Now I Heart Manila

I've always loved the simplicity of living in a small city like Cebu.  So for the longest time I could never imagine loving or even liking Manila.  Although I go there almost every year for our company Annual Awards and every so often for my trips abroad (that don't have direct flights), I've always somehow looked at it as just a place in a map.  A very CROWDED place in the map, in fact.  But let me share with you how I've seen the light.  Haha

Back in August, Lloyed and I decided to spend his birthday weekend in Manila.  On his actual birthday, he participated in an event called the Bride and Breakfast Editorial Fest 2014 at the Privato Hotel.  When I arrived the day after, he was beaming with so much excitement and I heard nothing but beautiful stories.  He would talk non-stop and for the first time in many months, he was ecstatic! 

Two days after the Ed fest, we participated in a Photoshoot Marathon with the N@Wies or Newlyweds@Work.  We were both a bit scared and apprehensive not really knowing what to expect. It was a big gathering of all members of the N@wie community and they would queue up to have their photos taken by different photographers.  It was a production of all sorts!  While other photographers had styled setups, Lloyed had nothing but his camera and of course his beautiful wife. wahahahaha  But we were so blessed because Mimma Benz found a great spot for us that became 'patok na patok' we were even one of the last few to leave.  <3  The N@Wies and Mimma were so great I'd love to do it all over again.

 

 
On our last day, we had lunch with Ian, Janna and Marian of Bride and Breakfast.  Again, we were a bit scared.  Haha (Although looking back, it's funny thinking that because the Simpao couple turned out to be the nicest friends we'd love to talk about anything under the sun with!)  In the meeting, they gave us very helpful insights that eventually helped Lloyed define his brand.  So that day capped off my husband's great and eventful birthday weekend. 

For a backgrounder, Lloyed has gone through a roller coaster ride since he quit his day job last year to focus on his business (LVP).  Coming from a family of employees and OFWs, venturing into business full-time is very challenging especially with three kids to take care of. On top of that, with Lloyed's shy personality that comes out 'suplado' at times (LOL), it was quite a struggle for him when he started.  Let me correct myself, he comes out 'suplado' ALL THE TIME if you don't know him yet.
 

So seeing him with so much excitement (like a giddy teenager) warmed my heart.  He was this bright-eyed boy again who wanted to live his dreams!  Somehow, Manila leaves that kind of impression on him.  And the traffic jam, the taxi drivers that have no concept of 'sukli', my hands getting tired of pulling the luggage on the streets, the time away from the kids and every peso we spent for the trip, made everything worth it.  I wouldn't mind going back to Manila as often as I would just to see Mr. LVP incredibly happy. <3