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Just when I thought my stomach couldn't handle another bite (spoiler alert: it always can), I ventured to Pampanga for a family reunion of epic proportions. Picture this: 15 cousins, enough laughter to rival a sitcom laugh track, and enough food to feed a small village (seriously, Filipinos don't mess around with feasts). It was like a chaotic, delicious Hallmark movie come to life, and I wouldn't have traded it for the world.<figure id="figure-f29exw8r8jls8lpzfv"><img id="f29exw8r8jls8lpzfv" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3a6xbZmlDFE15l6zLzWIsZ6anwAf8WwKjL6mcpouDH8KqMeEvj2Fi9vmXVaOz3xf.jpg" alt="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Yes, I have a very big family" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3a6xbZmlDFE15l6zLzWIsZ6anwAf8WwKjL6mcpouDH8KqMeEvj2Fi9vmXVaOz3xf.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Yes, I have a very big family</figcaption></figure>But amidst the buffets and Ferreros, I witnessed something truly heartwarming. My mom, ever the philanthropist queen, showed me the local high school gym and stage she helped build through her charity project. Let me tell you, seeing the pride in her eyes, and i'm sure the joy on the students' faces, was enough to melt even the most cynical heart (and trust me, after all those buffets, I was bordering on cynical). It's moments like these that remind me why my parents are the real MVPs, proving that kindness and generosity are the ultimate superpowers.<figure id="figure-xkin0voyubls8lrjo5"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2"><figure id="figure-2icwk3hstlls8lsfcu"><img id="2icwk3hstlls8lsfcu" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28Uy7WHkFriXcNJArzyCbksloum6YaWewZhcBld0e1U4wvz80zQhJX1z4mRVuB1t.jpg" alt="Sponsored by Google Chromebooks" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="With the philantrophy queen" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28Uy7WHkFriXcNJArzyCbksloum6YaWewZhcBld0e1U4wvz80zQhJX1z4mRVuB1t.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">With the philantrophy queen</figcaption></figure></figcaption></figure>So, Pampanga wasn't just about stuffing my face (although, let's be honest, that was a major perk). It was a reminder of the importance of family, the power of giving back, and the fact that sometimes, the best things in life aren't found on a menu (although, Filipino food definitely comes close).<figure id="figure-a8wsjsfn77ls8lu3nq"><img id="a8wsjsfn77ls8lu3nq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2VbBMib8Q5OxbRiGiXAI6CqBeRFl9ywlxSUlRhWFPR9QYTknSKSoSti2AgHMaz6f.jpg" alt="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Guess who got photoshopped in" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2VbBMib8Q5OxbRiGiXAI6CqBeRFl9ywlxSUlRhWFPR9QYTknSKSoSti2AgHMaz6f.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Guess who got photoshopped in</figcaption></figure>P.S. To my 15+ amazing cousins: Thanks for the memories, the laughs, and the endless buffet of Gelato and Korean food. I'll be back soon, armed with an even bigger appetite and a thirst for karaoke battles this time around!--------------------------Related Video:<a href="https://youtu.be/SGyqUMLM8Lg?si=Imsp5bxF6BmLkh0K" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/SGyqUMLM8Lg?si=Imsp5bxF6BmLkh0K">Qatar Airways Manila to DOHA in Business Class</a>

Pampanga, Philippines: A Cousin Reunion Extravaganza (and a Dose of Mom's Superpower)


