The Road to Happiness

The candles of my cousin’s birthday cake had been lit. After the birthday song was sang, the celebrant blew out the candles.  Good wishes were expressed and slices of cake passed around the table.

At the main table sat my mother, her two sisters, her cousins and a couple of nieces—me included. Over cups of coffee, the past was revisited. Of people long gone, of places close to the heart and road trips experienced. 

Chillin' Time

I have been to Tagaytay, the nearest resort town from Manila, many times. Although the inroads made by tourism efforts has been responsible for the lost of Tagaytay's provincial innocence, the chilly air, foggy mornings and the awe-inspiring view of Taal Volcano makes for a good reason to return again and again.

And so, last Janaury, I found myself heading up the southern trail with seven very close friends.