Another reunion with the Paypon clan

08 April 2018


Today was the last big meet-up among the Paypon clan.  We were invited to Betty's Sansrival Restaurant in Quezon City by my cousin.

It was a chance to gather the members of the clan who weren't in Calayan or who weren't able to make it to Calayan to meet up with everyone  else.

Sam's 3rd birthday at Kenny Roger's Katipunan

07 April 2018

Today we celebrated Sam's 3rd birthday at Kenny Rogers Katipunan.

Despite just coming home from almost a day's travel from Calayan Island, the Paypon clan saw each other again here and it's like we aren't tired at all.  I guess that's what family is all about :)

Happy birthday Sam!  Thanks for the invite Sil and Sally! :)

2018 Calayan Adventure, Day 07 - Traveling back to Manila (Calayan-Claveria-Laoag-Manila)

06 April 2018

Goodbye Calayan Island!  Today is our last day on the island.  As early as 5AM, we were awake and having breakfast because our boat leaves at 7AM for Claveria Port.

From Claveria, we headed to Laoag where we waited for our scheduled bus ride home. 

We booked the 8PM bus so that we'll all just sleep on the way home.

After around 11 hours on the bus, we arrived in Manila, safe but pretty tired. :)

2018 Calayan Adventure - Day 06 - Sagpat Family Farms and Despedida Dinner

05 April 2018

Today was dedicated to visiting our family's respective farms and properties.  For my Dad who hasn't been to the island in 20 years, this was like an eye-opener.  He was able to see how much the island has changed, even with just the little part that he'd seen.  I guess now he isn't going to wait 20 more years for him to return :D

Then, despedida dinner... a poignant time...

2018 Calayan Adventure - Day 05 - Ventura-Gaduang Nuptials, Night Swimming and a Bonfire

04 April 2018

Today was the much-awaited day for my niece Keith Joy and her long-time boyfriend Kelvin.  It's their Wedding Day and we were so honored to be part of their celebration!  Congratulations!!

Even after the reception ended in the afternoon, the party continued on with a bonfire at the beach in the evening :)

2018 Calayan Adventure - Day 04 - A Birthday/Family Reunion Celebration and a Sunset Tour in Punta Magsidel

03 April 2018

Traveling to my Dad's hometown is actually pretty insane considering the distance, modes of transport and time required to reach it.  But we made the journey out of love, out of familial responsibility and of gratitude for the people we consider our own.

One of the reasons for this trip happened today - a celebration of birthdays for Uncle Angel, Auntie Biyang and my Dad...

2018 Calayan Adventure - Day 03 - Hiking to Sibang Cove

02 April 2018

Aaah!  Sibang Cove - pristine white sand, blue-green waters, relative isolation... you're worth the 40 minute, grueling hike....

This was where we decided to have our family pictorial to commemorate the reunion of the Paypon siblings. 

Food for the picnic was brought over by lampitaw, including relatives who weren't able to make the trek.

Happy to share our pictures with you! :)

2018 Calayan Adventure - Day 02 - Traveling to Calayan Island (Claveria to Calayan)

01 April 2018

Happy Easter everyone!  Today is the day we board the boat on our way to Calayan Island, my dad's hometown.  It's exciting because it's been 10 years since we were last there and the kids don't probably remember much about that trip, so this is like a new experience for them...

This post shows you our journey from Claveria to Calayan... Look out for more of the rest of the journey in the succeeding posts... :)

2018 Calayan Adventure: Day 01 - Traveling to Calayan Island (Manila-Tuguegarao-Claveria)

31 March 2018

Traveling to Calayan Island is a journey in itself.  This post covers the trip from Manila to Tuguegarao, then to Claveria.  We stayed overnight at a resort in Claveria because boats to Calayan only travel in the morning and at the very latest, noon.

The rest of the trip continues in the next posts :)

Dana's Recognition Day, 2018

26 March 2018

Photo by SCC

Today, it's Dana's turn at Recognition Day.  She received the "With Honors" award, among 6 other students in her grade level.  We're really proud of her!!

Actually, we've told her often that it's okay if she doesn't get an award, that what's important is that she LEARNS and UNDERSTANDS.  It's not about memorizing facts and details, though they are also important.  But, it's better if she takes the lessons to heart and remember them well for there's more studying and practical applications in the future :)

But, having an award sure does make you feel like you've accomplished something, doesn't it?  As long as she's happy and won't let it get into her head, it's fine :)

Congrats Dana!! :) We're proud of you!