It’s our 12th day back in the Philippines and I finally had a chance to sit down and share our journey so far. I am currently sitting outside the porch of our long-term rental apartment in Boracay island with a glass of Kanto salted caramel vodka and Pat and Kat chicharon (crunchy pork skin) as a snack with the view of famous Boracay beach, while watching our children be children.

Yes, our family just packed our bags and left dynamic Covid zero Hong Kong to live a normal life in the Philippines for a few months while the kids are on “summer break”.

Why? Just like everyone else – we wanted to be with our family. It’s been almost three years away from our parents, my siblings and my kids’ cousins in the Philippines. Those years we could not buy back and I strongly felt they were stolen time from our children to spend time with our loved ones.

So when I learned my father was turning 70 on March 29th, I knew I had to go home whether or not I had to face almost a month of quarantine. I was ready to fly alone but thankfully, the Philippines lifted their quarantine requirement for vaccinated individuals and their children. Also, Aaron and I were lucky to have the option to work outside Hong Kong at least for a few weeks. But most importantly, my husband agreed to my rash but brilliant idea of living in a suitcase by the famous Boracay beach, close to our loved ones for a few months.

Our first stop was Davao. With my siblings help, we successfully surprised our parents.

Our children were super happy just being with their Lolo and Lola, as well as their cousins. They played together the entire day while we were there – and if they could, they would have played the entire evenings too. They didn’t even sleep with us in our room the whole time we were in Davao.

For our father’s special day – we went to Agriya, an agri-tourism park in Panabo City. We went there so Papa can fish – and fish he did! (More on our Agriya adventure here.)

After 4 days, we had to say goodbye to our kids cousins again. It was not easy…

If Davao was all about keeping up with the Crisostomos, in Manila – we tried to meet up with as many friends as possible.

I always love passing by Manila because whenever I come home – I hang out with fabulous and lovely people I have the honour of calling friends. They make me feel like I never really left. Ahhhhhh…

Timing of our homecoming couldn’t have been better as we got to witness Sophia and Jedd’s wedding vows – yet another highlight of our trip home.

It’s now been three days in our new temporary base in Boracay. The rash decision of leaving our Home Kong turned out quite well so far.

It might be different starting next week as I start to work remotely – but I know, it will all be well. We are with family. We are together. The fear, the uncertainty, the expenses — they’re all worth it! Time with family is priceless and indeed, there is no place like home!