Mount Samat, Bataan

We went on a one-day road trip to Mount Samat in Bataan, about 90minutes drive away from Pampanga, Angeles City. This was a crucial summit point in the World War II fight between the Americans & the Japanese. It has become a memorial point in commemoration of the brave American & Filipino soldiers who fought a good fight.
There were Gymboy, Beng, 2 kiddos, Uncle Ben & Aunty Merla, and of course, the 2 motorbikes for the ride up the mountain! The ride up the mountain on the bike was the best part of the whole trip!

Uncle Ben at the wheel

Cool Merla with shades

Justin falling asleep

Our Jeep made it to the Mountain Peak

Beng & Merla

Merla & I

This is the iconic cross at the top of the mountain. We took an elevator up where you could see marvellous scenery from up there.

Mount Samat Shrine

On our ride back to Angeles City, we were stopped by some checkpoint police. Apparently they were suspicious of the 2 bikes in the van, suspecting that they were stolen. Seriously? We would steal a bike with 2 kids in the van and 2 ladies. There was identification for only one of the bike; while the other bike is John John’s, so there was no identification with us at that point. After some negotiation, they paid a 200Peso (about SGD$8) fine/bribe/fee or whatever you call it to them. Lo and behold, as we were entering another city, we met another checkpoint again! LOL. Uncle Ben stopped the van just before the checkpoint to make it look like we had met with some problems with the van. The 3 guys were thinking of how to cover up the bikes. It was ironical how we were acting like some bike thieves! Good thing it was dark by then, and we covered up the bikes with some t-shirts and cloth. And we passed through the checkpoint without being checked! Looking at the situation in The Philippines, they could really re-direct the resources for these checkpoint police to improving the country’s economy and corruption problems. Dear President Aquino, hope you’re reading this blog post

Hello Angeles City!

I arrived at Clark Airport (Diosado Magapagal International Airport) this afternoon with Tiger Air/SE Air. Don’t ask my why but the ticket was booked with Tiger Airways, flight was flown with SE Air. Anyway, flight was pretty decent, and pretty full capacity. The flight took about 1hour+ from Changi Airport to Diosado Magapalgal. Of course, we were asked to alight and make our walk into the terminal. Don’t expect any glitzy airport facilities. Its basically equipped with a baggage collection point, checkout point, immigration gates and ta-da, I see Aunty Merla & MarieVic waiting for me at the exit gate. It felt a little of déjà vu, from 1 ½ years ago when I visited The Philippines. Especially, when Uncle Ben came to pick me up with the red jeepyney van!

Air Strip at Clark Airport

My first snack upon arrival was Banana Cue (sorry, no pic for this!). Its basically bananas fried with some kind of sauce and it turns out crispy, piping hot and SWEET.... I like it!

We arrived at Aunty Merla’s little house that was recently built. Apparently they rushed to build it just in time for me. Its like a cute little studio apartment with a bedroom, small kitchen area and bathroom. I met the 2 kiddos, Jumong & Justin. They are not brothers, Jumong is Justin’s uncle. Yes, uncle, and he’s the younger one. They were really happy to receive the Transformers watch! Jumong is actually Justin's uncle, although he is younger than Justin.

Mong & Tin with the Transformers watches

Jumong & Justin

My favorite furniture: the Bamboo Bench

Don't be deceived by his angelic face. He is a littler monster!!!

Mong