Holy week is a significant religious observance for the country's Catholic majority, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente or the Philippine Independent Church, and most protestant groups. It is one of the most looked forward to events every year. Personally, ever since I started living here in Cebu, holy week isn't so festive as I once experienced it. I didn't get to spend the whole week with my family, and my job kept me from joining any church-related activities. But this year is special. Due to my parent's failed attempt at surprise, I spent my holy week with my family complete and very much happy.
When Sunday, the last day of the holy week, came, we decided to spend it at a beach resort. It was like a double celebration because that day was the day Jesus rose from the dead and also the day my family became complete after two years of being separated.
We booked a hotel resort in Mactan. We didn't really planned on staying there, but it's the only one we found at such short notice that accepts dogs. We got the family suite that can accommodate all of us, including my boyfriend. The master's bedroom has an overlooking view of the kid's pool, although it was sad because it was under maintenance. We decided not to dwell much on it since the room itself was already great. It was very spacious, and my dog really had a great time running around it.
In my expectations when we booked the hotel, I really thought that their resort only had one swimming pool but turns out it has four, including the children's pool right in front of our suite. We were very excited to try out their swimming pools and the beach, so we didn't waste any time and then immediately wore our bikinis. Even my mom, whom is already 54 years old, is wearing a bikini! We took a lot of good photos, thanks to my boyfriend.
After swimming, it was already 4:30 in the afternoon, and the staff there informed us that the pools will close at 5. And the restaurant will have it's last call at 6:30. We then decided to head back to our suite to wash up so we could order on time. My parents and my boyfriends got sleepy, so they took a quick nap while my sisters and I went first to the restaurant to make reservations.
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The night ended with us cuddling up to each other. Of course me with my boyfriend on the other room, and my parents and sisters on the other. We promised ourselves to watch the sunrise the next day. But we got too tired from all the swimming that we did that is why we woke up late. It was still fun, though. We enjoyed our breakfast at the restaurant, and we even got our dog to swim on the sea right after.
It might be a short trip for us all, but it was fun. The two years of being separated, was completely forgotten as we saw each other's smile. Indeed, the happiness that comes from the family is unfailing.
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