Krotovs' Holiday 2016

Holiday season is a usual time to be with our family. So back in the days when I was working and living in Abu Dhabi, I (with Vlad in my luggage) always make it a point that I come home to the Philippines and celebrate it there with Mom, my sisters, and of course Xioms. This time around, after moving to Kentucky and that I'm now a "Mrs.", I get to spend holidays with my own family.

Thanksgiving

We really don't celebrate Thanksgiving back home. Since we moved here in the US, where Thanksgiving is considered a public holiday, and that it is a tradition for families to feast on a turkey, we thought, well, why not celebrate it? Although it is interesting to note that for Native Americans, the real history of Thanksgiving is nothing but pure darkness and horror. Here is a short read about it.

Ah Christmas. I could say that this is the very first time I experienced real Christmas feeling -- the cool climate, winter snow, and the lovely smell of Christmas tree! Hubby and I bought a real Fraser fir tree and I went gaga buying decorations! Truth is, this is my first ever Christmas tree and I want it to be special. When I was a kid, I never experienced having one (even those plastic trees they sell in the department stores). Maybe because its expensive or it's just pure hassle to put up or we don't have time or even a place for it. I have never complained and never asked for one anyway. But now being a parent myself, it just feels so different and exciting to decorate it with the push and willingness of your own kid to help. Plus, where are we supposed to put our gifts, eh? LOL.

Christmas Eve at home :)

When it comes to New Year, this year is quite different. Well, not really, we still managed to be right by the beach most of the time :) My family planned on a two-week trip to Sunshine State. I'll try to write a separate blog about that trip. But in a nutshell, we pretty much went all around Florida -- from Panama City Beach (our favorite beach here in the US) all the way down to Key West! We celebrated New Year's Eve in Miami, dancing along with Pitbull, Snoop Dogg and a whole lot of Cubans! Hehe.

NYE countdown in Miami

So there it is. My family's 2016 holiday story. Ta-ta!

Puerto Princesa and El Nido

T'was the time of the year to again explore some beautiful islands of the Philippines. I usually head back to Philippines anytime of the year but these past two years, I've been lucky enough to spend Christmas holidays with my family and Vlad.

This year, we wanted to go back to the amazing Coron but instead chose Puerto Princesa and El Nido for a change which is btw, also in Palawan island. Of course, all air and land arrangements were settled upon our arrival and we basically spent 3 days in Puerto Princesa and 2 days in El Nido.

Touchdown PPS!

The moment we landed Puerto Princesa, we just dropped our luggage, ate lunch and then went out for a city tour. Quite honestly, there really isn't that much to see in the city. Puerto Princesa seems to look just like Manila, quieter but in a more industrial way. From what I recall, we've been sent to some uninteresting places where we felt obligated to either pay fees, donate some cash, or buy stuff we don't really like or need. Despite this experience, we tried to make the most out of this city trip. We just hoped that the underground river trip the next day will change our views over Puerto Princesa.

Happy terno!

Xioms somewhere in the PPS city proper

Croco Xioms!

We were told that subterranean river in Puerto Princesa is amazing and spectacular. It was even labeled to be one of the seven wonders of nature, sooo exciting! With much anticipation, we woke up early and was picked up by a mini van to go to the range station. When we arrived, we were supposed to ride a motorized boat to Sabang, an entry point to the underground river, but was told that waves aren't friendly at the moment. As we are about to raise our eyebrows, our tour guide came back and told us that there is another route but by foot and it's a 5-km long jungle trail -- this brightened up our mood and we thought that this is even better! Apparently, we need to leave Xioms behind and she's cool with it. Besides, she's been there just a few months ago. And oh, we were told that during trekking time, whenever we see monkeys, we can smile but we have to avoid showing our teeth. Why? Well apparently, these wild monkeys seem to find humans smiling widely as a threat. Plus, we shouldn't be bringing any plastic bags and we need to leave any shining stuff we have, unless we would want to be robbed by these freaking monkeys! Hahaha... and so the trekking begins!

At range station

Road to the jungle

Road to the jungle

Vlad at some cave during the trek

The jungle is quite impressive! The sound of our feet walking past the slippery trail, winds blowing, and some unusual birds and other animals are kind of refreshing to ears. When we reached the end of the trek, we were welcomed by those huge lizards who act so cool as if they own the place and of course, loads of nasty yet funny looking monkeys. Then off we go in a canoe trip to the underground river. The canoe trip lasted for an hour of chills and darkness. So what can I say? Hmmm... I wasn't impressed. Sure, it's one of the places you would tick off of your bucket list but I don't have plans on returning. To be blunt, I DID NOT enjoy the underground canoe trip. What I surely enjoyed (and I can speak for Vlad as well) is the hiking and trekking to and from this underground river. That, I would definitely do over and over again.

All sweaty but super happy!

Hello there!

Why so serious?

Beautiful rock formation, isn't it?

