• Travels,  USA

    Unexpected Adventures

    July 6, 2024

    We had our hearts set on Carowinds this Sunday, but our plans took an unexpected turn. The ticket prices suddenly spiked, likely due to it being the weekend. Instead of our amusement park adventure, a new plan was hatched. My sister decided to get a manicure and pedicure, while my nephew was set for a haircut after lunch. Rajha, having just finished work, planned to take a nap.

    However, a few hours later, Rajha announced he could not sleep, so off we went. My sister quickly booked online tickets for the Museum of Life and Science. We changed our course and headed straight to the museum, skipping the mani-pedi session.

    We arrived at the museum a little past noon, and it was much larger than I had anticipated. The sheer size of the place was overwhelming. After a bit of exploring, we took a break with popsicles and sandwiches, which were a nice treat after all the walking. At 2:40 PM, we hopped on the train for a tour around the museum.

    The train ride gave us a nice overview, but we were far from done exploring. We wandered through the dino trails, saw bears, lemurs, wolf pups, and tortoises. The grounds were so expansive that by the end of the day, I had racked up 7,467 steps, close to 10,000! There were also farm animals and fascinating insects to see.

    I had a blast taking photos and videos, capturing every moment. My phone storage is now full, thanks to the many pictures I snapped. This unexpected museum trip turned out to be a fantastic day filled with fun and discovery.

    Museum of Life and Sciences
    Address: 433 W Murray Ave, Durham, NC 27704

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  • Travels,  USA

    Triple Celebration

    June 22, 2024

    Last week, Thea invited my sister and her family to a special occasion—the birthday celebration of her two children and the housewarming of their new home in Graham. Mom and I tagged along. We were the first to arrive at the party. While waiting for the other guests, Thalia and Uriah immediately started playing tag. It was so much fun to watch them! They seemed to be enjoying themselves so much, running around with pure joy. We were also pleasantly surprised to see that they had rented inflatables, ensuring that the kids (and the kids at heart) wouldn’t get bored!

    As more guests arrived, the party officially started. The food was laid out on the table, and we served ourselves. Thea and her family had cooked all the delicious dishes. There were so many tasty options, clearly prepared with a lot of love and effort. After eating, we all sang happy birthday to the celebrants. The kids were so happy, surrounded by friends and family, everyone cheerfully singing along.

    Their place in Graham is beautiful—quiet, far from the crowds, and with such a refreshing ambiance. It felt like a place you’d want to stay forever! As the celebration continued, we noticed other guests slowly leaving, but we stayed until the very end. That day was truly worth it. The house was filled with laughter, stories, and joyful memories. It wasn’t just a party; it was a celebration of life, friendship, and new beginnings. Thank you, Thea, for inviting us. Until next time!

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  • Travels,  USA

    A Day Out

    June 10, 2024

    Yesterday turned into a surprisingly delightful day, starting with a simple errand and ending with memorable adventures. My brother-in-law needed to get his guitar serviced, so we headed to Guitar Center. While he went inside to take care of his guitar, we waited in the car, planning the rest of our day. Our stomachs led us to our next destination: the Oriental Store in Raleigh.

    Walking into the Oriental store felt like stepping back into the Philippines. The aisles were packed with familiar Filipino goods, bringing a wave of nostalgia. From snacks to condiments, it was like a mini homecoming. Although the prices were significantly higher than what we were used to back home, the craving for those familiar flavors made it worth it. We decided to have lunch there and ordered some of our favorite dishes: longganisa, Bicol Express, laing, and BBQ. The food was fantastic! The portions were generous, and every bite was a comforting taste of home. The longganisa was perfectly spiced, the Bicol Express had just the right amount of heat, the laing was creamy and delicious, and the BBQ was tender and flavorful. It was honestly one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time.

    Despite not feeling our best, we didn’t want to waste the day, so we decided to make the most of it and headed to Pullen Park. Even though it was extremely hot, we pushed through with the idea of having fun at the park. The place was bustling with people, all soaking under the sun and playing with their families.

