Manila Mayhem and Memories: A Week of Food, Friends, and Family!

Alright, folks, buckle up, because I just returned from a whirlwind week in Manila, and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster of deliciousness, heartwarming reunions, and just a touch of "work" thrown in for good measure.

First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: yes, I went to Manila for "work meetings." But let's be real, the true agenda was spending quality time with my amazing parents and indulging in the glorious chaos of Filipino hospitality. Brunch was a daily ritual, a symphony of garlic rice, longganisa, and stories that stretched back generations.

Now, Manila has a way of throwing surprises at you. One evening, amidst the bustling energy of a dinner, I spotted a familiar face – Ish! My college buddy from La Salle (DLSU)! We hadn't seen each other in over 20 years! Cue the reminiscing, the laughter, and the "how did we get so old?" moments. It felt like no time had passed at all.

The reunion train didn't stop there. Lunch at Wildflour with my high school crew was a feast for both the stomach and the soul. We caught up on life, shared hilarious anecdotes, and devoured some seriously good food.

Then, Friday night rolled around, and another high school reunion! This time, we opted for a pampering session at a spa (because who doesn't love a good massage?), followed by a delicious dinner. We then took it to the sky with rooftop cocktails overlooking the dazzling lights of Quezon City, and ended the night with the perfect sweet treat, gelato!

But the real adventure began on Saturday. We escaped the city buzz and headed to my parents' vacation home in Pampanga, the culinary capital of the Philippines. And boy, did we eat! It was a full-blown food crawl, a gastronomic pilgrimage! We started with the legendary sisig at Aling Lucing's, the very spot where Anthony Bourdain himself experienced its magic. Let me tell you, it lived up to the hype!

Then, it was on to Susie's for those iconic dice cakes, followed by refreshing sherbet, and of course, the obligatory street food BBQ. Chicken intestines, liver, you name it, we tried it! (Okay, maybe some of you will pass on the intestines, but trust me, it's a cultural experience). And no trip to Pampanga is complete without a massive bowl of Razon's halo-halo. Creamy, sweet, and utterly divine! We even squeezed in visits to some stunning historical churches.

The day ended with a massive family sleepover, complete with nieces, nephews, cousins, and endless chatter. It was pure, unadulterated joy.
Sunday morning brought a rude awakening: Zumba! Let's just say my body was not prepared. I was definitely the most out-of-shape person in the room, but the laughter and energy were infectious. Thankfully, we followed it up with a delicious breakfast at the vacation home, a perfect way to recover.

Leaving Manila was bittersweet. It's always hard to say goodbye to family and friends, but the memories we made will last a lifetime. The Philippines has a way of grabbing you by the heart and never letting go. The food, the warmth, the sheer vibrancy of life – it's an experience unlike any other. And honestly, seeing familiar faces and catching up with loved ones made this trip truly unforgettable.

So, if you're looking for an adventure filled with laughter, delicious food, and heartwarming reunions, book your ticket to Manila! You won't regret it. Just be prepared to loosen your belt and embrace the glorious chaos!