Vacationing in the Philippines

We have been in the Philippines over the last ten days and they have been incredibly relaxing- relaxing for three reasons.
One- our trip to Boracay, which is probably the finest white sand beach in the world.
Two- reconnecting with family and old friends. My wife's high school batch in Midsayap, Cotabato, celebrated 20 years of passing out from school and it was occasion to remember. The preparation was extensive but it was the warmth of everyone in the small town of Midsayap (pop of 120,000) that completely won my heart. Their sincerity and genuiuneness is something that is uncommon in today's day and age.
Three- the variety of food. Being primarily a vegetarian, I can't partake of most delightful Filipino food but I was completely surprised to taste the empanadas made a small boutique bakery called Blue Bell Cafe. Janette, the owner and brainchild behind the venture, is a chemical engineer, who decided to quit her teaching career for her love for baking, and what a fantastic decision it was. Now, she employs 36 people in three different stores and if the empanadas are anything to go by, I am sure she will have more success in years to come. I had three of them before my flight to Manila and three more after we landed and the taste is still lingering in my mouth. For anyone who likes the Indian samosas, Janette's empanadas are a must.

We have four more days before we fly back to the US, but the memories of friends, family and beaches of Boracay will linger for a long time.