As much as I love New York City, I wouldn't want to be spending the holidays alone here with my sister, away from my family. So as soon as I finished my last final, I went rushing back home. The 30+ hour travel time to Manila was worth it. I had the worst experience flying from LA to Manila, (so yes, I'm not the biggest fan of Philippine Airlines anymore), but as soon as I saw my family at home, all the trouble I went through seemed worth it. I now miss them terribly as I was only there for 2 weeks. But I maximized the 2-week visit. Starting with get-togethers with friends.
On my first night back, I had dinner with my AGSB friends. I missed them so much. Of course we spent the whole night catching up on everything I missed out on. Most of them are graduating by August this year, so I'm pretty excited for them.
The next day (December 23rd), Celine came home from NYC. Yes we didn't go home together, since she had a final on the 20th, and I just couldn't wait for her. She stayed in Manila 'til January 18th, but I had to be back in New York by January 3rd so I decided to fly earlier than her. Anyway, as soon as she landed, we had lunch at HEAT (minus our parents, since they were in Bangkok then), then Rockwell for Iona's birthday, and rushed home for our annual Christmas party with friends, which was quite a success! This year's theme was Winter Wonderland, and as usual, those who aren't dressed for the theme had to take shots (as punishment lol). It was so much fun. We had a mobile bar, unlimited chicken meals (thanks to Krisyrol), and karaoke. The best part of the night was reuniting with friends. There were those who didn't make it, but I think we had a pretty good turnout this year. The party ended at almost 5AM.
Here are some fun pictures from that night.
with Yhoraya and Miggi
with Jutz, Miggi, Julio, and Inna
my first year loves - Inna, Rowell, Abbie, and Oana
My girls - where was I when this photo was taken? Hmmm
One of my high school best friends - Ria
Looking forward to our Christmas party this 2012. Lol I know it's gonna be even more fabulous than last year's!
Christmas eve was the day after our party. We have been spending the past 4 Christmases in Canyon Woods, because it was much colder there compared to Manila, but this year, my family decided we'd start a new tradition. We attended the evening mass at the village chapel, opened gifts at home right after, and then had noche buena at the clubhouse my dad built (behind our house - that's where we had the Christmas party too btw). Our household helpers and drivers wanted to have a party so on Christmas Eve, they performed for us by dancing and singing, and we gave out prizes. The drivers won, since they were more prepared than the our angels.
the loves of my life - Riley and Margaux
The drivers
with Randy, Celine, Ate Mae, and Aaron
with my gorgeous mom
This is the only family photo we had
We never had the chance to take a decent and complete family photo during Christmas and New Year's. On Christmas Eve, Celine was too jet lagged, she wasn't able to eat during noche buena. On New Year's, everyone was too busy doing their own thing, we didn't get to take a complete family picture.
There's no place like home. The day after Christmas, my family (with extended relatives and Inna) flew to Hong Kong and stayed there for 5 days. Will talk about that in another post. For now, I have to finish a ton of assignments due next week. It's been crazy busy since I got back. Crossing my fingers for something big that's gonna happen next week. More stories next time.
xoxo
