Autumn in Antipolo

I have a gazilion stories and photos to share.  Top of my list is my recent 5-day trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.  I returned home still longing to explore and discover more. However, Christmas bazaar duties need focus and attention.  But in a nutshell, Vietnamese cuisine is really good and healthy. My kind of taste.  Lots of veggie dishes.   Coffee was superb (certified coffee addict here!).  Meeting with local craftsmen was truly gratifying. Of course, (bargain) shopping was awesome.  And, the sights and famous historical war spots were  interesting (and emotional).  With that, I have more than a thousand photos to share which unfortunately are still awaiting for my undivided attention.  After the  busy Christmas bazaars, I'm sure I'll be able to share more.

 

For now, let me walk you through on the day I chanced upon Autumn.   Starting off with my niece's Confirmation at Antipolo Church.

I was in their shoes decades ago.  I remember the solemnity of the affair, but with silent giggles and secret eye signals lingering around.  This time, I stand as godparent.  The wheel has surely turned. Yikes!

A lunch celebration followed at Vieux Chalet.   This was where I chanced upon Autumn. Hidden and tucked amidst the hilly greens of Antipolo, J. Bond immediately knew that this was my kind of place.  True!  And, here are my whys...

Hand-picked as one of the "50 finest food in 2012".

Some of the many dishes we had ordered.  I am no food expert since I have long been careful with what I eat.  Health reason first, then weight control comes next.  But surely, I adored each and every dish served.  After the hearty meal and lemongrass tea, my niece says "I feel healthy".

 

Dining felt like home.

 

Great view of Ortigas from the dining area.

 

 

St. Moritz Cottage, their bed and breakfast nook, surrounded by lush greens that I absolutely love.

Of course, a lot of charms and surprises may be found in every nook and corner.

 Dancing couples.

Lovely art pieces amidst dainty teapots.

Christmas trinkets on display.

 Cozy and chill spots.

Strolling pigeons by the poolside.

 

And, their quaint store with so many delightful treasures. I spent quite some time here.

Functional and nature friendly handpainted eco-bags. I bought one with a painted fairy seated on a quarter moon.  I used it during the Assumption Bazaar and almost lost it.  Stolen was my first thought.  But then, carelessness was what really happened (nothing new).  I found my bag on the other side of the fence.

 

 Pretty, colorful dolls.

Then, I found some interesting jewelry works.

 Bracelets.

 

 Like in any other case, I viewed each piece slow.  Until I came across the lady behind the works.

Meet Autumn.  She's 12.  J. Bond says I sound like her.  I'd like to think we're "kindred spirits". But how I wish I was as young as her when I discovered my love for beads.   Amazing!

 

Mother in the Philippines

Aside from the up and coming turnover of the pharmacy to its new owners,  Mother  is in town.  Her visit this year is my saving grace from that dreadful  "goodbye pharmacy blues" happening in four days. As what I have mentioned here, J. Bond and I took this sudden move in relation to discipline, stability, growth and better opportunities.  Family and friends have said "business IS BUSINESS".  But with me in the picture, the equation evolves to..."business + a HUGE LOAD of EMOTIONS=ROLLER COASTER RIDE". 

Anyway, I think and feel less anxious with Mother around.  My mind and body are literally drifted elsewhere.

Alagad ni Maria, Antipolo

  

   

Transfiguration Church, Angono

Laugh trip lunch at Max's

 A Christmas celebration on Chinese New Year

   

   

 Antonio's, Tagaytay

 

The finale of My Binondo Girl.  Too engrossed!

More to come. Cheers!!!

4-day Long Weekend

Not By Beaded Story's work.  Credit goes to http://www.pollysbeads.com.au/.
 I borrowed the photo for its Christmas concept. 

Just in a blink, the "ber" months have arrived.  How time zooms fast! And there is no such thing as waiting any longer, I have officially begun my shopping spree for the holidays.  True!  My mode is to start real early when malls are still F-R-E-E from that stressful rush.  Besides,  I'm off to a busy Christmas with the "B-s" of my life -- beads and bazaars. So, the thrilling task of shopping must be out of my way by the time the rush picks up.

With that, J. Bond says I have transformed myself into a horrible recluse beading monster once again.  My social life heavily revolves around beads and my neverending telenovelas.  Of course, there is still the Pharmacy which I oversee less these days.  I'm in peace and very grateful of my team now.  The storm we went through months ago is over and done.  Though I now bead with extra care and with an elbow brace, there is no denying of the triple time production I am currently going through.  I am excited with the many opportunities my bead creations have recently faced despite my seasonal bead mood swings -- overseas recognition, online orders, multiple bazaar invites, and new consignment opportunities aside from Sonya's Garden.

I included Sonya's Garden in my to do list over the four-day long weekend.  It has been more than two months since my last visit, and there is already an urgent need to deliver new stocks. Since other important matters popped out of the blue, everything else, including Sonya's Garden, took a backseat.

First, J. Bond craved for Arabic food after his long nap looking like this. Lol!

While J. Bond napped, I hoped for a good photo of myself and my Blue Moon flora necklace.  Difficult!

I asked J. Bond's help to take that good shot, but he deliberately continued on with his pretense of being in deep slumber despite my multiple nudges.  Yet, a totally different scenario happened when I said, "LET'S GO!!!".  I found myself here next...an Arabic restaurant found along El Grande Avenue, BF Homes, Paranaque named Mahran Snack Inn and Restaurant.  My first time, and I am now totally hooked on Arabic food.

Then, I panicked after having eaten too much.  I belly danced with the twins.  My latest exercise video craze.

 Next stop, Church of Antipolo for Lola's (grandmother) mass service.

The Church  of Antipolo seemingly looks smaller than it used to be.  Maybe that? Or perhaps, I grew, became older, thus resulting to a shrunken visual perspective.  But it felt good to be back here.  A flashback of my childhood Christmases in Antipolo.

My long weekend's highlight, a 101 introduction to the world of Angry Birds by my 3-year old nephew and my 1-year old niece. 

The toddlers were excellent in playing Angry Birds.    They knew by heart, even with eyes closed, the ins and outs of playing the game, and much more operating the computer.  Marvelous!  And this has left me with a reflective mood with regards to my side of the computer spectrum. I still refuse communicating with Mother via skype.  I'm not cut for it, not to mention how clueless I was on simply how to operate.  But my nephew and niece just knew their way around.   Oh DUH! 

At the end of the day, I still prefer the ole reliable telephone. 

How about you? What did you do on your four-day long weekend?