Hi everyone! everyone!
This is my second blog, and I’m excited to share something truly special. After 14 years, I finally made it back to the Philippines. It’s been a long time coming, and to be honest, I was hesitant at first. The thought of traveling without my children made me anxious. But once I boarded the plane, surrounded by other travelers, I felt a surprising sense of relief—I realized I could actually do this without them. It felt freeing in a way I didn’t expect.
We took a non-stop 16-hour flight, and since we left at midnight, dinner was served shortly after takeoff. I had rice, chicken, and vegetables. My husband chose beef with rice. I must say, the food exceeded my expectations. I usually don’t expect much from airline meals, but this one was surprisingly delicious. After our meal, we were offered coffee and tea, but we skipped it—we were eager to get some sleep.
About 7 hours later, we were served snacks. I had a ham and cheese croissant with apple juice, and my husband had the same. After the snack, we drifted off again. A few hours passed, and then came breakfast—and let me tell you, it was amazing. We were served a full Filipino breakfast with fried rice, eggs, and longganisa (Filipino sausage). For airline food, I’d give it a solid 9.9 out of 10!
When we landed in Manila around 5:00 AM, everyone on the plane clapped. There’s something heartwarming about that moment. We breezed through immigration and had our luggage transferred for our domestic flight. That’s when the heat hit me—hard. The kind of heat that bites and sinks deep into your skin. No matter how lightly you dress, it’s still HOT and incredibly humid.
While waiting for our next flight, I stepped outside to grab some food. Strangely, the rice and fried chicken place was located outside the airport. While waiting for my order, I could feel the sweat drenching my back. The heat was relentless, but it felt like a “welcome back” from the tropics.
During our stay, we experienced local transportation—jeepneys, tricycles, and taxis. It was humbling to see how different life is over here. Visiting my dad’s farm was especially meaningful. Just being there, seeing where he grows crops, reminded me of the simple joys of rural life.
And of course—rain is just part of everyday life in the Philippines. It can be bright and sunny one minute and pouring the next. We brought a bunch of raincoats to give away, and sure enough, it started raining just a few hours after we arrived. I’m glad we came prepared!
I think that’s all for now, but I’ll be writing more in the coming days as we continue this journey.
Before I go, I’d like to mention my small Amazon Affiliate store: MJDaydream. I don’t make a lot from it, but any bit helps—especially since the income goes toward supporting our family back home in the Philippines. Every click and purchase makes a difference, and I truly appreciate your support.
Until next time,
Hi everyone!
Welcome to my little corner of the internet — MJDAYDREAM! I created this space to give you a quick glimpse into how a "little rice-picker girl" discovered the power of a smile. You see, if you ever had the chance to meet me and share your name, chances are your face is etched into my photographic memory. I seem to have this uncanny ability to remember everyone I meet — even years later. It’s a quirky little blessing, I suppose.
My journey began on my father’s farm, a place where technology simply didn’t exist. He inherited a vast piece of land from my grandfather, and that’s where I learned the value of hard work. I planted sugarcane, harvested coffee, and picked and planted rice — not for business, but to feed our family. Childhood was a blend of simplicity and adventure: bathing in the river, climbing trees barefoot, collecting snails for lunch, and hunting for mud crabs beneath rocks. At night, our world lit up with gas lamps. I slept on a woven bamboo bed and ate with my bare hands. The rooster? That was our alarm clock. The river? Our shower and washing machine.
Eating ripe jackfruit and young coconut was part of everyday life. Digging up sweet potatoes and cassava meant it was time for an afternoon meal. And rice? Rice wasn’t just food. It was the food. Missing rice at a meal was like showing up to a marathon without running shoes. As a kid, I didn’t always love it. But looking back now, I cherish every bit of it. As a teenager, I took a job as a nanny, which slowly shifted into helping my dad care for my younger siblings. It was never easy, but it was a stepping stone — a way to save money and eventually pursue my education in the city. I became a proud working student, focused and determined to turn my dreams into reality.
Fast forward a few years — I got married young and moved to the United States, where I started a new chapter. I built a family of my own, earned a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Office Information, and landed a fulfilling job in the high-tech world. Every single day, I wake up grateful. Life hasn’t always been smooth, but I believe every twist and turn has made the journey more meaningful. People often say, “You only live once,” but I believe: “We live every day — so make it count.”
Today, my life is a beautiful mix of my rustic beginnings and the blessings of modern living. I still find joy in the simplest things: the sweetness of ripe fruit, the thrill of a mountain hike, the giggles from riding my silly bike. Food continues to be a passion — a delicious, soul-fueling adventure. Here at MJDAYDREAM, you’ll find joy, laughter, heartfelt stories, and a celebration of life’s little wonders. This is a space where the mountains meet the modern, where memories are held close, and where every single day is a dream waiting to be lived.Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’ll stay a while. 💛
