I went on vacation.

1. Saw the roof of Ilocos Norte, which means the scalp of Luzon (making the Batanes Islands the dandruff flakes). That part of the Philippines is absolutely stunning.

2. In Pagudpod, the best place to stay is at Apo Idon Beach Resort. The rooms are tops, and there's wifi.

3. Bought fresh talakitok, had it cooked pangat. It melted in my mouth.

4. My five year-old niece gave me her Jessica Alba/Invisible Woman toy from KFC. Yesss.

5. At the Blue Lagoon, Jericho Rosales makes a nice comfortable getaway. We made one too. The water is crystal clear, and there are corals everywhere.

6. My other niece had a panic attack from snorkeling -- and seeing sea urchins for the first time. She had just eaten uni the night before at a Japanese restaurant (again, for the first time) and described it aptly as: "Yung parang tae?"

7. I decided that Speedos on the beach are far too inappropriate. But the ladies can wear whatever they want.

8. Meanwhile, kids are clothing optional.

9. Sand in my shorts doesn't bother me as much as it used to.

10. We now, for the first time, have household help. Yes, it's that busy now.