Today is my eldest’s first day in school, my youngest will have his 10 days from now. That means, I’m back to storming what to pack for snacks and lunches, parents’ meetings, football games and those you-need-to-have-more-patience study times. Did I mention that I have to wake up early? Not complaining but it’s not heaven either for a non-morning person like me.
But you know what, I’m actually looking forward for my summer to end. To go back to my kind of grind. Why? Because I had the best summer ever. It was like that craving fully satisfied. Would you mind if I share my summer story with you?
Well, you know it’s always summer in this part of the world. But summer, means vacation, no school — less losyang moments for moms like me. Most of all, summer for me means working and I love working – writing, going on trips and attending events. My work as a freelance writer keeps me sane.
I started my work-and-play summer as one of the guests for 2014 Panaad sa Negros Festival in Bacolod. Just a short boat ride from my home in Iloilo, but the “me time” was very gratifying. I appreciate and love the people behind Negros Occidental’s tourism.
I also love school vacations because I’m always available for blog events and invitations. I attended the launching of Balay Kawayan in Guimaras and tasting sessions for Promenade Restaurant‘s relaunched buffet and Don Rite Gourmet Food.
More than stories that I can share to you my dear readers, I always look forward to my fellow bloggers’ company.We often find ourselves in unplanned activities like visiting Casa Mariquit at night. Not a single dull moment, I tell you!
Speaking of bloggers, Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2014 with Davao bloggers just made the best concluding chapter of my summer story. Food discoveries, new friends, and seeing more of Davao. Malling with locals means great background stories of their childhood just like shopping at Davao’s oldest mall – Victoria Plaza or discovering the urban “The Peak” at Davao’s Gaisano mall.
With hectic schedules, Davao bloggers – Sarah, Chamee, Renz and Glenn accompanied me for a quick day tour in Samal Island. Thank you so much Team Hugaw!
We also “discovered” a new place – Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary in San Joaquin. Very off-the-beaten path yet marvelous.
Liam and I just dipping in Kuliatan’s clear water.
We went there twice- the second time around with my parents when they visited Iloilo for the Holy Week. Too bad, I brought my camera but left the memory card. Yeah, so clumsy!
I was already “exhausted” with my parents’ traveling. haha. If they are younger, they could be those intrepid backpackers. My mother says and I shall remember that we should travel while we are physically able. Cheers to that!
With my parents during the Holy Week, we visited churches for Visita Iglesia and of course, old houses here in Iloilo. The picture above was taken at Camiña Balay na Bato, enjoying their famous tsokolate.
Then we had a great road tip to Dumaguete from Bacolod – four adults and two little boys in one small car. haha! It was fun and obviously my mother enjoyed the most from our day tour at Antulang Beach Resort to walking and food trips around Dumaguete City.
More than places, this summer vacation is made more memorable with reconnecting with my family and friends. My paternal cousin was our instant guest for my dad’s birthday dinner. I threw my second child, Liam his 4th birthday before my Davao trip.
My favorite is catching up with my college friends though our planned trip was canceled. Still, to see your college roommate who is now based in Moscow after 10 years was already a treat. Time flies to fast indeed especially when you are giggling at photos. Then coffee and dinner with my fellow History majors whom I also traveled to Malalison Island and Tibiao Antique last year.
Places, food and loved ones..I had a delightful and pleasant summer vacation, giving me enough rest and happy molecules inside my body. I am more self-assured that I’ll have more patience as a hands-on mom and fulltime freelance writer.
How about you? Did you have a satisfying summer or you want more?
Thanks for reading!!
XoXo,
Valerie
