Balikbayan 2023
I finally visited the Philippines again since the pandemic began. My friend Kes let me stay in her condo in Makati. I had a bunch of reunions and got to eat a lot of food.
Recreated Photos
Kes & Drew: 2005 vs 2013 vs 2023
Rhea & Jen: 2008 vs 2023 (I tipped the waiter 50 pesos to take our photo just so)
Maya: 2013 vs 2023
Other Moments
Aside from food, I also enjoyed a lot of services because they’re cheaper in the Philippines. I got my ears and nose checked by my ENT doctor friend Gim. I was surprised when he didn’t make me pay! He said his wife would get mad at him if he let me pay. I also got a facial at Belo, my first ever fake lashes at New Lounge, and a massage at The Spa.
My face looked so puffy after the facial because in the Philippines, they have a barbaric method of pricking your face to remove gunk from your pores, which is something they don’t do in Singapore or Hong Kong.
I did love the lashes I got, which were supercurl something. I found out that due to my hooded lids, I need very curly lashes in order for them to look visible on me. I was pleased that the lashes are actually not heavy. I had always avoided them before for fear of that. However, they are way too expensive so I probably still won’t do this a lot.
Another memorable moment for me was when I rode a Grab car and the driver had a karaoke system in it, with a tiny microphone. We even sang some duets as we drove through traffic. Only in the Philippines!