The small boat that takes visitors to the underground river

Yep, after the entry point, my phone is totally useless

So we went back to the hotel (kinda disappointed) and just positively pondered on the next day's Honda Bay tour. In our minds, this should never go wrong as this is an island to island tour. Palawan is known to have breathtaking islands and pristine beaches. The next day came and oh my, we were never wrong! We spent the whole day swimming and snorkeling around Luli island, Starfish island, and Cowrie island. The only downside is that it is very crowded but hey, it's super peak season so what else to expect but we definitely enjoyed it!

The jam-packed Cowrie

Docking out Luli Island

The night on the same day of our Honda Bay tour was a bit tiring because we went for a 6-hour land travel to El Nido. Funny fact: we spent our Christmas eve inside a van either sleeping or munching chips for noche buena. So lame! Haha!

We reached El Nido past two in the morning yet the streets are still fully awake with drunken tourists walking and hanging out in some nearby small bars. We decided to put Xioms to sleep while the two of us went for a night cap in front of the beach. Yes, our resort is right in front of the beach and the best part aside from the cool sea breeze and the splashing sound of the wave crashing onto the shore is that... there are hammocks :) Vlad and I literally just sat there, gulped our beers, and grinned at each other. Such an amazing feeling. The next day...

Early morning relaxation while my man and kiddo are still on bed and zzzzzz...

...is another island hopping day and this time, at El Nido!

Yep, that's our boat ride

We've seen different types of lagoons and beaches. We went to both small and big lagoons, Shimizu island, and Seven Commandos beach. Similar to Coron, we were again awestruck with those stunning limestone cliffs and turquoise-green waters. Ahhhh... must have been nice to wake up every morning seeing that beauty.

Rock formation

Small lagoon

Big lagoon

Seven Commandos

So there you go, our almost a week adventure in Palawan. Call me biased but Philippine islands are definitely impressive and beautiful! Okay, enough of the bragging, till next time, ciao!

Viatores' Xmas 09

My lovely Vs and I had our Xmas dinner at Mr. Jones, Greenbelt 5 recently. It was planned since we will be having a huge surprise for our good friend Keti. As you know, Keti went through a very tragic event (Ondoy) so the rest of the group decided to give her a little something that would help her start.

Anyway, we all arrived late as usual except for Five. Hehe. Karla didn't make it as she needed to attend on to something really important. Food was all yummy and are all in huge servings! I was thrilled that they have chardonnay and yes, I ordered!

After consuming all the carbs we ordered, we did the traditional exchanging of gifts. Then we handed Keti our presents! We were all excited to see Keti's reaction. She never cried though I felt she wanted to -- lots of people around, she can never afford to humiliate herself again in public. Joke!

What's inside the bag? Well, Five and Bnx bought lots of stuff and I should commend those two - they did a great job! Kets got everything, from head to toe AND it all fits perfectly!

We bid adieu as I needed to rush to Glorietta for the Avatar movie. I promised Achi that we'll watch this on 3D. Keti's in the night shift so she needed to go as well. F was like, "It's Midnight Madness for gawd's sake!"

Conclusion: We all had a blast. We always have. I love you ladies! Till our next Xmas Party.

Vs almost complete

PS Wishing Pogi was here.

x

Fourth Year at B&M!

I didn't expect myself staying in a company for almost five years. Apparently, I did!

Last Friday, I attended our company's Christmas party in Blue Leaf at Taguig. It was my fourth time to attend such an event with the same company. Our theme is Better Together and the funny thing is I went there all by me self. I have a very hectic schedule you know... lots of "mom chores" to do before I can go, relax and do whatever I want.

Anyway, my colleagues decided to achieve a group of instrumentalists or what we call an orchestra. I wasn't so sure if I can make it to the party then so I never joined but I do have a contingency plan though. What I planned was to wear my good old DMs, skinny jeans and a loose classy black top - I sounded like a real rockstar eh? Hehe.

I got there oh so late, starving for food and some wine. Ate some pasta and some beef dish then went to find where the liquor is. Saw some group of crayolas, rockstars and vampires, pirates and toiletries, sweet white angels AND Clockwork Orange impersonators! Sheesh! My favorite droogs were there and I cannot believe that someone else in the company knows such a great film! That made me happy as I remember "my Alex". This party was great, they never run out of alcohol and good music.

I never won anything on the raffle but who cares? I'm happy and full and tipsy -- that's all that matters. Until next Christmas party and by that time, I'll be on the service awardee list!

x

December Fuss

I can't believe that it's already December. We only have 23 days to go before Christmas. Still, I'm not so sure of what to feel - maybe because I had a bad week. Anyway, the whole point of me logging in here is to rant and rave about something but I won't right now since this was my first post for December. Oh well, my page title says it all. It's a metaphoric paradox thingy you know. Whatever! I better be doing my draft or my angry momentum will fade. Hah!