    My nephew was over the moon with excitement. He got to ride the paddle boat, the train, and the carousel. We also joined him on the train ride, which was a lot of fun and gave us a great view of the park. The sun was blazing, but it didn’t deter anyone from enjoying the day. Everywhere we looked, families were having picnics, kids were running around, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy.


    His laughter and joy were infectious, lifting our spirits and making us forget we weren’t feeling well. Watching him have so much fun was the highlight of our day. We ended up enjoying every moment, from the rides to just being outdoors together. The day was a perfect blend of cherished memories and simple joys, proving that sometimes, a bit of home and family fun can turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary.

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  • Travels,  USA

    A Tuesday

    May 22, 2024
    Yesterday was one of those wonderful, unplanned days that end up being unforgettable. We decided to take a spontaneous trip to Downtown Cary Park, just a 20-minute drive from home. Honestly, I didn’t know exactly where we were heading, only that it was somewhere in Cary. As we drove into downtown, I couldn’t help but notice how much it reminded me of Wilmington with its charming streets and friendly atmosphere. We found a spot in the public parking area and headed straight to the park. It was absolutely beautiful – the kind of place that immediately puts you at ease. After a bit of exploring, we started to feel hungry. We stumbled upon a little stand and treated ourselves to some rose ice cream and coffee. The flavors were as delightful as they sound, and they gave us the perfect boost to continue our adventure.
    As we walked around the park, we discovered a lovely botanical garden. It was the perfect spot to rest for a while. My brother-in-law took a nap on a bench while my nephew and I roamed around, marveling at the beautiful plants and flowers.
    Around 5 PM, I asked my nephew if he wanted to check out the playground. He enthusiastically agreed, so we left his parents and my mom in the botanical garden and made our way to the playground. We had an absolute blast climbing, hurdling, and even taking turns on the slide. It felt great to let loose and have fun together.
    After a while, we heard my nephew’s dad calling his name – it was time to go. We reluctantly left the playground and regrouped with the family. Our day wasn’t over yet, though. We headed to a nearby Korean restaurant for dinner. The samgyupsal and hotpot were delicious and the perfect way to end our spontaneous outing.
    All in all, it was a fantastic day filled with laughter, relaxation, and quality family time. Sometimes, the best days are the ones you don’t plan at all.
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  • Travels,  USA

    Day 4 of 4 States in 4-Days: Virginia

    April 30, 2024

    Day 4 of our adventure began with a little extra snooze time—I must’ve needed it! I woke up feeling refreshed from a great night’s sleep. Breakfast was our usual eggs, but this time with a bonus—bacon! I was craving sausage, but no luck there.

    It was bittersweet knowing that today marked the end of our journey, a mix of contentment from the experiences we’d had and a touch of sadness that it was all coming to a close.

    Newport News, VA

    We started our day by exploring Victory Landing Park, we found ourselves momentarily lost before finding our path. Eventually, we found a spot to park, soaked in the sun and cool breeze and enjoyed the tranquil beauty around us. We stayed for about an hour, simply soaking in the beauty of the place. The distant calls of seabirds, and the peaceful atmosphere made it easy to lose track of time.

    Virginia Beach, VA

    Next up was Virginia Beach. The sun blazed down. We strolled along the boardwalk, taking in the sights. I wish we’d booked a room at one of the beachside inn we passed, so we could’ve taken a dip before heading out.

    We ended up at Ocean Eddies Seafood Restaurant for snacks, enjoying delicious calamares and a refreshing sundae. The calamares were perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and tender inside, while the sundae was a delightful treat, a perfect way to cool down on such a hot day.

    As the day unfolded, I made time to pick up some souvenirs. Though I found a few lovely items, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I should have ventured a bit further off to find something truly unique and special.

