Driving back to Opon (Lapu-Lapu City)

Loquito and I left the Home of Love just before sunset, we were both happy as well as sad.  We dont know which one of it was more but I felt I left my heart in the Home of Love.  I kept thinking about what I can do to help the children, how I can help to make their lives better, although despite the situation, they gave Loquito and I their warmest and the most sincere hugs and smiles.  There was nothing like it.  When you see the twinkle in their eyes the moment they see you looking at them and then they shy away hiding behind the Pink Nun, some of them vibrant enough to giggle. "Sigh"

the pink nuns and their beneficiaries at the orphanage

The drive back was long and silent.  We haven't been to that part of Cebu and we had no clue if we were on the right road.  We passed Balamban town center and we were amazed that on the mountain top there are shopping malls.  It was not something we thought of or expected to see.  I was under the impression that it would be a typical market with livestocks and a lot of vegetables.  Well - I was wrong!  We drove for about 2 hours and we got into a very dark road without lights.  I couldn't make out were exactly we were, my phone signal was on and off and the road was uphill, going down, blind curve and ranges from dark to super dark.  We could see some lights flickering from a distance, I could only think that those were lights from the houses on the mountain.  There were very few cars, in fact - it was only us and then some random motorbike from time to time with 4-5 people on it. I got a little scared at some point, but I didn't tell Loquito that - otherwise there will be two of us uncertain on this road trip of insanity, but in all honestly  I really didn't know if we will make it back to Cebu City that night or we will just camp by the road side and wait til day light.  At some point I knew Loquito was also uncertain if we took the right road, he kept asking me if I know where we were.  A few more minutes and we were on a road that I was familiar with, we reached Barangay Busay and then Nivel Hills in Lahug and the torture in my head started to subside.

We covered the north Cebu by road

We drove back in the city and back to Mactan Island or Opon (old name of Lapu-lapu city).  It was almost midnight when we arrived and both of us lost the appetite to eat but we were both up for a massage.  We were lucky that we saw one on our way to hotel and most customers were already gone, so there were massage therapists available. The massage was for an hour and it was the best massage I've ever had, although it may not be that good in other times but this time it was heaven.  After traveling, with what felt like the end of the world, it was a great treat to ourselves.  By then we had already completed our Cebu North Road Trip.  I dozed off to sleep, with the children's happy thoughts and the beginning of a new adventure for tomorrow. 

Home of Love (Orphanage) in Tuburan Cebu

When we arrived at the Home of Love, at first we were not sure if it was the one, the center was on top of the hill, there was a huge gate that looked like it has seen better days.  I was under the impression that perhaps they have another gate that they use in another part of the center but then we were greeted by a security guard and asked us if we were there to see Sr. Margaret, apparently they were expecting us.  Unfortunately Sr. Margaret was out of town so there was another pink nun that welcomed us.
There was a huge parking space just as you enter. Then there about over 50 steep steps leading to the center.  When we reached the top of the steps, I was panting like crazy as if my tongue would drop.  Haven't had enough adventure of the day? huh! The nun was already there waiting for us with a sincere smile.  Like Sr. Margaret she was very soft spoken and sound very fragile.  I wondered if they all are and I wonder if they ever know how to curse or have they even once in their lives.  I'm crazy to have thought about this.

Sr. Margaret with one of the boys

So, she showed us around. Loquito and I were lead inside.  We were surprised to discover that the center holds about 30+ kids and some rescued women from bars and streets.  Some of them were forced to become underage prostitutes and became drug dependent while some of them were forced to marry at young age and of course had children at 14 or 15 years old.  My god, at that age I was still collecting sandrio stationeries and doing scrapbooks in school while these girls were forced to grow up beyond their age.
We also found out that there was a fence around the center so high that it was impossible to climb if one would think of escaping.  And the windows and doors have grills on them.  At some point I was compelled to ask about it, Sr. Mary ( i thought her name was - i think they are all called Sr. Mary and then another name for example my friend Sr. Mary Margaret), told us that some women and children would escape to go back to their old life.  The center is isolated and there is nothing much to do, so they would run away, some of them were addicted to their life before the center so, about 2-3 months from their rescue they would attempt to run away, hence the fence and grills.  It sounded very sad.

