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I'm usually not the biggest eager beaver when Holy Week rolls around. But my mom and my guy are. So I decided this year, Visita Iglesia will be extra special for me. Instead of going to the usual churches that are near my place, we went to churches I liked—old churches with interesting architectural details, none near my place at all. Every time I get to visit a nice old church, I feel like I'm in another time and place (the ones in Ilocos are amazing ).

We had to park in the weirdest places, push through huge crowds, and go home later than usual—but it was all so worth it. Because finding a new way to do the same old thing made me more excited about my faith, and reminded me why I love our country so much.

Check out some of my fave shots from that night:

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Last Holy Week, my friends and I had a chance to spend seven blissful days in Batanes—a group of islands on the northernmost part of the Philippines. It's a magical place that will transport you to other worlds.

Greece and the Mediterranean Sea. Standing on these stone steps made me feel like a part of ancient civilization. Look at how blue the water is!

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Hey, Candy girls!

Let me introduce you to my Holga.

I have not yet named her (oh, but I do think Holga's a she. Haha!), but I'm leaning towards Helga (as in Pataki in Hey Arnold, haha!). What do you think? Any suggestions?

My Holy weekend was spent with my dad's family in my tita's quaint little house on Happy Road. There's really nothing to do there but eat and sleep, but it was a welcome escape from the stressful city life. 

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My little bro Macu celebrated his ninth birthday two weeks ago (Yep, he was born in the same year and month Candy was!). It got me thinking how fast he seems to be growing up—I remember carrying him around the house when he was a tiny baby, and now he's actually big enough to carry ME! Haha! Macu has been the youngest in our family for so long, and he's used to being asked to do silly things all the time (pose as Kung Fu Panda, dress up as a pirate for Halloween and speak like one all day, air-guitar to Metro Station—and yes, all of these are my ideas). He's always game to sing or dance for you, and he gives the most amazing hugs (the Candy team can attest to this). Plus, he's almost always cheerful, and always says hilarious stuff out of nowhere. He's quite a prankster too: Last week, he put a fake snake on my tummy while I was sleeping, just because he was hungry and wanted me to wake up so we can have breakfast together. He's a Big Boy now (and a very smart one), but he'll always be our baby. Enjoy being nine years old, MacuBacu! We luuurve you!

 
2004 and 2008. I love that photo of him in is trunks! Hehe.

Big Sister,
Marla

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For me, no childhood is complete without a trip to Disneyland. My siblings and I have been there at least once as kids and I’ve visited that same world as a grown-up, but the enchanting power it has on me has not diminished one iota.

Me and my sis Kathy sporting Disney tees in Japan way, waaaay back in ’84.Can you say excited?

Riding Disneyland's Autopia with my Dad behind the wheel. Read the rest of this entry »

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