Times like these, I wish I had a weekend off. At least me and the missus were able to go to Quezon City last week. It's difficult to get a vacation leave on Saturdays, but last week my request went through. We went there to meet up with my sister-in-law's mother-in-law (did I just confuse you? -hehehe). My sister-in-law had sent a gift for my dear son. She gave it to her mother-in-law who was flying back home from the States.

Well, it was a little adventure of sorts since I don't know QC so well (same with the wife). We boarded a bus bound for Cubao and told the conductor to let us off at Quezon Avenue (or was it Quezon Blvd.?), where road branches off towards Fairview. The conductor did so dutifully, calling our attention a hundred or so meters before we got there. After getting off, we didn't know where to go. Being the man that I am, I refused to ask bystanders for directions (hehehe!). I grabbed my wife's hand and tugged her towards the general direction of traffic. Voila! We came upon an FX that was going to SM Fairview, our destination for that day. The Tamarraw FX was parked infront of a small restaurant. We would not have noticed that it was plying a route if not for the caller who was shouting, "SM Fairview" over one of those cute little bullhorns. Such are the ways of the unlicensed colorum taxis. They have to make a living too, you know.

Anyway, we got to SM Fairview after a 45-minute horn-blaring-traffic-around-every-corner ride. Alas, SM never fails to feel like Mecca to the weary traveller! The first thing we did was find a restroom. It took us about 20 minutes. The place was new and huge. Think 26 hectares of parking space with a large nondescript square building jutting out right smack in the middle of it. I can't even begin to calculate how much floor space it has. Lemme put it this way. It was around 50 stores long and 8 stores wide -- LOL!

Next, we had lunch at Pancake House. My wife was obviously hungry, so we ordered in a hurry. When they served the Hot Grilled Chicken, she whispered her disappointment once the waiter was out of earshot. She told me over a whisper that she found the servings too small. After finishing our meal and I was about to ask for the check when I saw my wife fidget with her wallet. I told her not to use our cash, since this restaurant accepted credit cards. I saw the Mastercard sign when we came in. Around here (the Philippines), credit cards aren't as widely accepted in dining establishments. Sensing she was about to protest, I asked her how much she was carrying. She retorted she had Php 800, then thought about it for a while and eventually told me to pick up the tab. Hehehe... I just love it when I'm right.

To burn some calories, we made a quick round of the stores. We lingered at Surplus Shop, our new mall favorite. Then we went to the SM Department store to check out some audio CD's. Why? Because rare CD's have a way of winding up in some SM store. It's weird, but true. My wife found a Dave Matthews Band's Under the Table and Dreaming at SM North EDSA. Unfortunately, on our trip last Saturday we didn't find anything that interested us. My wife did manage to buy a Martha Stewart Living mag (the Nov., 2002 ish) for 80 bucks. Original price? Php445. Hehehe. A bargain never ceases to lift your spirits.

It's a good thing we ate a light lunch at Pancake House. When the my sister-in-law's mother-in-law (there I go again!) arrived, she treated us to a late lunch at Kenny Roger's. She wanted us to splurge (LOL!) so my wife ordered ribs for us. Dang, those ribs were tasty! Good thing that the two ladies I was with were in a particularly chatty mood. Gave me time to finish my plate. It was the first time in many months that I have eaten so much in a single meal (not out of choice, but out of necessity). If I eat a lot, it usually means I'll get tummy aches again.

After a logn chat and a picture here and there, we finally said our goodbyes. We went over to the parking lot to board passing jeeps. I changed my mind when I saw a row of FX Taxis waiting for passengers. The only route out Manila that I am familiar with is through EDSA, so we boarded yet another FX Taxi enroute to SM North EDSA. We patiently waited for the FX to leave (they don't leave until they're filled to capacity). I didn't want to risk taking the jeeps since it was already past four, just in time for rush-hour traffic. That and the fact that an FX taxi will take all the possible shortcuts enroute since its already full of passengers. The trip still took around 50 minutes.

When we got there (SM North EDSA) I almost wanted to knock my head on a nearby lamp post. There was a massive throng of people waiting for buses. I had to pick one of the busiest places to wait for a bus on a Saturday. A lot of poeple go home to the provinces on Saturdays. We still managed to get on a bus pretty quick. We waited about 30, 35 minutes. We had to settle for an ordinary bus though. I'd have to hand it to my wife though. She isn't picky. She didn't mind the dust at all. Well, at least not as much as I did. I'm lucky to have her.

We arrived at Dau by 7:30 pm. We did some last minute grocery shopping at a nearby supermarket, then got home by 8:30 pm. It was a tiring day, but I was glad to spend time with my wife. We even got to take home a gold Sto. Niño pendant for our son.