Time to Go Back to the UK — After Two Amazing Months in the Philippines

Kamusta mga ka-DadBuhay! 👋

Just like that… two months flew by. Parang kailan lang when we were booking our flight to Manila — and now, we’re packing our bags again, this time going back to our second home: the UK.

Nakakapanibago. Bitin. Pero we’re also feeling grateful.

Two Months of Family, Food, and Fun 🇵🇭❤️

Yes, two months kami sa Pilipinas. Ang tagal, diba? Pero ang bilis din. Time really flies when you’re surrounded by family, food you grew up with, and warm weather (and even warmer memories).

It was a mix of vacation and semi-work mode for me:

• 4 weeks of my remaining 14-week paternity leave (yes, thank you sa employer ko for this rare benefit!)
• And another 4 weeks working remotely, which is also part of our company’s work-from-anywhere policy. Super thankful for the flexibility.

Pero syempre, kahit may laptop ako sa tabi minsan, I got to be present for our daughters, for my wife, and for family moments that don’t happen often. Sulit na sulit.

The Long Journey Home ✈️🏠

Now it’s time to head back. Another 30-hour door-to-door travel time — Manila to Singapore, then to London, then all the way back home sa aming bah. 😮‍💨

We started packing again, some pasalubong to our closest friends and we packed things we knew we’d miss:

• Favorite Filipino snacks
• Gourmet tuyo, dried mangoes, sinigang mix
• And of course, items from local brands we love that aren’t available there

This time, we packed more for comfort than for gifts.

Essentials in Our Hand Carry 🎒🧸🍼

Just like on our flight to the Philippines, we made sure our hand-carry was packed with:

• Snacks the kids love (kasi airplane food is still a gamble 😅)
• Extra clothes (just in case of spills or accidents)
• Favorite toys + iPad + headphones (sanity savers!)
• Nappies and wipes — you know, the survival kit!

Hindi pwedeng wala ang essentials — especially with small kids and long flights. We’ve learned our lesson na!

Bittersweet Goodbyes 💔👵👴

This is the part that never gets easier.

The moment we say goodbye to the grandparents — both Lolo and Lola — is always emotional. You can see it in their eyes, how much they’ll miss the kids. Especially now that both girls are getting bigger, more playful, and more interactive.

Our eldest will be bringing back new memories — of playing with cousins, taking a bath under the rain, running around barefoot, and getting spoiled by everyone.

And our youngest? Well, it was her first time in the Philippines. The start of many trips to come.

Back to Reality… and Gratitude 🌍💼

As we land back in the UK, balik na ulit sa routine — work, daycare, chores. But this time, we’re bringing with us a refreshed heart, full camera rolls, and stories that will be part of our daughters’ childhood forever.

We’re thankful to have jobs that allow this kind of flexibility. We’re thankful for the family we left behind, and the one we’re building together here in the UK.

So here’s to the memories made in the Philippines — and to the new ones waiting here at home. 🇬🇧❤️

See you in the next post, mga ka-DadBuhay!

— DadBuhay