Dec 27 2004
Pamamanhikan
Saturday - Dec 18, 2004
I’m sooo happy!!!! I went to the newly constructed Waltermart at Pasong Tamo and was able to buy the materials we need for our souvenirs. The only thing lacking is the thank you note that should come with it.Monday - Dec 20, 2004
We got up at around 3 am as Morning’s family, my sis and me are going to our hometown (Ilocos). They are now going to ask my dad to give my hand in marriage. Yiheeee! We have a lot of baon. We brought some pizza and sandwiches for our breakfast. We also eat chips in between. At around 1 pm, we are able to reach home. Mama warmly welcomed us and immediately set the table. Looks like everybody is tired as we ate a lot. After lunch, we had a little chat then off we go to our rooms to get a dose of sleep. The long travel made us all exhausted.
It was already around 5-6 pm when we woke up. The long slumber really rejuvenated us. We had some merienda and we warmly greeted Papa who just came in from his volunteer work. We had nilagang mais for our merienda. Our parents continued to exchange stories and they suddenly shifted the conversation to our wedding plans as they noticed that Morning and I already joined them at the dining table. Everything went well and both parents expressed their consent and gave us their blessings. They also said that their doors are wide open should we need any help. Whew!!!! What a relief. I know my parents have difficulty letting me go but at that moment, Morning and I felt their whole support. Hurrah! Dinner was served after a short while. Papa had his friends prepare goat meat dishes such as Caldereta, Papaitan and Kilawin. We all loved the food.
Tuesday - Dec 21, 2004
It is now time to show Morning’s family around.
We went to see Paoay Lake then we went off to visit the nearby Malacanang of the North This was one of the Marcoses’ rest houses that were subsequently confiscated by the government. This is now under the Department of Tourism’s care. It was such a lovely place as it has a great view of the Paoay Lake. We enjoyed taking photos and looking at the spacious rooms. It has 2 dining rooms. One can seat 14 people, the other one 12.
We went to Fort Ilocandia afterwards. We had loads of fun looking at the animals at the mini zoo. April (M0rn1ng’s sis) was able to hold a giant python. The animal keepers assured us that it is harmless so she went ahead and held it. I’m not a big fan of reptiles so I wouldn’t dare touch it. (hahaha! what a lame excuse for being a coward). Morning and I also loved the ostrich and the chimps. We had an ice cream to relive us of the scorching heat. While we are eating, we saw the Ginebra players come in. We are all excited as Morning and his family are big Ginebra fans. 
We then left to see Bacarra. While on our way, I noticed that my engagement ring is missing. Waaaaaaah! I don’t know where I left it. April said that I might have left it at Fort Ilocandia. We went to the ladies room and I removed it when I washed my hands. It was really both embarassing and disappointing. I couldn’t look at Morning for he was quite irritated by my carelessness. Daddy Elvis said that the chance that we will find it is slim. Nevertheless, I called up Fort Ilocandia and reported the lost article. The receptionist told me that she will get in touch with their lost and found department and she will call me if she finds anything. I’m in real panic. I tried to fight the falling tears and tried to regain composure. Deep inside, I’m desperate. Morning noticed that I was really silent and he took pity. He tried to console me and told me that everything will be alright and that he’s not mad that I lost the ring. Our friend Kuya Toti suggested that we go back at Fort Ilocandia to look for it. I was preparing myself to accept that I might not be able to retrieve it back. Once there, I went to the ladies room and as expected the ring was already gone. I went to the reception and told them the story again. They checked who is assigned to clean that area and summoned her to ask if she saw the lost article. What a relief when we heard her answered YES. She then brought out my precious ring. Woooooohoooooo! At that time I could keep back from crying. I thanked Lani (the one who found and returned my precious) and the people at the reception. I’m still crying uncontrollably when we got back at the car. We are soooooooo thankful we got the ring back. (Moral of the story : Be mindful on where you put your things esp on public areas)
We ate lunch at San Nicolas and headed back home. In the evening we attended the congregation mid-week meeting. The brothers and sisters warmly welcomed Morning’s family. It was the first time that they’ve met although they’ve met Morning several times already. 
Wednesday - Dec 22, 2004
We got up early. It was now time for their family to leave. I missed Morning for we are used to seeing each other everyday. On the other hand, it was also good as absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Popularity: 8% [?]
This might be the reason why I have stayed with this company for too long. I got hired through the job fair conducted in our university.Since then I’ve never had the courage to look for another job as I am quite happy with the way things are going with my career.5 more months and I will celebrate my 5th year in this company. Hurrah!!!! I will be entitled to 25% of the retirement contribution as well.
We are able to book our florist. We got Boy Mahusay from Dangwa. He is very easy to talk to and his package fits our budget. We were very thrilled because Apols has very good comments about his work. I hope he can deliver well on our wedding. He will do our bouquets, as well as the ceremony and reception arrangements.
We already have our souvenirs. Wondering why we are not so happy about it? Oh well, looooong story but let’s just say that it is not worth the effort and the hassle we went through. However looking at the bright side, we had some valuable lessons learned.
