Celebrating Freedom

As planned, mother and daughter (Jocelyn and Grace) went to visit mi casa to return unsold merchandise as well as the chafing dish nanay loaned them last Christmas. As they started late from Bacolod and buses being scarce due to some licensing lapses, I was able to clean the house, feed the dogs and even paid the electric bill by the time they arrived.  
Tatay suggested that I take them out for lunch and so I did. Since it was only on my way back that I spied a new resto at Uriarte, I brought them to Solstice for some back ribs, spare ribs and pata (which the "instagrammer" failed to document). 

We had Italian Affogato ice cream at home for dessert. Three generations (3 baby boomers, 1 gen x and 1 gen y) of unlikely acquaintances found two common topics to kill time (until it wasn't too hot to take on the road again): Dogs and Bisaya (the dialect).

On whim, I decided to join KZ in finding a money transfer agent for her school payment (after seeing my visitors off). The search took us to Hinigaran but to no avail. Rather than run to Bacolod so late in the afternoon, we decided to tarry a bit. We spent some time for snacks at Mila's (which brought back poignant remembrances of day's past involving their famous boxed bibingka), strolling around the time square. When it started to get dark, we made our way to Pontevedra and waited for Mildred at St. Michael's courtyard taking pictures and eating peanuts.

With seemingly so much going around, we forgot about the goodies we took out with us from Mila's. On the bench next to ours lay the remains of what has been the buko pie that I had yet to sample. Luckily, the tarts were packaged nicely in hard plastic, the dog was not able to get to it as well.

(The turnips, we bought them at San Juan along the highway on our way home).

69th at Paradiso

Mom turned 69 today so we decided to go to the beach. Very little preparation was made and we left quite a few essentials. Also, we haven't been to the beach in a long while so it was understood that we'll just take our pick once at Miranda or Hinigaran area.

At the fork on the road, the sign to the left said "Paradiso" while that to the right said "Bulubituon". As far as my memory serves me, it has been 9 years since I've been to Paradiso. Back then, it was still on the stage of development. I got curious and decided to take the path on the left and see what has become of it.

the pavillon located next to the parking area

Apparently, it was a good choice. Firstly, the guard did not comment that we brougt a family member of the genus canis. Secondly, only two of their numerous benches and cottages were occupied. Thirdly, nobody was bathing on the beach. Sheer bliss. The peace and quiet was like balm (to my ovulating body)

While the rest of the crew brought our meager stuff to our rented umbrella, I went on to test Tara's reaction to getting wet, bullied by the waves and licking saline water. She did very well, much to my surprise (photo above) Off leash the whole time, she got away ओनके. Where to? Where the food was, of course!

If you want a good swim though, this is not the place for you. The whole stretch is rocky. To the determined like Mary, a scratched foot is  not as significant compared to experiencing the warm clear water. Of course, there's the fresh water pool to consider.

Lesson learned. Do not be overconfident and rely on the fresh catch that you may buy and cook for lunch. We did and almost missed lunch and wished that we bought some pork chops at the market. I have never been happier as when I saw a woman peddling fish at sometime past 11 am. We lost no time, washing it right away but struggled to build fire. 

 the family room

the paved walk to the bamboo cottages and cabanas