Weekend Story: Regina RICA in Tanay, Rizal + Dinner Reception at the Legarda’s

Last weekend was spent with family here in Manila. The hubby and I opted not to drive home in Bacoor primarily because we got invited to the “last hurrah” party on Sunday at the Legarda Mansion where my PILs work. The property, formerly known as La Cocina de Tita Moning (where I used to work as a part-time tour guide) has been sold and the family decided to throw a sort of farewell bash. It was attended by their close friends and it was definitely an honor and a privilege for us to have been asked to be there, too. It was a magical and touching night. While there were some tears shed, the party was mostly fun and memorable with lots of food, booze, laughter, chatter, singing, and dancing. Awwww, I will terribly miss that place which has served as home for the hubby’s family for decades!

Our Saturday was laid back. I spent it mostly sleeping and playing with our pet Jasper (the friendly dog). The hubby, on the other hand, went out to meet with his car club friends at this car show (Manila International Auto Show 2018) at World Trade Center in Pasay. On Sunday morning, we got to go on a road trip to Regina RICA (Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia) in Tanay, Rizal. The place was peaceful and solemn albeit packed with people. We were glad to have experienced it for the first time. On our way back to my PILs’ place, we had a late lunch at Lutong Pugon nestled in the house of this local painter named Jun Tiongco which is just around two kilometers from Regina RICA.

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Weekend Story: Birthday + Family Reunion + Quezon Memorial Circle + Meet-Up with Friends

Last weekend was super fun. The hubby and I, along with my SIL Albie stayed overnight in Bacoor on Friday. By Saturday afternoon, we were already back in Manila. The hubby and I joined my side of the family in driving up to Antipolo to attend the 70th birthday celebration of my aunt which doubled as a family reunion for the Mabalays. The venue was the sprawling garden of her son’s new family home. Each of the nine sibling’s family was there so it was epic. Have I mentioned before my father had eight siblings? Actually, there were supposedly 10 of them but one died when he was a still a baby and currently, there are only five of them still alive and kicking.

Personally, I am grateful to the Villanueva family (the birthday celebrant’s family) for hosting the party and hopefully, there’ll be more occasions like that to happen in the future. Nothing beats being with people who are close to your heart. Even if we don’t see each other often because of distance, we get updated on social media naman and make sure to be there for each other whenever necessary. Last Saturday night was a testament that our family ties are still as strong as ever.

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