UNDAS 2014

    MABUHAY!!!! Rap and I already moved back to the Philippines last September. I know I still have a lot of stories about our Mainland USA travel that I need to share with all of you; and, I am excited to write our adventures. Hopefully, I can find an itty bitty extra time to do that. :D Two weeks ago, we celebrated UNDAS. For those of you who do not know, UNDAS is a Filipino Holiday/Tradition. This holiday is celebrated during the 1st & 2nd of November. The 1st of November is called "All Souls Day." The 2nd of November is called "All Saints Day." During UNDAS holiday, Filipino families take this opportunity to visit their loved ones who have passed away. They bring beautiful flowers to put on the grave and food to share among their families. Some families who plan to stay overnight bring tents, pillows, and other things they would need for their sleepover. Families who are musically inclined bring their guitars so that family members could sing together and enjoy their time together. Card and board games are great games to play among family members too. Our family favorite board game would be CHESS.

   This year, since our family is complete, we took this opportunity to bond with each other. We went to Tagaytay for the 1st of November and enjoyed the scenic view of the Taal Volcano while eating at Green ATS restaurant. It was a lovely experience to enjoy an amazing and sunny day with my family in Tagaytay. The next day, November 2nd, we attended a special stake conference with the counselor of the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bishop Causse. Our family participated in the choir. After a wonderful and inspiring Sabbath morning, we went to eat as a whole family at Toho Restaurant in BF Paranaque. We met our Mamita and Uncle at the restaurant. We enjoyed talking stories and laughing at each other's jokes. After a yummy lunch, we went to Manila Memorial Park to visit Papito (my Mom's dad). We brought flowers and candles to decorate his grave.

   We enjoyed celebrating UNDAS since it was our first time again since we got back from Hawaii. We had a great time spending this holiday with our family!!! If you're going to spend UNDAS in the Philippines and you're from outside the country, here are some of my friendly tips and reminders:

   - Flowers are everywhere near the memorial parks or cemeteries. You don't need an expensive flower! Just a simple rose would be enough. 
   - Bring water, food, and umbrella. The weather, during the month of November, is very moody. Some days are sunny and some days are rainy. Just to be safe, bring those "MUST HAVE's"
   - Bring small chairs that you can use so that you can seat when you're tired.
   - Pamaypay (Pinoy handy fan) is also a must have, especially when it gets hot.
   - Bringing guitars, card games, and board games are also encouraged. However, we have to be mindful of our neighbors who are also visiting their loved ones.