the summer 2011 recap

Dear Universe: You've been too kind.

So. This was how we fared for summer this year:

(Cut for table of contents)

March: La Luz, Batangas with the college girl friends and significant others

+ April: Balai sa San Juan, Batangas with le familia

+ April: Stilts, Calatagan with the Research family, significant others and the best friend

+ April: Nagsasa, Zambales with the Ates

+ May: Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu, Batangas with an insane, discreet crew

+ May: Anvaya, Morong, Bataan with le familia

+ May: Calatagan, Batangas with the high school barkada

Plus let us not forget The Great Northern Luzon Adventure (Baguio, Sagada, Vigan) with the girlfriend and her family in March.

This summer had it all: action, drama, comedy, horror (LOL seryoso meron), endless sunny skies, intense summer heat, mountains, seas, alcohol and requisite bad weather.

It was a season for first times: breathtaking bus rides on Halsema highway, swimming in Baguio, and lovely Vigan; five-hour hikes and sleeping in tents in Zambales; and yes, there's managing to break into some really fantastic exclusive resorts. But then, the places may have been new, but the smiles and the faces in the pictures are more or less the same: People I've been with all this time. It's always a great pleasure to rediscover old friendships time and time again, marveling at how things manage to withstand all that.

Sabi nga nila, invest in memories, not things. Haha. Well, as far as memory-investment goes, I am happy to report na mukhang marami-rami ring nainvest for this period. This period next year, let's aim for an increase. Haha.

That said: Thanks for being part of all that, you guys; for making these places really beautiful with the awesomeness that was your company. =)

7/12 EDIT:

+ June: Peacock Garden in Bohol with the girlfriend a.k.a. the summer honeymoon getaway LOL