Vacation in the Philippines (Week 1)

My vacation to the Philippines is mainly because I want to attend the wake of my grandfather. Fortunately, I was given one month’s vacation.

It’s been a week since my last post. Besides being busy, I am struggling with the Philippines’ internet connection. I would say that this post isn’t really about traveling but about going home.

August 4, 2016 (Day 0)

I arrived at the NAIA Terminal 1 at 10:40 pm. To be honest, I was really nervous to be at that airport. I’ve read a lot of bad stories at the airport. A few months ago, some staff are planting bullets in the bags of passengers and extorting money from them so they won’t go to jail. It was really terrible that passengers were putting on some tapes in their baggage. Fortunately, everything went well. My arrival was smooth.

My family picked me up from the airport then we drove to my grandfather’s place before going home. It’s the main reason why I went to the Philippines. I wanna see my grandfather before the funeral.

August 5, 2016 (Day 1)

I woke up early to prepare breakfast for the family. It feels good to do it after a year away from them. My little sister is the happiest of them all. I woke her up with kisses, then she said she really missed me.

I went to SM Dasmarinas to visit the bank and buy some stuff. Being one year away from home, I’ve seen that many things have changed. Some shops were replaced by new ones. I have to try some of them soon!  In the afternoon, I went to the wet market with my grandmother. I must say that buying food from the Philippines is really cheap!

At night time, I spent time in my grandfather’s house. We invited a pastor to share God’s word with the visitors. Family members began sharing some testimonials about my grandfather’s life. It was the last night before the funeral. Many friends went there to say some condolences.

August 6, 2016 (Day 2)

We attended my grandfather’s funeral.  My grandfather has 10 children, and my father is the oldest. They assigned our family to lead the necrological service. I was assigned to be the master of ceremony.

It was really a long day for us. During funerals, Filipinos usually walk from the house to the cemetery. The Philippine weather is really hot so I chose to use a car instead of walking.

I think it was around 10 pm when my friend texted me that they were having a slumber party. We played some Filipino games. It was really fun catching up with my high school friends. I went home around 3 am.

August 7, 2016 (Day 3)

Sunday is family day! The whole family went to church. This is what I really missed working abroad. I am always at the church when I was in Korea, but going to church with the family is different. I really felt so blessed. I’m thankful that I have a Christian family.

I spent the afternoon at my grandfather’s house to hang out with my cousins.

As of now, I’m still working on my itinerary. I’ll be back to travel blogging soon! The internet in the Philippines isn’t really good compared to Korea. I hope I can post more often.

Read more:

• Philippines (Week 2)