THE LOVE AFFAIR: The Movie

Ok! I watched this Filipino film because it starred Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta. The story was too common in Philippine setting- a wife who lost a child, ventured into business as a way of moving on, neglected a husband, accused of philandering that signal the husband who seemingly been working too hard for his family to give way into looking for a fling that justified the whole story. Later, the wife realized her flaws and gave up her business and determined to save the marriage, did all she can to win back a husband who's so confused between giving up his family or giving in to his feelings towards a young woman who also undergoes the same predicament as he was whom he accidentally met along the way. In the end, the husband realized that family matters the most and chose his wife and children over his mistress; thereby ending the story as happily ever after. 

Bea Alonzo, who played the educated lawyer but displaced by her emotional woes found Richard in her deepest struggles and the two became too hooked up that they thought things are doing well until the wife found out of the relationship. 

Generally, the movie was lame. Story was so common. Richard didn't show an acting prowess while Dawn did good, but Bea was better. Bea, if molded properly is a good actress. She needs refinement but overall, she justified her role. The only thing I like about the movie was having the husband choose his family in the end.  I've known people with this kind of story to tell. But reality check, 99% would leave and chose the other path. 

Overall, I give Love Affair 7.5/10 as my personal rating. If you haven't seen the movie, go watch it. Tangkilikin ang sariling atin!

SEX AND INTIMACY: To discuss or not to discuss with your kids

When Kryztl was 5 years old, she came to me asking how she came to the world and how she was "formed". I always knew that this time will come but not this early. Yet, I was ready. I sat down with her, took my nursing book and talked to her like an adult. I started with the human anatomy, explaining in detail with pictures. I showed pictures of the male and female reproductive organs, her eyes curiously looking at each item I point at. She wasn't asking questions tho' but I remember asking many, to be sure she understood. The most challenging part of the lecture was the physiological aspect. I wasn't sure if I need to be brutally honest or withhold some information; yet, I decided to be straightforward explaining every detail, using language she usually hear from people who indiscreetly use these words. At the end of the lecture, which I vividly remember took a couple of hours on one hot afternoon in our home in Valenzuela City, she hugged and thanked me for not being angry for her asking. I assured her she've got a friend in me and she has to trust me with things like this. I always make sure that her mommy has always the ear to hear and a heart to understand. 

Knycole was different. It didn't come early nor were there questions. Hers was firsthand. I brought her to the Delivery and Operating Room where an actual birth was taking place. I was a Clinical Instructor at the University of Baguio and as I taught my students, I was also teaching my daughter without the book but with the actual experience of what transpired on the body of the woman who just have given birth to a baby. I have used the words intimacy, love, marriage, sex in a way that they appear sacred and needs to be treated sacred.  

I kept emphasizing that these topics aren't laughing stock! They exist and it is part of the plan, a plan that emphasize of the sanctity of marriage, the importance of a family, of a man and a woman and believing and giving heed to these principles will bring joy and happiness here in mortality and in the life to come. 

THE STUNNING DEEP COVE

It was Sunday, alright! And I'm quite tired from my morning activities. I need a de-stressor! But the planned afternoon activity didn't work out so well that we decided instead to go visit Deep Cove. 

Deep Cove, or Deepwater is few minutes away from where my sister lives and with a cousin willing to drive us over to the place, we didn't spend a minute for a second thought of going for some exploration that same afternoon. 

Parked through here- free parking that closes at 11pm. 

Parking Area

Getting out of the car, here's what you have to walk through to see the beauty of the place. 

The Entrance to the Cove

It was indeed breathtaking! I have seen this view for at least 3 times during my driving lessons but haven't really had a close encounter. 

Beautiful scenery at Deep Cove

Deep Cove is known for its beauty. Who wouldn't want to have their picture taken here? Not me! I made sure I have mine taken with the yacht club as my backdrop, 

Yacht Club as my background

With its proximity to forests, mountains, skiing, parks and the water, Deep Cove is well known among outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

Mountains surround the waters at the Cove

The Gallant Wharf

Everywhere I see, my eyes caught every piece an evidence of God's masterpiece. 

Me near Gallant Wharf

The bay in front of the community is one of the few in Indian Arm which has both a sheltering shape and the shallow bottom required for overnight anchorage of pleasure vessels. Now, the place is called the Gallant Wharf which is open to the public. There is another one on the ither right side but exclusively for owners only. 

Welcome to Gallant Wharf

Yachts are over the place

Another photo with the Canada flag as a background 

With my nephew Kirby and those yachts 

Some of these yachts stay overnight or have been there as their fort

For yacht owners only?

