It’s been years in the making, but our home away from home is finally finished and we are spending our first time back in the Philippines since 2019 getting reacquainted with the area. There is an entirely new mall with several bookstores and lots of new restaurants. We are set to meet up with family (my in-laws) and five friends that we have both known for as many as eight years.
Probably my longest-term friend here, Rye, spent last night with me reviewing TV and music, as well as eating a yummy dinner at Marugame Udon & Tempura in the original Circuit outdoor mall. This morning we sat overlooking Manila for four hours with our coffee and talked about everything.
Later today a virtual friend, who I’ve also known for a long time but have never met in person, is coming over for dinner. So virtual friend to IRL friend. Bring it in <3.
I was also virtually introduced to a book vlogger whom I will meet on Friday. I brought him a Stephen King collection (see the first level of books on the far right in the featured picture). On top of the Stephen King collection is a bunch of books I am donating to a friend’s Library project (called The Bookmark Project). He was given space that he is rehabbing and fitting out to hold the collection in Masbate, Bicol Region, where he lives and teaches. I brought some of my favorite authors for his collection (Michael Chabon, Paul Theroux, TJ Kline, and Neil Gaiman).
Lastly (book-wise, anyway) is a set of Art Spiegelman’s Maus I & II for my virtual friend (of many years) in Batangas. He is studying for the priesthood in Batangas and said he had an interest in reading these books but of course, they are very hard to find.
That’s my update for today and the beginning of this trip.
Please check out karthlake.com as well, to see my food and beach updates!