    Our adventure concluded with a grand buffet feast at Yukai Japanese & Seafood Buffet, where I indulged in sushi, salmon, oysters, shrimp, and more. As we savored each bite, I couldn’t help but reflect on the memories made and the bonds forged throughout our journey—a perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure, a day filled with joy, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and richness of our experiences.

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  • Travels,  USA

    Day 3 of 4 States in 4-Days: Pennsylvania and D.C.

    April 29, 2024

    Day 3 of the adventure started with a bit of a rough start—I ended up pulling an all-nighter thanks to the K-Drama “Queen of Tears.” Sleep finally caught up with me around 4am, only to be interrupted by my sister and my 4-year old nephew. Breakfast was a blur of sausage, eggs, and apple juice, the classic combo. I even attempted pancakes, but let’s just say they weren’t my finest culinary moment.

    But hey, today had something exciting in store.

    Hershey, PA

    Now, my relationship with chocolate is a bit like a rollercoaster—sometimes I am all in, other times it is a hard pass. But today was like a dream come true. You can imagine how happy I was. Every moment was delightful and filled with sweetness and joy. Stepping into Hershey’s Chocolate World, I expected a simple shopping spree, but my sister had other plans. We ended up on the adventure journey, though I suspect we weren’t on the same page about which tour to take. My nephew had a blast on the Candy Expedition.


    Despite the confusion, I managed to snag some adorable keychains, fridge magnets, and shot glasses, all carefully chosen with my workmates in mind. I can already picture their smiles when they see these souvenirs!

    Washington, DC

    As we drove into the capital, I couldn’t help but notice how scorching hot it was, despite the leafy canopy of trees lining the streets. I did feel hunger creeping up on me as we strolled along. All I wanted was to stay in the cool confines of the car, but duty called. Off we went, ready to explore the nation’s capital, even if it meant enduring a bit of heatstroke along the way. Waiting for the Circulator was bit of a drag. We waited nearly 45minutes for a dollar ride. Nothing beats exploring the city with good company. I was torn between wanting to soak in the sights and yearning for the sweet relief of air conditioning.



    Alexandria, VA

    Today’s adventure led us straight to Jollibee in Virginia. With 2-piece chicken and palabok on the table, we were ready for a taste of home. Despite missing out on my beloved sundae, the hearty portions of chicken made up for it, American-style! Every bite was a nostalgic journey, reminding us of the comforts of Filipino cuisine. Jollibee in Virginia isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a heartwarming reminder that home is wherever good food and good company come together.

    Sitting there with my uncle and mom, sharing stories and laughter over a delicious meal, I felt a deep sense of contentment. The familiar flavors and the warmth of the restaurant’s ambiance wrapped around us like a comforting hug. It was a beautiful reminder that, no matter how far we roam, the tastes and traditions of home are always there to bring us back to our roots.

    After a hearty meal at Jollibee, we made our way to Holiday Inn. Though the elevator felt a bit dated, the cozy atmosphere more than made up for it. I welcomed the comfort of our room and drifted off to sleep early, knowing that a good night’s rest awaited. Sometimes, the simple joys of a cozy inn are all you need to recharge for the adventures ahead.

    As I nestled into the soft, welcoming bed, I reflected on the day’s adventures, from the sweet delights of Hershey’s Chocolate World to the historical splendor of Washington, DC, and the comforting familiarity of Jollibee. It had been a day filled with little moments of joy and discovery, and now, with the promise of a peaceful night’s sleep, I felt ready to embrace whatever adventures tomorrow might bring.

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  • Travels,  USA

    Day 2 of 4 States in 4-Days: New Jersey and Pennsylvania

    April 28, 2024

    It’s Day 2 of our adventure through four states in four days, and it’s a day filled with surprises and unforgettable moments.

    Last night’s sleep was a bit of a struggle. The bed felt unfamiliar, and I found myself tossing and turning throughout the night. Luckily, Uncle refrained from cranking up the air conditioner, despite the freezing temperatures outside our cozy room.

