Bonding with Mai's Family

I mentioned in past few blog posts that Mai's family (minus his dad and second to the oldest sister) was here for a week's vacation. Mai and I prepared an itinerary to make sure we take advantage of their time here to tour them or bring them to popular places here in Manila. And like what I mentioned, it was the first time for Mike and Ann to be here in Manila so we had a lot of things planned for all of 'em.

I want to share more photos of their stay here in Manila. They stayed at our home in Malabon. We had to buy a Uratex Fold and Go mattress for them 'cause our bed's only suited for 2 people. Good thing we were able to buy one at a very cheap price at Maypajo, Caloocan City.

Ann and Mike both recently graduated from college (Nursing) and elementary respectively. We didn't have gifts for them, but I gave Ann the Glutamax Whitening Cream I received as a prize last April. I really have no use for it since I don't usually put any beauty products on my face. Ann and Mama Ging really take care of their skin to the point that Mama Ging even check out Prevera reviews and similar product reviews to make sure she uses the best beauty products on her face and body. I only rely on my genes 'cause I don't really want to worry too much about my looks. *ehem*

Anyway, on their first night, Friday, we didn't really have anything for that night 'cause we were planning on going to Divisoria the next day. However, there was a change of plans. So, we decided to have dinner at Balsa in Niugan, Malabon City.

I absolutely love to dine at Balsa because of their famous Pork Sisig. I've tried sisig from other restaurants, but none of them can beat Balsa's Pork Sisig. It's a MUST-TRY!

We ordered Pancit Canton, Calamares, Sinigang sa Miso, Lechon Kawali and, of course, Balsa's famous Pork Sisig. All that for only Php 1,000+. Yes, the servings, the food and the prices are really good at Balsa. Just make sure you don't wear skirts or shorts or you'll be dinner to mosquitoes in Balsa. *LoL*

On their second day here, we opted to just stay at home and dine together as one big family. My whole family (my Nanay, Tatay and brother) were all at home so we were almost complete.

The next day, we went to Enchanted Kingdom. I blogged about it and posted some of our photos there.

Because we were so exhausted after our trip  to Enchanted Kingdom, we decided to rest on Monday. The next day, Tuesday, we went to Divisoria. I also blogged about that. We shopped for a couple of items. We wanted to show them how much discounts they can get from Divisoria.

Wednesday, we went to SM Mall of Asia. We brought my laptop for repair at SST Laptop and we showed Ann and Mike around.

They didn't completely enjoy the whole stroll. We told Ann that MOA's just a HUGE mall. Nothing really new to see there. Well, maybe except this, which they actually didn't see because we went home before night time.

Thursday, Mama wanted to go to Quiapo to go to the church and continue shopping. I didn't come with them 'cause I was really exhausted from our long walks in EK, Divisoria and MOA. I opened our internet cafe for business instead.

Friday, it was their schedule to fly back to Cebu. I told myself I won't cry 'cause I want to be the one to comfort Mai when we say our goodbyes at the airport. I know how hard it is for her to be away from her family and I'm thankful she decided to support me by moving back here to Manila so I'd be close to my Nanay, who I worry about day and night when I was in Cebu.

Anyway, here's a photo of them while we were waiting in line to enter NAIA Terminal 3.

When we were saying our goodbyes, guess what. I was the one who cried the most. *LoL* I really consider them as my family, and Mama Ging as my second mother. We had a chance to bond and become close when I lived with them in Cebu last year so I felt really sad when we were sending them off to wait at the gate assigned to their flight. *sigh*

We have plans on going to Baguio in December as a whole Ignacio-Giatoro family. I wish that would push through because Mai's family hasn't been there yet and I'd love to go there with all of her family members and mine. I can't wait! :)