My goodness. I have been remiss here haven’t I? But you know how it is…fresh from the arms of a wonderful vacation you land smack in a mammoth mountain of work. How I wish I had the luxury of “recovering” from the blissful days of sun, sand, and sea by lying on my bed, reflecting on the joy of being with family and the perfection of Guimaras mangoes.
But, as you and I both know, that is not the way the cookie crumbles, and hitting the ground running (sprinting!) is more the reality of the day.
So…I am currently between all-week meetings, and as such, can only offer you some photos from my little summer getaway in lieu of a proper post and recipe.
I had been brimming with excitement about our Iloilo trip for over a month already. That is where my mother’s side of the family comes from and I used to spend summers there as a child. I hadn’t been back since then so I was beside myself. I couldn’t wait to return…now with a little one of my own.
The trip was a whirlwind of fantastic food and even more fantastic company. Sadly, I will have to disappoint and say that I don’t have much photos of the food…I guess the summer air, coupled with pre-meal wines and afternoon San Miguels, made me a tad lax when it came to serious food photography. I did manage to snap some shots with my phone to give you a peek at the amazing seafood to be had in Iloilo.
From there we were off to Guimaras, famed for their pristine beaches, untouched coves, and out of this world mangoes. One such cove was our destination. Our “neverland” as my aunt refers to it. And what a “neverland” it was!
We camped out under the stars. We had fresh grilled fish, lobster, roast pig, and of course, the mangoes (which Little C enjoyed immensely). Good wine, tinto de verano, and mojitos (which Little C is not yet allowed to sample).
We had a fantastic time. There is really nothing like taking some time to sink your toes in the sand and be with the people you love. And Little C loved it just as much! Even more if that is at all possible. We could scarcely tear her away from the beach. She is truly an island girl!
I hope this tides you over until next week! I promise I have some dishes to share…one that comes from my latest cookbook purchase with which I am so very pleased! Till then wish me good luck and much energy!
Gorgeous! So brave of you to go camping. I hate it!
I wish to go there someday. Good luck on the new cookbook!
Wow my heart was a thumping with excitement while reading your post! I am after all an beach baby – having spent all my summers in the beaches of Mindanao. There is something that makes my heart skip a beat when I see stark white sand and the vivid blues of the sea and colorful beachwear that makes me just wanna leave everything at the drop of a hat and head for the beach. I haven't found a proper beach here (no I don't consider Bali a proper beach) – no countries does beaches as fine as the Philippines. And I've no more kaladkarin friends to just jet of the beach with here! Sigh… being an adult can be pretty limiting in this sense =P It was so great to live vicariously through your post! I hope one day to get to experience something similar!
Beautiful!!
Looks like you all had a glorious time in Mango Country! Little C looks adorable; she must have really enjoyed herself!
I miss Philippine mangoes! Little C is so cute.
Hi Rone! We had modern bathrooms so it was very doable! We got a little mosquito net for Little C's play pen and we were all set 🙂
Hi Shalum! It's 101 Cookbook's Super Natural Everyday and everything looks so good!
Hi DW! I agree about the Philippine beaches…they are truly gems (hey, everyone! come discover us!)! You should schedule a beach trip when you are here next 🙂
Hi Dexie! It really was 🙂
Hi Midge! She did…my goodness I didn't expect her to take to the beach as much as she did and as quickly, but I'm so happy for it too 🙂
Thanks Witsandnuts! Hope you get to satisfy your mango craving soon 🙂
These photos are breath-taking! Thanks for posting!
Hey Joey, where in Iloilo is this? I have a ticket booked for July.
Glad you enjoyed the photos Miri!
Hi Bea! This is in Guimaras 🙂 We stayed at a private cove but I know there are a bunch of small resorts on Guimaras as well. Enjoy Iloilo!
Oh my! I love the beach! Hope to be able to go home soon so I can go too. Wonderful post!
amazing! thanks so much for sharing, love you and your blog 🙂
-meg
@ http://clutzycooking.blogspot.com
Hello Simplesplendidthings! Glad you enjoyed the post 🙂 Hope that you will likewise enjoy a beach trip soon!
Thanks for your kind words Meg 🙂
The Philippines is a great destination! I loved diving there and much of nature is still untouched. Great post!
Hi Meeta! Thanks! Yes, I believe it is a wonderful place to visit 🙂 I don't dive myself but I have many friends who do and they would certainly agree with you!