Yesterday was one of those days you just can't plan. With the unpredictable spring weather, we set on a familiar journey, driving two hours to meet a couple of our dear friends for our customary "meet in the middle" thing we do, living five hours away from each other. And boy, it was an adventure. The drive was a rollercoaster of spring vibes—rain pouring down one minute, then those gorgeous green hills along Hwy 101 in the sunshine next, and near gale winds under blinding sunshine when we connected. But hey, it's those unexpected twists that keep life interesting, right?
Once we settled in with our plates of sushi and bento boxes, our friend's recent vacation to the Philippines with her family became the centerpiece of our conversation. It wasn't just any vacation— it was a pilgrimage of sorts, a journey to rediscover their roots. Her mom, who's getting older, had been yearning to visit home once more.
So off they went, crisscrossing the islands like modern-day explorers. They kicked off in the capital, Manila, then made their way down south to Bicol province, where the fiery flavors of the famous Bicol Express dish and remote island hoping was the order of the day. From there, it was a trek up north to Baguio, their hometown, nestled in the cool mountains of Benguet province. It was rediscovery mode for her mom and older sisters of night markets, beloved spots, and making new memories in old stomping grounds. And let's not forget their wind-down in the serene waters of Coron, in the province of Palawan that served as their vacay while on vacay for some serious relaxation before heading back home.
Hearing about their adventures was pure gold. We laughed, we reminisced, and we marveled at the essence of family and tradition. As she shared their experiences, we could see the tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors that evoke home, deeply touching her—unexpectedly she admitted—as much as it did her mom. We simply celebrated the joy of being together on a Saturday afternoon able to tell each other tales and adventures lived.
And the lovely day didn't end there. On our drive back home, another friend shared a picture of a rainbow she spotted along the coast, probably at the same time we were driving. It was like nature was giving us one final fist bump—a vivid reminder that even when life throws us a twist, there's always a silver lining waiting to be discovered. So here's to friendship, to springtime adventures, and to the curveballs that add spice to life. Cheers!
Photo credit: K.J.
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