Little Andoy's weekend getaways

I’m glad that despite my busy schedule at work, we were able to squeeze in a little family getaway this month. Hubby’s sister, who works as a nurse in the Middle East, is in the Philippines for a short vacation. She wanted to have some family bonding and so the story of our two consecutive weekends getaway.

Last January 14, we went to Pangasinan to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag. If I remember it right, I last visited the Shrine sometime in 1999 or 2000 while I was still in college. I’m glad to be back after more than a decade. It was hubby’s first time to go there and of course Little Andoy, too. It was a six-hour trip from Marikina so we left just before sunrise. With my mother-in-law and four kids in tow, we had to make a couple of stop overs at some gasoline stations along the way – to stretch out, take little snacks and to use the toilets. We arrived at the Shrine just in time for the next mass. After attending mass, we explored the place for a while, took pictures and had lunch at the picnic grounds. Little Andoy enjoyed watching the fishes in the fish pond.

Sorry for the not so good shot. There were too many people in front of me.

At the garden.

Little Andoy watching the fishes.

The next weekend was a long weekend. Thanks to the Chinese New Year holiday. We went to Pansol, Laguna for a nice warm overnight swimming. Little Andoy was so excited the moment he saw the swimming pool, much more when we took a dip that he was screaming and laughing so loud. He didn’t want to join his cousins in the kiddie pool. He wanted to swim in the big swimming pool instead.

A nice warm night swim

We left around 8am the next morning to head on to our next destination. From Laguna, we went to Tanay, Rizal to visit the Regina Rica. It is a pilgrimage site being managed by Domincan sisters. The place is very serene and on top of a hill is a huge statue of Regina Rosarii. You have to climb the hill to get to the statue. Inside the statue is the prayer room where you can ask Our Lady for your prayer requests and interventions.

Enjoying the cool breeze and green surroundings

We went to my brother-in-law’s house after visiting Regina Rica to eat lunch because it was also their town fiesta that day. We arrived home at around 6pm already.

It was indeed a fully packed weekend for us. Tiring but all worth it.