    Morning greeted me with laziness, and I dragged myself out of bed later than planned. Breakfast at the neighborhood inn didn’t quite hit the spot. I was yearning for something comforting, like a warm bowl of rice porridge, but we were in the land of sausages and eggs. So, I settled for a simple meal of sausage, egg, and apple juice, and skipping the usual dose of caffeine.

    After fueling up, we decided to revisit the boardwalk in the broad daylight. I snagged a sweater from the souvenir shop to combat the chilly breeze, along with some keychains and fridge magnets to commemorate our journey. A quick walk to the beach followed before we hit the road again, bound for our next destination.

    Philadelphia, PA

    Parking proved to be a bit of a challenge upon our arrival in the city. After circling the streets in search of a parking spot, we eventually parked in a nearby building. Stepping out of the car, we were met with a wave of heat that made me regret wearing that sweater.

    Our exploration of Philly was a whirlwind affair. We wandered around, soaking in the sights, and indulging in a bit of souvenir shopping. The Liberty Bell was a highlight, though the tight security and my nephew’s tendency to bolt kept us on our toes.

    After a quick tour, we went to look for the famed cheesesteak joints.

    After our bustling day exploring Philly, we were all feeling a bit worn out, so we decided to call it a day and drive to Holiday Inn. But you know what? The Holiday Inn turned out to be a hidden gem—affordable and squeaky clean.

    Once we were settled in, the temptation to keep exploring tugged at us once more. The exhaustion had a tight grip on us, and even our designated driver couldn’t resist the siren song of sleep.

    Instead of going out, we opted for delivery and treated ourselves to a feast of Asian cuisine. With each dish that arrived, our order seemed enough. We surrendered to the embrace of sleep, dreaming of the adventures that awaited us on the next day.

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  • Travels,  USA

    Day 1 of 4 States in 4-Days: New Jersey

    April 27, 2024

    Thanks a lot to my Uncle for being the organizer of this trip. If it were up to just us, we’d probably still be debating where to go! As someone who’s used to planning trips back home, organizing adventures in US is a whole new challenge. With my Uncle and Rajha’s knack for planning, we were all set to roll. My Uncle had this whole itinerary mapped out, and all we had to do was nod along. I mean, it’s my first time venturing out of state, so I was game for wherever we go. Literally.

    So, when departure rolled around on Friday night and the return was set for Tuesday, I was like, “Four days and five nights of adventure, here we come!” Little did I know, it was gonna be quite the ride.

    We kicked things off by picking up our rental car. Yep, we needed a whole car because squeezing into ours wasn’t an option. Then, after 9 pm, we hit the road straight for New Jersey. Shoutout to my brother-in-law for pulling off that epic drive. Seriously, 11 hours including pit stops? That’s dedication right there.

    Jersey City, NJ

    Now, picture this – windy, chilly weather, and me without a jacket. Smart move, right? Long sleeves were all I had to brave the chilly wind. But hey, with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as the backdrop, I couldn’t complain. Snapping pics left and right at Liberty State Park, trying to capture the whole park with the stunning NYC skyline in the distance – unforgettable.

    As we strolled back to the car, my stomach was rumbling like a thunderstorm, reminding me that it was time for lunch. We skipped breakfast, so I was definitely overdue for a hearty meal. My Uncle mentioned White Castle burgers. I figured, why not? Well, let me tell you, those two-bite burger didn’t just fill me up but also knocked my taste buds. No wonder my uncle is such a fan! It’s a shame they’re nowhere to be found in North Carolina, let alone the Philippines.

    Atlantic City, NJ

    We checked into Eldorado Motor Inn around 3 pm and, boy, were we ready to stretch our legs. Well, except it was freezing outside, so we opted to cozy up indoors for a while. But eventually, we hit the boardwalk around 7pm. And let me tell you, it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. My Uncle mentioned how it used to be bustling with people, but hey, I kind of liked the quiet vibe too.