Home of Love children

We were showed their rooms, some ladies with 3 kids and they are sharing in one tiny room like a small family. We saw their facilities, they also have a chapel inside, some classroom and a library with books that have seen better days and some learning tools for both kids and adults.  They also have some collection of cartoon movies for the kids which meant a lot to those little angels, they were so bubbly telling me a summary of fairy tales they saw and I would tell them some part of it, they would look at me wide eyed. One asked me if I also grew up there since I know most of their movies, I smiled and told them that I was once a child like them, so we had the same activities, watched the same fairy tales.  And their smiles were contagious. It was the best picture that I have in my mind that day. The picture of the white beach and blue sky of bantayan island was nothing compared to the picture of these children smiling and giggling in front of us.  At some point they also gave us a dance number which really entertained us most of the afternoon. And then, they were all over Loquito, they all want to be held, he would toss them in the air and catch them like a ball with his huge hands. When we were outside just sitting by the wooden shed, they were all clinging to him like a chinese lucky buddha having to many children all over him.  I was surprised it didn't bother him one bit. There was a joy somehow in his eyes that told me he was enjoying that moment too as I did.  Sr Mary was telling us that the kids always like to play with male visitors, perhaps because they are all women in the center and kids long to have a male figure or a father and we all understood this.
It was 5pm and we should be leaving, we have to drive back to the city, how long? we have no clue.
We said goodbye to the children and promised them that we will be back one day, we also took note of what we can do to help them.

Home of Love children

Sr. Margaret had been in touch with us and shared with us their project which Loquito and I will look at ways how we can help.  They are establishing a livelihood project for the women at Home of Love so that they will be able to stand on their own without subjecting themselves into going back to prostitution.

For any one interested to help for this project, you may visit this link.
Home of Love Livelihood Project
Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries 




     

Leaving Bantayan Island for Home of Love

After our very peaceful and sunny beach day in Bantayan Island, we decided to cut our trip short due to the weather report forecasting strong winds the following day or possibly in the next couple of hours.  So, we decided to go back to Cebu City on the next ferry out.  As we were getting ready, "Kulut" (the guy who rented us his motorbike) - came to see us, he was just coming by to check if we need his assistance however, he found out that we were planning to leave.  Although, not in the least happy but he was very understanding and was very helpful getting us to the pier and bought tickets.  We managed to get on a ferry on the last minute, and I guess people rely on weather forecast more in Bantayan Island coz believe it or not - the ferry was full.

Kota Beach

The sea was calm when we left Sta. Fe Port and soon enough we realized that the ferry we were on was slower than the one we came by with however it is bigger compared to the previous.  Half way through the channel the wind picked up and the boat started to rock.  I was a bit scared but pleased that we made the right decision of going back.  I've overheard from the locals chatting behind us that the wind usually picks up in the afternoon and that it is wiser to get on the slower ferry, it is bigger and safer.  I was contented to hear this despite that I felt nauseated the last half of the journey.  When I saw the pier from a distance, I felt relieved.  The ferry - although slightly bigger but it was the same smell of smoke and engine roaring and hammering your head the whole time, much worse coz the floor we were sitting or standing on constantly vibrates from the engine.  It maybe because the boat was large and therefore uses a bigger engine? whether this is right or wrong - the vibrating adds up to my motion sickness. I didn't really know how I survived the trip without complaining or better yet - without getting really sick but I'm happy I manage to keep my cool.

Built like a tank!

We got off the ferry as soon as possible when it we were told it was ok to leave the boat.  Loquito - being so tall and built like a tank, he managed to pull me and our bags passed all passengers rushing to the exit. Size really does matter! As soon as we got out, we collected the car from the covered parking space.  I was praying the drunk guy isn't there, tough luck he was, I guess my prayers didn't reach God in time.  We settled our parking fee and I had Loquito handle the guy.  Hell! - drunk or not - he should be intimidated by the man that's twice his size and also very good at pretending he doesn't speak English! hahaha..this does the trick most of the time.