Deep Cove is a popular small boat centre, with Rowing Club, Canoe, and kayak rentals and lessons, and a Marina.

Kayaks for rent

This is where to get the gear you need when Kayaking or canoeing 

Price List

The above price list will let you decide which best suit your preference. Even on my 4 1/2 inch wedge, I would want kayaking but it was almost closing time and no one was brave enough to go with me so we just sat down and enjoyed watching people and nature in awe and admiration. I thought I will add kayaking and stand up paddle boarding to my bucket list for another summer escapade next year. 

Beautiful place for kayaking and canoeing 

Paddle board and canoeing

After a short walk, We decided to drop by the famous doughnut shop at the store located at the entrance of the village. At CAD2 each, I finished mine in a split of a second! I must be very hungry or the donut must have been very tasty that I devoured mine in no time. And bought one more the taking. 

 

The famous Doughnut shop

Honeyglazed Doughnut with Soda for an empty stomach

There are places where tourists frolick prior to or after getting much of the energy from the stunning beauty of the cove - the food stores on the streets that cater to coffee, ice cream, donuts, pizza and many more interesting stuff for the hungry belly.

Food stores are over the place

More food stores

And more stores

And beautiful sceneries around the place, too. 

Deep Cove Cultural Centre

At the end of our adventure, it's relaxing to just sit down and simply enjoy the sceneries.

Me and my sister Annabelle

As I sat down in there, there were random thoughts that run through my mind. Yet, if there's one thing that I really wanted it pushed through at that very moment, that would be to share my experience today. For those who've been here, you know the feeling. For those who haven't, may this writing ignite your dreams and your passion to nature, that someday you come visit the Deepwater which we call THE DEEP COVE. 

WHISTLER ADVENTURE: Day 2, Part 1 THE LOST SMARTPHONE

The girls and I thought of waking up early Monday morning for the peak to peak gondola ride but the not-so-cold, not-so-hot weather with the breeze coming from the fan has kept us on bed til 7:30am and not really moving until we were called for breakfast. Breakfast was oh so yummy Filipino dishes- rice, fried dried fishes of different varieties (previously cooked so as not to have its stinky scent spread the whole house), eggs, corned beef and melons. 

Best served with hot choco, the seven of us devoured all of the foods on the table for an hour! The talking while eating made us all savor more of these stuff as if we were in the Philippines! 

Left the house geared with sunglasses, hats, fully charged phones, bottle of water, few Sprite in cans, debit and credit cards (didn't bring in cash), and few important stuff inside our bags. 

Walked at the back of Eagle Drive compound to Whistler Village and having fun as we followed the trail to the place.

We took pictures along the way, had funny poses, jump shots and laughters as we walked along. 

We passed through beautiful sceneries that slowed us down as we checked on them and took pictures.

When finally we reached the village, we didn't waste more time purchasing tickets. 

After we bought 4 tickets (3 didn't come with us, they had other things to do), Laura remembered checking her phone and it's gone missing! She thought it might have fallen while we did the jumpshots. We called her phone and it's ringing but nobody answers. They then decided to go back to check. 

I was left alone with my ticket. I sat down at the benches near one of the pub grills near the ticketing area and enjoyed watching people walk to and from the Gondola ticket booth. Saw this bizarre cloud formation while I waited.

And this unique breed of dog!

It took them less than an hour before they came back. The phone was inside the one if the washrooms in the house where we stayed and nobody from those who were left behind heard it because it was on a silent mode. When we finally settled things, we then lined up and started the ride.

Later in the afternoon, we realized that the reason why the phone was "lost" was  for Laura to go back to the condotel and have her car moved so the other car infront would get out because the 3 have to leave earlier. Should the phone didn't get "lost", we should have gone back to the house earlier and not enjoy fully that peak to peak gondola ride! 

Indeed, the way we see things defer. But remember that there is always good in everything. It's just how we look at it that determines our ability to conquer the challenges that come along.

Next blog: The Peak to Peak Gondola Ride

WHISTLER ADVENTURE DAY 1: Love At First Sight

It was almost 8pm when Laura and I arrived at Whistler Village. The drive took us an hour and a half and the moment I set my foot on the place, I instantly fall in love with its captivating, enchanting, fascinating view. Everything I saw was a piece of paradise. No wonder, Whistler is one of the top tourist destinations here in British Columbia.