Tokyo landscape Close-up view towards the Imperial Palace desiring

So, I had a 16-hour layover in Tokyo. Thank god for English speaking <a data-mce-href="https://kiwitaxi.tp.st/HkbMcZox" href="https://kiwitaxi.tp.st/HkbMcZox" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">airport transfers</a>. Not exactly enough time to conquer Mount Fuji, but hey, who needs a mountain when you've got vintage Chanel, Shibuya crossings, and Kobe beef sukiyaki that melts faster than your New Year's resolutions? Buckle up, because this is Tokyo on fast-forward!<a data-mce-href="https://hotellook.tp.st/6l2Bvdq6" href="https://hotellook.tp.st/6l2Bvdq6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hyatt Regency Tokyo</a>: Where Check-In Feels Like a Spa DayFirst stop: <a data-mce-href="https://hotellook.tp.st/6l2Bvdq6" href="https://hotellook.tp.st/6l2Bvdq6">Hyatt Regency Tokyo</a>. Forget the usual airport hotel drabness. This place whisked me away to a private lounge, showered me with hot towels and tea, and then poof! upgraded me to a room bigger than my Tokyo apartment (which, let's be honest, isn't saying much). Bonus points for the surprise chocolates from the GM - talk about a sweet welcome!Vintage Hunting with Yuji, the Shopping SenseiNext on the agenda: Atlantis Vintage Tokyo. Yuji, my personal shopping guru, had me channeling my inner Audrey Hepburn in no time, scoring a Chanel clutch at a price that wouldn't break the bank (or my marriage). Remember, passport = tax-free magic, people! Yuji even played tour guide, escorting me to the train station and patiently navigating the language barrier (bless his multilingual soul).<figure id="figure-qwtd2h46rlsb4pint"><img id="qwtd2h46rlsb4pint" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/62W8XYORbAeEf77GBJmsnfgTQh8aneAGCJjL2I60dWRvmw80sfHwuRBkrw0moL31.png" alt="Woman with a personal shopper" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="With Yuji" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/62W8XYORbAeEf77GBJmsnfgTQh8aneAGCJjL2I60dWRvmw80sfHwuRBkrw0moL31.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">With Yuji</figcaption></figure>Shibuya Crossing: Where Pedestrian Chaos is an Art FormShibuya Crossing: it's like a human ant farm meets a fashion show, all set to the soundtrack of a thousand honking taxis. I crossed four times, each more exhilarating than the last. My Fitbit probably thought I was having a seizure, but hey, gotta get those steps in, right?<figure id="figure-5fqagki1nrlsb4r3uq"><img id="5fqagki1nrlsb4r3uq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3PJmGqXr54tZeZl1sKp9GNsGIAPTwfpkbF66yPKkr2YvGzjp74pXQ1KxHU9G1Zuv.jpg" alt="Woman crossing famous crosswalk" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Shibuya crossing" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3PJmGqXr54tZeZl1sKp9GNsGIAPTwfpkbF66yPKkr2YvGzjp74pXQ1KxHU9G1Zuv.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Shibuya crossing</figcaption></figure>Shibuya Sky: Tokyo's Twinkling Playground (with a Bite of Wind)Shibuya Sky: breathtaking views, dizzying escalators, and enough wind to make Mary Poppins jealous. Pro tip: book tickets in advance, because this place gets snatched up faster than free samples at Costco. The view was incredible, but the windchill had me longing for a hot ramen bath (metaphorically speaking, of course).<figure id="figure-l01k9gv8dhlsb4sdlf"><img id="l01k9gv8dhlsb4sdlf" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39rSzPobld6R8IT4VyanBJ9xNMzrfbHpblVfj6V8yX2cwBPpedGXydEUiBI6IDzQ.jpg" alt="Rooftop of a tall building" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Shibuya sky " data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39rSzPobld6R8IT4VyanBJ9xNMzrfbHpblVfj6V8yX2cwBPpedGXydEUiBI6IDzQ.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Shibuya sky</figcaption></figure>Kobe Beef Bliss: Worth Every Yen (and Maybe a Second Mortgage)Tsukada Shabu Shabu: where Kobe beef dreams come true. This sukiyaki was so good, angels sang in my mouth. It was like a culinary symphony, each bite a concerto of melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit (or maybe not?), but trust me, it was worth every penny (and the slight dent in my bank account). <figure id="figure-xn90n256lmlsb4vlnm"><img id="xn90n256lmlsb4vlnm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1cvIs3vTASUXIHAKO5XjBd3iJpWjOAIiPxVgbK1RO2fDZTqF1KuKPJb1KO5QLQeB.jpg" alt="Platter of special Kobe beef" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Incredibly delicious Kobe beef" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1cvIs3vTASUXIHAKO5XjBd3iJpWjOAIiPxVgbK1RO2fDZTqF1KuKPJb1KO5QLQeB.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Incredibly delicious Kobe beef</figcaption></figure>Don Quijote: Where Souvenirs Take on a Whole New MeaningDon Quijote: Tokyo's answer to Willy Wonka's factory, but with more kit-kats and less chocolate rivers (sadly). I emerged with a treasure trove of unique goodies: uni-flavored kit-kats (because why not?), enough skincare products to rival a Sephora, and enough snacks for Enzo to start his own convenience store. Tax-free shopping? Don't mind if I do!<figure id="figure-8nki25vhglsb4wkz4"><img id="8nki25vhglsb4wkz4" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/38QrgmFyPUbOfXghanhM2O48SvV16RE7cNE01WS9MEuciEe3dkvMek1DYRZOn188.jpg" alt="All the KitKat selections" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Wonderful Kit Kat flavors" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/38QrgmFyPUbOfXghanhM2O48SvV16RE7cNE01WS9MEuciEe3dkvMek1DYRZOn188.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Wonderful Kit Kat flavors</figcaption></figure>Ippudo Ramen: The Grand Finale (Before the Real Flight)Narita Airport: 7:30 AM, and my stomach was rumbling louder than a Tokyo karaoke bar. Enter Ippudo Ramen, my savior. The #6 Kiwami Akamaru Modern was pure ramen poetry, a symphony of noodles, broth, and pork that sent me off to my next flight with a smile (and a food coma).<figure id="figure-0kwtf28bnlsb4ymio"><img id="0kwtf28bnlsb4ymio" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32SD9lmIqSp49ER38QSqT0wQehqjj5ok3P1iKYFSIpUCIcQSdWn0qX2Ufn7u8rVM.jpg" alt="man standing near cliff looking at body of water during daytime" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Delicious ramen" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32SD9lmIqSp49ER38QSqT0wQehqjj5ok3P1iKYFSIpUCIcQSdWn0qX2Ufn7u8rVM.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Delicious ramen</figcaption></figure>Tokyo in 16 Hours: A whirlwind, a delight, and a reminder that even the shortest trips can be epic adventures. If you need a convenient luggage storage, use this <a data-mce-href="https://radicalstorage.tp.st/GHcD9cv2" href="https://radicalstorage.tp.st/GHcD9cv2">link</a>. Next time, I'm bringing Logan and Enzo for a full-blown Tokyo takeover! Until then, sayonara, and happy travels!***********************Check out m<a data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/woSQuZAzndE?si=iz2Si44CbCfsD2Cl" href="https://youtu.be/woSQuZAzndE?si=iz2Si44CbCfsD2Cl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">y ZipAir Full Flat seat experience from Narita to Manila</a>!

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