When we left we decided to drive through a different route than when we got there, and also too that we will visit the Home of Love orphanage.  It was something we been wanting to do since our vacation begun.  According to google map, from Hagnaya Port to Tuburan was 47 kilometers - I hope its not a lie! Coz it doesnt sound like it was that far.  However, it was the first time we took that road, and also the first time to visit the center in Tuburan and we have no clue how to get there but to rely on google map directions.  We drove for about half an hour and I realized we were running out of fuel. I was getting really worried, the road we were on  was mountainous, going up - down - blind curves - and the houses were far apart, there were hardly any people on the street and some road doesn't even have any visible houses by the road side and it stretched on for a few kilometers, let alone a gasoline station out of nowhere.

according to google map

Loquito told me to drive slower so we could conserve the fuel, should be enough to get us to Tuburan town center.  As we got nearer we can see some people walking on the street and I felt relieved, that it felt like we were back in civilization and less of the mountains scenery.  We checked for the gasoline station right away and then we asked around how to get to the Home of Love.  Apparently the orphanage is famous as Pink Sisters coz the nuns that run the center wears Pink!  So after, asking a couple of people we found a narrow road leading to the center.  It was a very steep climb, I was told by the Nuns to leave the car at the foot of the path but Loquito wanted to take it up, so he took over the wheel.  There was no way in hell I could make it up if I were to drive, the center was position on top of the hill. When we got there, indeed we were greeted with the Pink Nun and a lot of lovely children.  Although it felt like we were driving forever and we started to feel tired, but when we hear the kids laugh, it was all we needed to feel good again.     

Kota Beach Resort

So, we reached Bantayan Island and had no reservations whatsoever, but with some tips from the motorbike driver "Kulot" - who rented us his motorbike, we found Kota Beach Resort.  Although this was after 4-5 resorts that refused us because they were full,  we were so glad to have found a resort with a beach front - this is all we need and we knew we were in the right place, after all - the purpose was to find any white beach in Cebu we can set our foot on.  The rooms were facing the beach and most of them occupied by long staying guests, some of them stay for months. The rates are affordable - it's between P800 - P3000 depending on the location of the room.  The resort was very basic no other facilities besides the restaurant and reception - the beach is the only thing they have at best and the rooms - although, facing the beach those were made to disappoint, it was already run down and the fittings were just as old and tired - Seriously needs some renovation.

beach front cottages

I've been to Bantayan Island a couple of times before, I have an Uncle (my Dad's brother) lives there and my bestfriend Leila's Dad - grew up in Madredejos (one of the three municipality on Bantayan Island).  However, I have no clue which side of the island has the best beach, as usually when you travel with locals in the area they just drag you all over the place and you have no idea where you were, how you got there, after all you did that day.  So, finding a beach front view rooms and white beach was a feat for Loquito and I, somehow it was like threading in unchartered territory.  It was raining when we arrived but we managed to swim in the dark in between the interval rains.  It did felt creepy at some point swimming in the water that you cant even see whats in there, except you just struggle to keep afloat and ensure not to touch your feet underwater.  The beach front didn't have lights on, and we were only relying on the reflections of the lights from the resorts restaurant a couple of meters away and the light post from a resort next to ours.  There were other people swimming, so it was not that scary staying in the water. Actually it was easier to stay in the water than out of it, the wind was a bit of a chill and it was was more scary to you get out of the water.  The beach was really nice and swimming made us feel better, despite the darkness and after a long day of driving, boat ride and then motorbike in the rain it was a treat.  It does sound like a long day does it? I would like to say "it was Fun" but i have difficulties extracting the words from my head since there was a point when I was wet shivering cold on the motorbike under the rain.

Local fishermen

After swimming, we had dinner at the resorts restaurant. Ding Dong Restaurant! I don't know who would name a resorts restaurant Ding Dong but it was it's name.  We couldn't help giggling - not with excitement but with pure sarcasm.  The menu was a big selection, however, a lot of the ones we wanted to order were not available but, they still kept it in the menu (after all these years - I guess!).  "Sigh". After a long struggle with the Menu I ended up ordering vegetable fried rice, i thought it would be the safest choice since Filipinos are really fond of rice - so you can't go wrong with any rice courses and Loquito looked at me as if my choice was from the menu outer space.  When the food came after about an hour of waiting, my food was unbelievably a poor choice.  I ended up eating what Loquito ordered and hardly touched my fried rice and I swear - I will never order fried rice again.