Found a free parking where we left the car and walked few meters to the foot of Mount Blackcomb to meet other friends. It was glorious to see mountains and the greens. The whole place was simply breathtaking. 

The Stunning Olympic Village at Whistler Village at night

We spent hours strolling Whistler Village. The Village is the central neighborhood of the town of Whistler, located at the base of both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It is divided into several areas - the Village, Village North and Upper Village. All the areas are connected by the paved, pedestrian-only Village stroll.

Whistler Village is a home away from home. As we walked along the stone walkways, I thought immediately of my kids hoping they, too will experience what I now experience. 

With the girls

Having a little rest from a long walk to the village

The Village is where locals and visitors mingle throughout the year, coming and going from outdoor adventures. There are people shopping and renting skis and bikes, kids exploring the playgrounds and plenty of people-watching opportunities from sunny patios and restaurants. Depending on the season, you can catch events like free open air concerts, street entertainment and markets.

Tourists come and go especially during the summer

After an hour of walk, we stopped by the Olympic site and took pictures. 

Afternoon view of the olympic site

Laura and myself on a relaxed mode

Tourists of all ages simply enjoy the view and the weather at the park

The stop has given us the time to watch people of different races, languages and colors. But no matter the differences were, we were here as one to celebrate nature and its wonder.

Just one of the views in the village

I knew that this visit would be exciting. I've spent most of my energy in awe and admiration. And I haven't really have seen the whole place yet! It was 10pm when we left the village and planned for tomorrow's gig. My smile can't contain my excitement and gratitude for having been invited over to the place. And if there's one thing I learned today: that LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT exists! 

Welcome to Whistler!

A Welcomer!

THE MONGOLIE GRILL AT WHISTLER

It was past 2pm and the Peak to Peak Gondola ride that lasted 2 1/2 hours at Whistler Blackcomb plus the almost half an hour walk under the heat of the summer sun to Whistler Village has left our tummies grumbling. One of the girls suggested we can have lunch at Mongolie Grill inside the village. Heard no opposing comment, we headed to 4295 Blackcomb Way in the heart of the village to fill in our empty stomachs.

We were greeted with a mounted television at the entrance, walked 10 steps to the stairs going to 2nd floor and were immediately accomodated. There were four of us, by the way.

The Brand

A waiter attended to us and explained what is to be expected in the restaurant. 

Taking orders

Then handed each of us the purple colored menu. 

Purple colored menu

The menu has nothing in it but drinks. 

Menu for the drinks

The foods were at the counter where you have to choose which variety you want for your meal. Choose from a wide selection of quality fresh vegetables, asian-pacific noodles, succulent meats & seafood. I was warned by Laura, a regular at the grill that I should be wise in choosing what goes out to my bowl because the foods are priced by weight prior to cooking. 

Choose from a variety of vegetables and noodles here

Choose from a wide array of spices here

Choose from different fresh meat and seafoods here

I'm always anxious when I am asked to prepare my own meal. I don't know what I want or what tastes good all mixed up. I took the chance and selected the mongolie sauce, chili sauce plus the teriyaki sauce all mixed up. 

Different sauces available to spice up your food

The chef will then weigh in the food and transfer them to this round shaped pan for stir frying. Mine was priced at $13.95. Cheap but too few! 

Weighing in of foods by the chef

What's good about this place was that you get to see how your food is to be cooked. 

Food is cooked infront of the customers

I guess when I heard that the food is to be weighed in, I got anxious and don't want to be carried away creating my own dish that the price ends up higher than expected and stick only to the most favorite - few pieces of teriyaki chicken, shrimp, beef and few vegetables and 3 sauces. 

Mine was less than a pound, I guess

All of these come with free rice and miso soup. I'm glad I ordered soda for a drink, mine was oh, so hot! 

Miso soup

We stayed for an hour enjoying the food, the view, the chats and this fortune cookie! Quite an experience indeed! 

Overall, my Mongolie Grill experience was great! If you are to ask me if I would want to come back or would recommend this to friend? I would! After all, the place was great and the foods, amazing! 

Here's one last look at the resto! Enjoy! 

Welcome to Mongolie Grill

THE MONGOLIE GRILL, WHISTLER

4295 Blackcomb Way, #201
Whistler, BC V0N1B4

Tel: (604) 938-9416
Fax: (604) 938-9407

Neighbourhood: Whistler Village

• Cuisine: Asian
• Price: $$ ($15 - $30)
• Service: Takeout
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Features: Patio
• Hours: Mon - Sun: 11:30AM - 10PM