We went to Clark for our friend’s wedding (Paul and Tori). We stayed at the Widus Casino and Resort in Clark. It was a wonderful place and the service was wonderful. Barry really noticed how welcoming and friendly the Filipinos are and the customer service was great throughout our Manila trip. We hit the casino both nights and mostly hung out with Paul, Tori and their friends and family who were also visiting.
The wedding was beautiful and Tori was a beautiful bride. The wedding was very organised – I have never seen so many people with clipboards and walkie talkies coordinating a wedding. The video and photo guys were great too – they were able to edit and show a 5 minute presentation for the reception so we could see how the day went. We were very impressed, it was all very hollywood!
After two days in Clark, we left for Boracay. We flew in to Kalibo, drove to Caticlan and took a boat to Boracay. It was late evening by the time we reached our B&B, Palm Breeze Villas. The place was nice but the map that showed us where the B&B was, was not accurate so we weren’t as close to the bars and restaurants or where Paul & Tori were staying (Estacio Uno). In hindsight, I should have consulted my cousin Reshma and done a little bit more digging before choosing a place. In any case, we still had a lovely time. Our room was right by the pool and the sun lounges and we got as much swimming and sun as we could between the rain. Weirdly enough, it has been raining on and off throughout our Asia trip. I hope we get more sunshine in Indonesia.
After three days in Boracay, we went to Manila and stayed with my Masi Dolly. I love visiting my Masi because I feel so comfortable in her house and usually relax and do nothing (and eat a lot). We went to CPK (California Pizza Kitchen) on the first night and I had the Baja Tacos. They were so good – I haven’t had proper fish tacos in so long!!
This time in Manila, we did a little bit of sightseeing so Barry could get a bit of feel for the city. We went to Intramuros, Rizal Park (Luneta), Cultural Center, drove by Mall of Asia and played a bit of Black Jack in Solaire. We then met B’s friends for dinner at 2nds in Fort Bonifacio. It was a really good Filipino-fusion restaurant. The evening was nice with good food and good company. The next day I got my hair cut with Robert (my Masi’s hairdresser). Loving the haircut. We also did a bit of shopping (sale at L’Occitane) and hanging out at Rockwell Club (pool was great but it rained on and off). Our stay here was really relaxing. I was also able to eat all of my favourite dishes including Lechon, Lumpia, Krispy Kreme, Chicken Adobo and Shakey’s pizza.
That was it for the Philippines, I’m sure I’ll be back again. Next: Indonesia: Jakarta and Bali.
xoxo
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