August Happy Long Weekend

Brimming with excitement, I sacrificed sleep (as I always do) in order not to miss my early flight last August 19, 2015.

Five years ago, as you will read in my previous post back then, I surprised my Mama by going home to Iloilo for the first time to celebrate her birthday (at that time, her 65th). That was one of the most priceless things ever, worth all the toll and sweat to get to that special moment.

Moving forward, it has become a "pinned holiday" for me to come home for Mama's birthday since I got back here in Manila. 

How did this one turn out? Please click 'Read more'.

It is often an advantage to be early at the airport AND to be nice to the check-in counter personnel. Although I already checked-in online and was randomly given a seat, I requested if it would be possible to be given a "better" seat. Well, I didn't get the better seat. I got the "best" seat. 

I don't usually go picture-crazy over clouds and skies. But at that time, I got less than 40 winks and busied myself taking random shots of the blue seas and skies. I wish I had better quality lens though. My pictures didn't do them justice. I don't know if it's just me, but the view coming home tends to be more beautiful.

I think I took this shot while waiting at the airport - my sort of OOTD: 

Uniqlo off-white sweater over my H&M navy blue shirt (not in picture), Guess ripped jeans which I got at a discount, and my ever reliable Via Venetto flats

On her 70th birthday, Mama got a surprise for me (yes, it's the other way around, this time). She told me all about it while it was being built by Uncle Costan but never sent me the pictures. When I got home, I was soooo happy to see my own "secret" tree-house! Hmm, I call it "secret" because even though it is placed in front of our home, I get to people-watch while well-hidden behind our bougainvilleas, lol.

I guess it needs no more elaboration that I am at my happiest when I'm home. To cut my rambling, let me share with you some of the pictures taken (by me and Mama) which hopefully document such happiness. 

Happy happy 70th birthday Mama!

Smile is the only dog (out of the eight) who can come up and down the tree-house with no assistance.
But he only comes up when someone is there.
He lets you take a few steps first, and then overtakes you for his "welcome" at the top of the ladder.

Faith, our only girl, is very shy but pretty with her messy curls.
Tiger (her first-born dog) was somewhere around this area but wouldn't come out. I never got the chance to take his picture.

Smile and me at the tree-house
Look at his eyes, hahaha

L-R: Love (our senior dog) and Shakespeare
What a lovely candid picture this is --- one of those that you take and it just so happened that both of them were looking on with those earnest happy smiles.

Richy and Mama's candid moment:
Richy the dog is such a challenge to photograph.
I took about 20 shots and finally got this precious one. 

Sonlight, seen through the tree-house.
He is just the cutest, especially from this vantage point.

Sonlight (yes, it is 'son' because he's a 'he'), trying to climb the ladder to the tree-house
He tried, in fairness to him, but his stubbly feet and maybe his fear of heights (?) didn't help.
Out of pity, Mama usually carries him up and down.
Well, as long as he doesn't gain any more weight.

Shakespeare, another one begging for a free trip upstairs.
I don't exactly remember if his charm worked that time.

Hope, in his "intelligent" Einstein pose :)

My pasalubong for myself
I usually get a "baon" of some sort whenever I return to Manila, courtesy of my thoughtful Mama.
Sorry dears, this time, my luggage was filled and had no room (and time) for the usual pasalubong. Maybe next time, okay?

Ciao dears! Love your moms always!