Philippines

The big party

January 5, 2010

Our multi-occasion party on January 2nd was a great success.  150 guests from both the Gamboa and Castelvi side of the family attended.  We celebrated my Grandfather’s 80th birthday, my Grandma’s 79th, my Dad’s 53rd, my Uncle Jhet’s 53rd and my parents’ 28th Wedding Anniversary.  Phew!  We really know how to milk a get together […]






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To endings and beginnings

January 5, 2010

I am sitting in MNL airport, waiting to board my flight to SIN.  Mom, Dad and DJ have just left for their flight to Hong Kong.  This is the start of my solo journey – first to Singapore, then to Bali and then I don’t know what next.  It is surreal to be here on […]






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Happy Anniversary to my Mama and Daddy Dearest

January 2, 2010

We had a massive family reunion/party tonight. A party to celebrate a zillion occasions – my grandfather’s 80th birthday, my grandmother’s 79th, my Dad’s 53rd and my parents’ 28th wedding anniversary. We had 150 guests at a catered restaurant venue nearby. Everyone dressed up and it was amazing to have both the Gamboas and the […]






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The dance of the year

January 2, 2010

Every time we go back to the Philippines, there is always a new dance craze that EVERYONE knows. EVERYONE – from little 2 year old babies to the biggest superstars on TV. It’s like the Macarena craze but here the craze happens every six months. This season, it’s a song called “Nobody” by the Wonder […]






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Finally, some videos!

January 1, 2010

It has taken FOREVER to find internet connection fast enough for video uploading but I’m happy to say that a few are finally up! Below is a smidgen from the Giant Lantern Festival that we attended last week. It will give perspective to the pictures I posted then.






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A Happy New Year. Cheers to 2009 and welcome 2010!

January 1, 2010

Wow, it's 2010.  Happy happy New Year!  What a celebration this year: illegal fireworks in the streets, karaoke and dancing on the porch and snacking, talking, laughing and crying until 4am in the morning.  This is the way celebrations should be spent: with a zillion family members, lots of booze, lots of music, lots of […]






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Back from the beach

December 30, 2009

We’re back from our few days getaway to Boracay.  I have to say, that place is amazing.  I’ve been to many beaches before but seriously, Boracay ranks as one of my top 5 favourites.  It’s so clean, warm and safe.  The music is amazing, the food so so cheap and the hospitality exceptional.  I would […]






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Oh traffic

December 29, 2009

Traffic in this country is horrendous.  There is ZERO discipline on the roads.  Double lines, dashed lines, yellow or white – none of it matters.  It's everyone for themselves – trikes, trucks, buses, cars, bikes, all on single-lane highways on roads that are nearly as bad as those we traveled through in East Africa.  Seriously. […]






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