Loquito found his white beach and the perfect blue sky

The night was short due to the rain, and then it was pouring hard and harder and then some very loud thunder, it felt like the walls would break - we didn't have a choice but to sleep.  We woke up with a really nice weather the following day.  The sun was up and it was really hot.  After breakfast at Ding Dong Resto (this time breakfast was inclusive of the room rate) although it was just toasted slice bread, a powdered juice mix, coffee or tea, butter and jam - it didnt matter, we were more excited with the beach than food.  We took a walk on the beach and went all the way to the last resort in the area and notice all of the ones that refused us but we were so happy to realized that our resort has better beach.  There were very few people on the beach, and it felt like we had our own private white beach.  I knew most people were hiding from the sun and we just did the opposite.  We found a spot with very fine sand, so we laid our towels, swam for a while and then lay there to soak up some sun - as if I needed more colour, seriously I couldn't be more darker from all the beaches we been already.

not sure if those two are out on a romantic cruise

Bantayan Island is a great place for honeymooners and beach bums I guess, there was little trouble that disturbs your peace.  The beach is amazing, the sand is white and very fine like sugar and no crowded place.  It's like a little peace of heaven, however with a bad weather there is a possibility that you will be stuck on the island, because the ferry company doesn't operate when the wind is strong, the sea could be really rough.

Bantayan Island Cebu

For Loquito's vacation in Cebu, we did a road trip around the whole province,  South first and then went up North looking for the best white beach we could set our foot on and perhaps do some scuba diving in the area while we're at it.  The north of Cebu is usually Bantayan Island that would come to mind first, although there are other places along the way and also islands around but Bantayan island is easier to get to and offers more accommodations for those like us that comes without reservations.

farmers transporting coconuts

We drove from Mactan Island early morning so we could get to Hagnaya Pier in San Remegio - almost the tip of Northern Cebu to catch a ferry that would take us to Bantayan Island.  It was like island hopping really...only - we were using a car instead of a boat.  The drive was long, from 8am to 11.30am we were on the road with mostly greeneries and massive sugarcane plantations stretched towards the horizon.  We saw farmers transporting their produce, either vegetables, fruits, sugarcane or coconuts. It was my first time driving there with only goggle map to rely on, as if I really know how to take directions from a map!!! I wasn't really sure if we took the right road most of the time.  Luckily, we only got lost once!  The funny thing was, when we realized we were on the wrong road, we stopped to asked for direction with the only person we saw by the road side and it was an Italian guy who hardly spoke English let alone tell us where we are and how to get to where we should be.  We laugh most of the way, we flipped the car and head back to the main road, and as per goggle we were actually on the right road, little did we know that there were two piers that caters for Bantayan Island.  One with ferry shuttles and one with local pumpboats that you can privately hire.  And we head to the latter, but we realized it soon enough so we took the other road that leads to the right pier for us.

little girls selling budbud (sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves) on the road

When we got to Hagnaya Pier almost at lunch time, the ferry was leaving in 15 minutes and we had to decide whether to take the car or leave it at the pier.  There were covered parking available for P125 overnight as oppose to paying for the car P2,500 each way aboard the ferry, it was a cheap no-brainer decision.  At the pier while parking the car there was an annoying drunk guy trying to help me park the car as if I just learned to drive yesterday, only to find that he wanted  a tip more than 20 pesos for his unsolicited assistance.  Not only he demanded more money but he also asked for imported chocolates, seriously?!! I just glared at the guy like my eyes was barking at him. But at the same time I was worried he might do something with the car, so I let it go without a fight.