    As for food, we stumbled upon this Mexican diner – a total jackpot. Wraps, sandwiches, chicken wings – you name it, we devoured it. And the portions? Huge! Definitely meant for sharing, but who’s got time for that when the food’s this good?

    Stay tuned for Day 2 of our adventure!

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  • Travels,  USA

    Strawberry Day to Remember

    April 21, 2024

    We didn’t let the day pass without going strawberry picking! Rajha and my sister Judy were invited to attend an event, and of course, we happily tagged along. It turned out to be such a fun experience for the whole family. Almost everyone attending the event were Filipinos, which made it feel like a big family gathering, though I also spotted a few Chinese and a few Americans around. They gave us commemorative shirts and buckets to fill, which added a special touch to the day. Even with the sun shining intensely overhead, our excitement never faded as we walked through the strawberry fields.

    My nephew was especially thrilled—eagerly picking strawberries, even the ones that were a little too ripe or already starting to spoil. I noticed most of the berries were very ripe, but he didn’t mind at all. And when he saw my bucket wasn’t filling up as fast as his, he started putting strawberries in mine, proudly helping me “catch up.” It’s those small, thoughtful gestures that make the day feel extra meaningful.

    After we filled our buckets, it was time for a sweet reward: ice cream! And not your typical flavors—we got to try yellow squash, sweet potato, sweet corn, and blueberry. So refreshing, so unique, and honestly, so good! My nephew enjoyed every bite, his smile as big as the sun we spent the day under.

    Shortly after our ice cream break, we decided to head home since the weather forecast said heavy rain was coming. It felt like the perfect time to wrap up a day already filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Sometimes, it’s the little moments that leave the biggest mark.

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  • Travels,  USA

    Dad’s Birthday

    April 13, 2024

    Today, our family took a trip to Wilmington, NC to celebrate Dad’s birthday. Even though he’s no longer with us, his memory remains strong in our hearts, especially on days like today when we’re all together.

    Before heading out, my sister and I cleaned the car. We wanted everything to be perfect for our journey. The drive was fun, filled with stories and laughter.

    We had a pit stop along the way, and I was amazed by the sight of so many vending machines—it was my first time seeing so many in one place. Excited, I bought snacks and drinks for the family. I even tried a Starbucks Caramel drink, but I couldn’t help comparing the cost to back home in the Philippines—it’s definitely cheaper there!

    We arrived in Wilmington just in time for lunch and decided to explore the Riverwalk. We took plenty of photos to capture the moment, making sure to document our time together. The scenic views were beautiful, and it was a pleasant walk until we reached The Pilot House, a restaurant by the river. The atmosphere was inviting, and the view was perfect for a family lunch. I ordered Shrimp and Scallop Scampi, because I can never resist the combination of seafood and pasta. The dish was delicious, and I savored every bite.

    After our delightful meal, we headed to see the USS North Carolina Battleship. Although we decided not to buy tickets to tour the inside due to the cost for a group of five, we enjoyed viewing the impressive ship from the outside. The size and history of the battleship were fascinating. I picked up several souvenirs, including fridge magnets, keychains, and a shot glass, thinking of my workmates and how they’d appreciate them.

    Our next stop was Airlie Gardens, known for its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere. Unfortunately, we arrived just a minute before closing time. If only my sister had gone to the visitor check-in first, we might have made it in time. It was a bit disappointing, but we didn’t let it ruin our day. We made the best of it by enjoying the beautiful scenery from outside the gardens.

    Despite this small hiccup, the day was filled with joy, and cherished memories. We felt Dad’s presence with us, guiding and reminding us of the love we share as a family. As we drove back home, we all started feeling sleepy. My sister, mom and nephew took a nap while my brother-in-law drove us. He was talking to his sibling, keeping himself awake and entertained during the drive.

    This trip was a beautiful reminder that even though Dad is no longer with us, his spirit and the memories we created together will always be a part of us. Today, we celebrated his life in a meaningful and joyous way, creating new memories that we will cherish for years to come.

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