Philippines, here we come!

We are so excited for our upcoming trip to the Philippines! This will be my first time back in 12 years and Jamie's first trip back since 2003. We have a busy 2 weeks while in there as we will be traveling the first leg of the trip with Jamie's parents, Don and Kristen and then heading off to the famous Boracay Island for our friends Jon and Anya's wedding celebration!

Set to leave Singapore this Friday the 18th, our first stop is Makati City, Manila. Here we are going to be meeting up with Don and Kristen and we will enjoying dinners with both my mom's and dad's side of the family. I am so excited for the local cuisine! Lechon, pansit, lumpia, adobo, bangus....ohhh YUMMY!!!! Our last night in Manila (20th) we are meeting up with Jamie's close group guys, "the nuts" as they call themselves, for a night out in town. This will be the first time since High School that these "nuts" are all together in Manila (Jamie, Jon, Grant, Troy and Andy, all were in our wedding party.) I anticipate that this will be a long night for the boys and that Jamie will be ready to hit the beach after our 7am flight on the 21st!


Makati City, Manila


For Christmas, we will be on the island of Siquijor, just South of Manila and located in the Bohol Sea. Siquijor is known as the "magical mystical island"of the Philippines. It used to be part of Negros Oriental (province) and it was at that time named by the Spanish as the Island of Fire, as the sun sets the island glows in red as if it's on fire. Siquijor is said to have witches and potions and yada, yada yada...... so most Filipinos will not stay overnight on this island because of this superstition. I'm in for a treat as I am super superstitious, CRAP! The island is quite rustic and is mostly known for it's diving. Apo island which is located just a few minuets away is 1 of the top 10 diving spots in the world! Wish I had my diving certificate! I will just be snorkeling while the Booths dive.


Siquijor

From the 28th through the New Year Jamie and I will be at Boracay Island while Don and Kristen fly off to Bangkok. Jon and Anya are getting married at the lavish Shangri La Hotel and we are so excited! I have heard so much about Boracay from Jamie and all of his friends, and now, I get to be there! From it's famous white powder sand beaches and crystal clear waters to it's rustic bars and restaurants, it will be hard find another beach that can compare!

While in Boracay I will also be meeting up with one of my sorority sisters from Seattle, Shauna, who has been in the Peace Corps stationed in the Philippines. I am so excited to see her and to be able to catch up!!!


Boracay Island



ahhh heaven!!!!!!!!

I am so excited for this trip! Looking forward to spending time with mum and dad Booth as well as my extended family and to exploring and experiencing the culture of the Philippines! I'm going "home!"