Entries from December 2011 ↓

1. The drive from Ortigas to UP Diliman is an amazing half hour, thanks to the holidays. I wistfully wish that travelling in the city is always this fast, and my Ian readily agrees.

2. He orders Rodic's famous Tapsilog for take-out dinner. It comes in a handy box of piping hot rice mixed with sweet-salty bits of beef, topped with a fried egg. My Ian lets me sneak bites of his food in exchange for half my portion of his mom's macaroni salad. He clearly expects me to learn how to make it, and I'm not sure whether to be inspired or intimidated.

3. We stroll from the Shopping Center to the Amphitheater, my hand in his and our heads in the clouds. Impromptu plans, the trees, the cold evening air, a semi-deserted street, no classes, the sound of the crickets, a delicious dinner and dreams of tomorrow. Best holiday date ever.

1. Across the jeepney, a fluffy marmalade cat dozes on the lap of a fellow passnger. It opens one eye, looks at me haughtily, and goes back to sleep. Beside the cat is a woman with a bouncing baby girl, busy chewing on her mom's bag strap. Cuteness abounds.

2. I have missed a lot of cantata rehearsals, so Dawn kindly teaches me the steps and blocking. Thankfully, I manage to nail the choreography in one go.

3. My Ian fetches me from choir practice bearing Ernie and a cup of coffee. He has booked us on a Manila Bay Dinner Cruise by Prestige Cruises. The boat glides smoothly over the black water as it circles the bay, offering a sparkly view of my hometown's skyline. We ignore the disappointing food and noisy kids running around; instead we gaze out at the city lights and enjoy each other's company.