Most extensive holiday getaway!!!

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Why most extensive? Because this 2 week long vacation to our province in Mindanao is special. We've waited 10 long years for something like this to happen again. You see, it IS EXPENSIVE to travel and ride a plane especially if you have a big family, like us (9 members you might ask)!  
Anyway, my family's version of a "holiday getaway" is somewhat fresh this time. Because a lot of new things happened. But I guess what makes this trip extra special is that we were able to get in touch with as many relatives as we can, celebrated the season with parties here and there, reunions, farm visits plus our unforgettable eco-tourism activities in Lake Sebu. We have a big clan (from both sides) so were able to really take advantage of this trip, touring Tacurong City, Koronadal, Lake Sebu, Polomolok and General Santos City. 


DECEMBER 19, 2008
 NINOY AQUINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
(NEW)TERMINAL 3
check in station at Naia Terminal 3


DECEMBER 20, 2008
visit to relatives
We're fortunate enough to have dad's ancestral house is just streets away from that of mom's. We get to visit both relatives with just one plane ticket! But heck, it's still magastos! Haha



DECEMBER 21, 2008
Gano iTouch Christmas Party, Koronadal South Cotabato

DECEMBER 23, 2008
 Fireworks display at Tacurong City plaza

It indeed surpassed MOA's '09 fireworks display and even that of ABS-CBN way back 2007. But I wonder how this small city can manage to alot a big budget for their yearly fireworks alone. Well, I'm sure it boosted the tourism industry during the holidays and it made many Ilonggos happy :)
Tacurong City Plaza

30 minutes Fireworks Display

DECEMBER 24, 2008
CHRISTMAS PARTY AT MARBEL
after feasting ourselves with good foods, the party started...there were performances and games from family members, friends and uncle's employees


DECEMBER 25, 2008
Preparation for next day's event
setting up the stage...family effort ito

DECEMBER 26, 2008
Lola Babie's 86th Birthday and Suedad-Amboy Reunion

This unforgettable day started with a 4am harana for lola...last part lang yung nakunan ko...sayang...it was my first time to hear really old fashioned and traditional serenade...was like a blast-from-the-past experience! really nice!
2 hours na tulog...antok!! ZZzzZZZ...


Suedad family

DECEMBER 27, 2008
Lake Sebu (Gift Giving and Medical Mission), Mountain Hiking
Read the article here
on the way...
Inside Balben Family Cove video



native tiboli dance
want to see these tibolis dance live? click here 
mountain hiking part 1
front of lake view native souvenir shop
DECEMBER 29, 2008
Garcia Reunion

DECEMBER 30, 2008
Garcia Farm
one day I'll own a corn farm too!

DECEMBER 31, 2008
Visits to relatives, Christmas Party at the Farm, New Year's Eve Celebration!
ito ang mga pulburang gagamitin sa pagpapaputok ng kanyon (province's traditional fireworks). Shot from a relative's house...mga lahi ng sundalo!
naku may rally ang mga pato!
see these ducks in motion! Click here

on the way to Christmas party, the farm way
7pm-10pm sa Garcia compund...10pm onwards sa Suedad naman! Kaloka!

JANUARY 1, 2009
I wonder when will be my next visit to my beloved birthplace. I'm already missing it. Bye bye Tacurong City :( Til we meet again
giant sugpo

ang ganda ng lola namin!

The day before our flight, my cousin, Kuya Bong treated us for an overnight stay at Dolores Farm Resort in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
pool at Dolores Farm Resort 
Dolores Farm Resort, Polomolok South Cotabato
overnight stay...di ko feel mag swimming...malamig!



JANUARY 2, 2009
Check out at Dolores Farm...Lunch at General Santos...Flight back to Manila...

here's a short mtv of our 2 week long vacation in Mindanao 
JANUARY 3, 2009
back to Manila
SM Mall of Asia with friends

MOA's 2008 Fireworks Display

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