on the ferry leaving Hagnaya Pier

We hurriedly bought tickets, there were about 5 men trying to help me get to the ticket booth as if it was the most difficult thing to do and then all of them surrounded me while I was buying the ferry ticket and they told me to pay the pier terminal fee.  I really don't know why they were acting the way they did.  I could have known this easily, there is only one way to get inside and whether you like it or not you have to pay the terminal fee or they don't let you in even if you have the ferry ticket.  We were told that the boat ride was an hour and half - this wasn't true - it took more, the sea was not that rough but it was not calm, however, the ride was bearable except that it smelled like smoke as if the boat was built like belching machine and the sound of the engine was like a steady hammer poking your head.  It was difficult to relax or even read a book so, we decided to stand on the side of the boat to have fresh air and less with the hammering noise.

a ferry at Bantayan Pier

When we arrived Bantayan island it was around 3pm, however since we didn't have a room reservation, we didn't know where to stay. Luckily or unluckily - there were an overwhelming crowd of persistent motorbike drivers and owners that will do anything to get you to rent a bike with them but somehow gave us an idea where to go.  So, we rented a bike from a guy named Kulot (this is a local word for curly hair), although he had a spiky blonde hair but there were some stubborn curls on the side, so perhaps thats how he got his name. After, exchanging phone numbers with Kulot, we drove around the place.

Sugar beach - Bantayan Island

We went to about 4 or 5 resorts before we found one with a room available, we took it without even bargaining for the rate since it was getting dark.  We dumped our bags in the room and drove to Bantayan City proper, it was about 20-25 minutes non-stop on a dangerously dark road with only the light from the vehicle to rely on and it was raining on and off.  We were dripping wet when we got to the city, only to find out there was really nothing else to do.  The place was deserted, locals sleep early and there was no single place for entertainment.  We drove around their Plaza and discovered a bakery that sells the best hot bread with melted chocolate on this trip we ever had - to this day I still dream about.  We drove back to the resort since there was no other place we know or open that serves dinner, as we got back to the resort we were already dried - the rain stopped somehow along the way and Loquito was driving like we were participating in a race. At least we got back to the resort in one piece, not even lost along the way and ready for dinner.          

Las Vegas KTV

Las Vegas KTV is located in APM center opposite SM Mall in Cebu.  This is no ordinary KTV place.  My girlfriends (Gemma, Leila, Calang, Tonette, Lindsay) and I went out for a girls night and since we have not been to Las Vegas KTV, Gemma insisted we check it out.  It was easy to find the place and there were plenty of parking space, which was a blessing for me as I am the one that always have to find a parking, I assumed that among my friends I am the only one brave enough to drive in Cebu :) (this is not usually a good thing - trust me!)

 As we enter, there were so many women just hanging around at the entrance looking at us like we were in the wrong place.  There were 6 of us - only girls! Those women hanging out at the entrance looked like they were pimp mommas waiting for business at the door.  As we walked passed them I felt the stares of those women glared thru my clothes and into my soul like a dagger. There was nothing more intimidating than those eyes, all over you from head to foot and back and then eyes pinching yours telling you to go home and drink milk to sleep.  I didn't understand this look but as we got up the stairs and reached the bar, I saw a lot of girls with numbers sitting in line in what seemed like a massive sofa on the far sides surrounding the spotlight stage in the center with girls almost in the nude (if not for the tiny thongs clinging to them) erotically dancing with the tune.  Seriously, I felt like I was in Patapong in Bangkok or Patong in Phuket, whichever was appropriate but it really felt like it.

Most of the audience were foreigners, we didn't see any locals, not even one.  The place was overwhelmingly full of girls with skimpy clothing.  It was crazy, not even thought a place like it exists in Cebu, or perhaps we were just so naive.  Anyway, we were offered either to sit and watch the almost nude show or to take a private room.  The room is free but there is minimum cover charge per person which was consumable and we can have unlimited videoke all night.  If we wanted a private dance in the room, we will pay the cover charge and P6,000 for the girl for the night. hahahah.  No wonder we couldnt see any locals in this place! Its not very affordable for most.

