Visiting family in Punta

Wednesday morning we awoke early…this seems to be a habit on this vacation…and went down for an early breakfast before we got ready to go out to see F’s eldest brother in Punta. This time we were picked up and chauffeured by F’s other brother and sister-in-law. Nanay, F’s mother, was also with them, and she had me sit next to her for the ride. We call Nanay, OGG, as she’s the original gangsta grandma. At just shy of 90-years old, she is still going strong.
We arrived in Punta just before lunch and while we were waiting, we went and grabbed some lechon kawali and crispy pata – both of which are pork dishes. We got back, just in time, to have lunch which also consisted of menudo and rice.
After lunch, we moved up to the dike, beside the Pasig River, where we spent the rest of the afternoon…telling stories and enjoying each other’s company. The kids helped me with my Tagalog and we also threw paper airplanes into the river to see who could throw the farthest. I was pitiful and was lucky if the plane even made it to the water. The Pasig River has water lilies (nilad) floating down it and, in fact, Maynila got its name from them. “May nilad” translates to “have water lilies”.

Before long, the guitars came out and we all started singing – everything from old Filipino favourites to the latest from Bruno Mars. Around five o’clock it was time to say goodbye and head back to the hotel.
After dinner at the hotel we headed back out to Robinson’s to grab another skirt from the store that I got my “Nike” shirts from. We also grabbed a couple more beer and bananas at the 7-Eleven on the way back. This was the first night that I really felt the heat and I think I got a touch of heat stroke. Luckily our room had aircon and I felt much better after lying down for a bit.
This was our last night at the hotel and on Thursday we will be going to F’s brother’s house in Imus for most of the remainder of our stay. I will miss the staff at the hotel, but I am excited about spending time with family.

I have grouped the photos of the day below. Thank you for reading and I will talk to you soon.
L