GARDENS BY THE BAY SINGAPORE, DEC 2015
There was a Christmas Wonderland in Gardens by the Bay. Elaborate light displays and loud caroling from the supertrees keep everyone well-entertained. My man and I had dinner of shawarma and Japanese style deep fried crustaceans beneath the singing trees. I couldn't say it was very grand but I like to think it was quite romantic.

LEGOLAND MALAYSIA, DEC 2015
My man saw the tiny buildings at Legoland in Malaysia for the first time last month. I was glad to show him around like it was my playground. But I was happiest to have ridden most of the rides for the first time in my life. Having my husband right with me gave me a bit of courage. I have never imagined riding on a roller coaster but this one made me rethink the adventures I prefer. I think my blurry vision has shed off a bit of the fear.

Both of us were content after seeing the miniature wonders and we ended the day with a transfixing ninja shadow play and a peaceful boat ride. We had a boat each to ourselves because we both wanted to take control of the wheel.

Of course the day started with a beautiful sunrise in Singapore where we took the tour bus and a spicy Malaysian chicken biryani in one of the restaurants in the park.

It was a happy and simple new year. Our four walls has kept us warm from the cold outside while dining on home cooked meals. I spent the last day of 2015 cooking my first crispy pata and my famed palitaw. It was quite a success even if I chilled the pork in the freezer for just about an hour. I thought it was going to be a disaster after burning some parts of it while boiling. In the family, I seem to be the only one who has the patience to make dough and find uncommon ingredients so I become famous for just persevering enough to make the dessert. The dishes were very Filipino yet not as lavish as how most Filipinos homes would have spent their New Year's Eve.

By midnight, there were fireworks but I only took a peek through the window. A greeting and a warm kiss from the man in my life made the beginning of my year worthwhile.