Sunrise. Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines (via).
On Sunday night, my cousin and his family came over to visit my grandma briefly as it was her last night in New Zealand. My parent were away at the laundromat to use the dryers so I was asked to watch over everything that’s being cooked.
Five minutes after my cousin arrived, his dad (my mum’s brother) arrived with his youngest son. Okay, so we knew that my cousin was going to come over with his family, but we had no idea that his dad was coming too.
My grandma told me to set the table and she then proceeded putting the food in serving dishes - and then she invited our guests to eat. Regular Filipino hospitality, yes, but I got quite anxious (and even a little bit angry) since that dinner was meant for my family alone. I know sharing is caring, but they really should’ve phoned before coming over.
The worst part was, they didn’t even politely refuse. They didn’t even say, “Ay, salamat! Busog pa kami, mamaya nalang kami kakain.” (“Oh, thanks! We’re still full, we’ll eat later!”) Instead, they took their places at the table and feasted! After they finished, my grandma asked me to bring the pavlova out. That was the last straw. I just told her, “Gran, the pavlova is for us.”
By the time my parents arrived I was a bit of a mess. I just wanted them all to leave. My dad, who doesn’t get on too well with the personalities of my mum’s brothers, didn’t say much. We ate whatever was left of dinner, which wasn’t very much. And then we did all the dishes before folding all the clothes they brought home from the laundromat.
What were our guests doing? Watching television and changing the channel however they please. My mum ended up serving them coffee and dessert.
Last night at dinner, as my grandma had already left, my mum told us how my cousin’s wife (who is Pakeha) came up to her at work and apologised. She said she told her husband that if they were going to eat dinner at our place, they had to buy food to contribute, however her husband reassured her that they were going to be there briefly. My mum brushed it off and said it was just a really bad habit of her brother to show up unannounced and expect to be fed, and she would expect nothing less of his sons.
It was nice how she apologised. I really like how she’s part of our family. I think I like her better than my cousins. :/
Boracay Sunset
Summer 2011
coron, palawan
philippines
was AMAZING. I love that island! I couldn’t believe that in that small island, the population there is almost over 1 million! I loved my experience there, the mission trip was eye opening and I have grown and learnt a lot from it. Such a blessing it is being there and serving God for the Childrens Camp!
Got lots of pictures to put up, but that shall be for another day. Right now, all I’d wanna do is just knock out and catch up on much needed sleep. Transiting 12 hours in the airport with no airport rooms is KILLER. But thank God the team and I got through it all =D
Til next time, God bless!
Hello @TeamManila, are these available in SM outlets? Especially the tote bag. I really really like!
Lovin the sky :) #sky #orange #igersmanila #Philippines #eunheegalaxy (Taken with instagram)
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