23/12: A (really) good year
I took some time out from editing this afternoon and had lunch with my friend, Emily. Apart from doing a bit of shopping we also had the chance to watch Ridley Scott's latest film, A Good Year. It made me realise that I too have had a great year here in the Philippines and before leaving the country (not for good, I promise!), I wanted to thank everyone for making my time at the Ateneo, in Manila and in the Philippines, such an unforgettable experience. Friends have started to leave the city for family gatherings, so I thought I'd get in early this year.
Tonight, I will be attending the ninth and final night of Simbanggabi. It's a Filipino tradition, which allows family and friends to attend mass, usually at 4:30am but I have opted for the 8:30pm anticipated mass, during the nine days leading up to Christmas. It has definitely been a challenge to attend the nine masses, but it has also been great preparation for the upcoming festive season, without my immediate family by my side.
But I also wanted to take the time to deliver an early Christmas present. It's been a while since I last wrote, and since I can't send you all individual presents, here's a delectable selection of photographs to last you through the holidays and until I arrive in Sydney in early January.
As always, I hope that your Christmas stocking is overflowing and wherever you may be in the world these holidays, ingat (take care) and have a Merry Christmas!
Simbanggabi with friends and Mr. Tony Meloto
Carlo's despedida party
N.B. I didn't have my camera with me for most of the night (for obvious reasons), so I will ask for more pictures from other people.
Photos with the Ateneo Student Exchange Council (ASEC)
All I can say is Yihee!
And some photos from the ASEC Northern Luzon Trip (NLT).
Banawe Rice Terraces
ASEC Group
Trying out the latest fashion
Circumcision anyone?
Spelunking in Sagada
Spelunking rocks!
The Spanish-colonial-style-city of Vigan, Ilocos Norte
My trusted friend throughout the trip. You must see our video!
Tonight, I will be attending the ninth and final night of Simbanggabi. It's a Filipino tradition, which allows family and friends to attend mass, usually at 4:30am but I have opted for the 8:30pm anticipated mass, during the nine days leading up to Christmas. It has definitely been a challenge to attend the nine masses, but it has also been great preparation for the upcoming festive season, without my immediate family by my side.
But I also wanted to take the time to deliver an early Christmas present. It's been a while since I last wrote, and since I can't send you all individual presents, here's a delectable selection of photographs to last you through the holidays and until I arrive in Sydney in early January.
As always, I hope that your Christmas stocking is overflowing and wherever you may be in the world these holidays, ingat (take care) and have a Merry Christmas!
Simbanggabi with friends and Mr. Tony Meloto
Carlo's despedida party
N.B. I didn't have my camera with me for most of the night (for obvious reasons), so I will ask for more pictures from other people.
***
Photos with the Ateneo Student Exchange Council (ASEC)
All I can say is Yihee!
***
And some photos from the ASEC Northern Luzon Trip (NLT).
Banawe Rice Terraces
ASEC Group
Trying out the latest fashion
Circumcision anyone?
***
Spelunking in Sagada
Spelunking rocks!
***
The Spanish-colonial-style-city of Vigan, Ilocos Norte
My trusted friend throughout the trip. You must see our video!
jaymee wrote: