From Cycling to Christmas Trees

For the past few weeks, I've been thinking of getting a bike. Nope, I ain't gonna take up cycling. I don't plan to be another Lance Armstrong either. I just wanna get a nice one so I can bike around my neighborhood. I see people on bikes and they look happy, compared to people relying on their two legs.

My friends suggested I go to Cartimar but knowing myself, if I could get a bike from somewhere nearby, I'd rather go there.

I checked out R.O.X at the Bonifacio High Street. Their cycling section is on the third floor. Long way up the stairs.

I circled around the area and was shocked to see the price tags. 18K, 34K, 64K, 120K, etc. I quickly approached one sales rep and asked if he could point me where the cheapos are.

I found one by the Merida section. The price is still in the 5 figures but it's the cheapest there is. According to the sales rep named Allen, it's really a good brand. There were only 3 to choose from: black with red & white lining, royal blue and lastly, white with gray & purple lining. Guess which one I chose?Perfect height. Smooth ride. There's a number on the price tag that says 24". I thought it had something to do with the bike frame. Stupid. It's the wheel size.

The bike comes with reflectors and a bell. I asked for a mini-light but the sales rep looked at me weirdly so I quickly changed the subject.

The sales rep then checked the air on the tires and the brake. Afterwards, he gave me a slip so I could pay downstairs.

After handing my credit card, the lady (with strange blue eyes) behind the counter informed me that their HSBC transaction is not working. I asked her if they could do sumpthin' about it. Call HSBC or something. But she just shook her head. Crap! I was so excited to ride my bike!!!

Feeling defeated, I gave them my number so they could call me when everything is back to norm.

Instead of going home, I checked out the Christmas decor at Market! Market! I found a small Christmas tree. 4 feet. Not too short nor tall for my condo. I searched the area for motif inspiration. Blue & silver colors tickle my fancy.

So tonight, instead of enjoying my new bike, I'll just decorate my Christmas tree while singing my favorite Christmas carols.

And after 30 minoots or so of decorating my Christmas tree, I present it to you now.






Looks bare at the bottom, no? I am now accepting gifts. They would look really great on the base of my tree ;oP

Christmas in Bora

It's my second time to celebrate Christmas in Bora. Unlike last year when we spent the holidays at a resort where my bro used to work, this time, we just celebrated it at home.

It's always fun to have a baby in the house. Disney is already 6 month old. She doesn't recognize me yet as her Tito Dondon. I'm beginning to work my charm on her though.The father of my sis-in-law brought their MagicSing. Unforch, I still don't have my voice back. But that didn't stop me from trying to sing "I Don't Wanna Talk About It" and "Making Love Out of Nothing at All". I just change the key to sing the low notes.Before midnight, we got visitors... the rest of Angela's family.

When the clock struck 12, the kids rushed to the Christmas tree and opened their presents. I'm glad they liked what I gave them. Lance got a remote controlled airplane while Fiong-Fiong got a nice Barbie with a toy doggie that looks like West. What's funny is, the dog eats and poops ;oP Both got some Disney items too.I gave Angela her VS undies and some tops. Kuya got his A|X shirts from me. I was surprised to get boxers from Angela and a tee shirt from her sister, Joan.Mom got her slippers, blanket, jacket and meds. Everyone is happy ('cept Disney in the photo)

Trip to Bora

Before leaving Bulacan, I asked my neighbor if I could rent a vehicle so my trip to the airport would be faster. I don't think I can handle stress if I miss my flight. Thank God, I got one. I paid the driver 2500. We reached Terminal 3 at noon.

My flight is at 2:15 so I immediately looked for the check-in counter. When it was my turn, I was advised to step aside first. Not a good sign.

I found out that the President used the airport all to herself this morning. Which means, all other flights got pushed back. Sonofa!

Cebu Pac was still looking for a flight for us. The 3 o'clock flight got delayed till 6 pm. Instead of Caticlan, they'd travel first to Kalibo and travel for two hours back to Caticlan. That means, they'll reach Boracay around 10. It's not an option for me. 

After waiting for several minutes, I was informed that my new flight was at 2:30. Not bad.

I paid 200 for the terminal fee. Looked for a place to have lunch. I found Hen Lin and bought some siopao and siomai.

At 2:15, I went to my gate and found out that my flight got delayed again. We were told to wait. Crap!

At 3 pm, we were informed that our flight leaves at 3:50. Ugh! I was already praying that I won't spend the whole afternoon in the airport.

While waiting, I bought some Mrs. Fields cookies for my family in Bora and got myself some coffee.

At 4 pm, it was time to go. Finally!!!

After an hour, I got to see Caticlan airport again. I claimed my bag quickly and found a tricycle that would take me to the Jetty airport. Paid 75 bucks. Another 100 for the Environmental Fee and Terminal Fee. After a few minutes, I got to see Kuya and Lance again who picked me up at Cagban.

Very happy to see Mommy, Angela, Fiona and Disney again.