this well-known pearl fanatic; but a day on the beach would have been ideal. Luckily for us, Hotel Centro had an aqautic paradise: an inviting pool and open pool-side bar. With exotic drinks in hand, Tim and I caught up after a month and a half apart. The close quarters also allowed for quality time with the other pilots and crews of the ships. Boy did I learn a lot about goings-on in Navy life! And also about the strength of my own immune system: I fell into a grassy abyss in the road, catching myself before dunking into a foul, flowing river of sewage. But, despite a massively scraped leg and a few deep cuts on my hands, I was saved from third world diseases by my impenetrable immune system. White blood Cells: one, Puerto Princessa: zero!

We had a wonderful trip full of mouth-watering food and drink. I am pretty sure we will all survive without ever drinking a Red Horse again. But the fresh mango and fresh mango daiquiris... now those I will certainly miss!