Anyway, the hall ways and private room looks elegant although the decor and the fitting looks quality cheap but the colours and how it was fitted looks nice and somehow with class at first glance, just dont look at details.  Walking in the hall way felt like marching in one of those ancient Chinese dynasty palaces.  However, despite that they used the latest sound system, it took us a while to figure out how to use it and we had to call the technician all the time due to some hiccups in the system.  But the staff were great, very helpful and attentive. Although if you want privacy in the room, you will be pissed off as the staff walks in to check on you almost like every 2 minutes.  My girlfriends and I had a great night, we all enjoyed. I think Las Vegas KTV is a nice venue for some crazy girls night out!

Davids Kitchen @ IT Park, Lahug Cebu

Davids Kitchen is located at the ground floor of eBloc 2, Cebu IT Park Lahug, Cebu City.  From the outside, the restaurant looks classy, modern and expensive.  My friends and I decided to dine there because for one my best friend Gemma insisted that she wants a steak for dinner and it should be at David's Kitchen and two because Davids Kitchen looks very promising from the outside.

first steak 

As we got into the restaurant, we were greeted with a pleasant and polite hostess that sat us all down.  She handed us the menu in an instant which was an indication of a fast service.  The menu looked delicious and our mouth were watering just flipping pages of super yummy looking steaks.  However, when it was time to take our orders, the order taker was a bit unprofessional - when my friends ordered for a steak he didnt even upsell us with that was his best recommendations.  And he did not asked the ladies how their steak should be done.  When I ordered for a steak that was medium rare - he simply told me "mam, naa ni syay dugo" (ma'am this will have some blood)..I didnt understand if he was telling me or if he was asking me.  But this to me was - RUDE!  Didn't we know that the customer is always right? But anyway, if I didn't want my steak without blood in it, I would have asked for it WELL-DONE.  So, well I got my way and told him that it was what I wanted and so he left the table however his body language and his facial expression was like waiting for something to punch us with.

second steak

After almost an hour of waiting, someone else brought our steak which was so different from the pictures in the menu.  And unfortunately my steak was as dry as welldone.  When I asked them about it, they took it and then came back with it and told me that the chef said it is medium rare.  My god! who are you kidding? So, I insisted that they should change it to medium rare.  Anyway, they got back with another piece but forgotten to give me my mash potato side dish.  The meat was horrible, about half of the whole steak was fat and it was like chewing rubber.  I guess the chef was mad when I returned the first piece so he got back to me on the second.

half of the steak was impossible to eat!

Anyway, the whole order from our table was mostly wrong but, we didn't take offense and just ate but complained amongst ourselves, laughing as if we had a great time.  But in all honestly, we will never go there again.  It's a shame ones name will just be ruined by some unprofessional individual working for them.

My Cebuana Girls, My soulmates!

“Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. 

You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. 

When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. 

They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. 

Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. 

There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. 

You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. 

Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. 

A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. 

In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. 

Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. 

You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. 
You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. 


You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. 

You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.” 

This quote was originally written by Bob Marley! Right, that one with a big pump up dread lock! I was surprised he didn't make this into a song, we could have been all wagging our heads while reading the words or singing to its beat! 

Anyway, the moment I read this, I knew this was written for a special person and in my case it's persons and I have all of them in my heart!  And I knew somehow I have to get this words to all of you. Yes! YOU! You know who you are!  

In all the years that we banked in each others presence, all the ups and downs, all the crazy little things we do together or even alone, see each other getting married, some of us getting fooled, having kids, we proved that we stood the test of time.  

When I found you - all of you - one by one and rather you found me too, my life had begun! We may not see each other everyday, or talk to each other as often as we should but I kid you not..we always have a special connection embedded in my system or perhaps we were all cut from the same system.  

When I tell people I have more than 10 bestfriends in my life - they don't believe me. Im sure they wont believe either that we just started as US, but then people get married - they become two and they don't necessarily stay just two - they have kids.  And we all grow - in numbers! :) 

Congratulations - we just outnumbered an army battalion. It doesn't matter though, coz all of you are not just my bestfriends but also a part of me. 

 I don't know how the world will be without all of you and for this I want to thank you all for being you and being part of me. 

As we go through with life together, I know that one lifetime is not enough to build memories with all of you.  And If I have to live my life over again, I would still want all of you to be part of it.  I would never do it otherwise! 

with the next generation!