Our India & Philippines Trip (Steve's musings)

 

India 26 Nov 2025 to 13 Dec 2025

After months of planning, here we go & embark on our hols!
Suz made red pork which we demolished. Akib,Suz ex work mate from Nando's dropped us to the airport 830 pm. We were so early. Check in at 945 pm, luggage just over 61 kgs, 3 bags. Did customs & picked up booze. Boarded 1240 am. Good leg room. Supper of chicken casserole. Was ok but the highlight was the cold chicken salad with kumara, pumpkin & mesculin. Zai had salmon in a veloute sauce. Was good. 
Brekkie, Zai had seafood congee.I had to settle for the paneer as eggs ran out. Lots of babies crying as their ears hurt. Landed Singapore T3 & took skytrain to a gate near B7. A bit of a walk & by 745 am we departed for Mumbai. Had eggs scrambled & meatballs 4 breakfast.  Was just ok. We landed 25 mins early in Mumbai. Had a bit of effort finding the driver of our ride. Was a good ride to Naigaon. Roads are crap. Good to see Dad. Had sorpotel with bread. Dad cooked.
Was nice. Neighbor made chicken sukka but it had spare parts so I did not touch.  Later got cereal , oats,samosas & kachori 4 tea. Was yumm. Went to sleep after that & awoke at 10 pm . Chatted Zurika & Suz. Could not sleep. 

28 Nov
Had brekkie of chicken tenders, scrambled eggs, brown bread. Was yumm. Zai cleaned the table as it's a mess. 
Visited Mum. Church closed. Left for Chuim via Uber with dad.  Lots of traffic. Good to catch up. Adrian organized food from old khar. Dal ghost yumm with pumpkin. Chicken tikka biryani yumm too. Left at 330 pm. Reached at 7 pm. So much traffic & the driver lost his way.

29 Nov
Had oats 4 brekkie. Cleaned the fridge. Got chicken patties & chicken manchurian fron Keith bakery via Zomato . Used Mony UPI  to pay bills.Went to Dmart at 8 am. Got supplies. Visited Cecelia Aunty. She gave us a souvenir & fruits. Robin invited us for lunch. Good catch up. Bhakri of rice with butter chicken,  mughlai chicken, fried Bombay duck & fried prawns. Spicy.  Dad  & Zai enjoyed it. Back home by 4 pm. Had a snooze. Skipped dinner

30 Nov
Woke up 3 am. Suz called as she missed bus & lost in Albert Park due to Santa Parade.  Had cereal, ready to leave for Thane 5 am. Uber reserved. 27 mins to Fountain, but lots of traffic on Godbunder rd. Reached Zurika place by 624 am. Zurika was asleep, we had a lie down then went 4 a walk & visit to church. Zurika called us as to where we went. Merwans patties 4 brekkie. Met everyone. Huge lunch spread of rice. Pork chilly, pork roast, mutton stew. Yumm food. Biscoff cheese cake as Rayan birthday.  We went to Zudio with Ayasha a clothing store for a few mins. Hard to get a Uber ride back to Naigaon. Left at 430 pm, reached at 730 on as traffic crazy. Zurika packed heaps of food & we had the soft super thin rotis her maid made, the stew & pork chilly. 

1st Dec

Had Kellogg 4 brekkie, went to 7 am mass then green tea, bread with spread & Amul cheese. Then clean up the grave (lounge area), the altar. New flowers & table cloth. Day at home after 4 days of being on the road.

2nd Dec
At home. Cooked pork roast & cauliflower veg. Zai & Dad went to Papdy got Bombay duck & prawns for Thane. KFC for tea. Was just ok

3rd Dec
Left for Thane 6 am. Reached by 7 am. No traffic. All asleep. Visited church then to Kurla mall Phoenix. Got my Pan card no, had vada pav, fresh juice at Thane station. Took train to Vidyavihar then tuk tuk to Phoenix Kurla. Had Cinnabon roll & coffee at Cinnabon. Met Ayasha at 1 pm then shopped
 Took taxi to Mehrabad Bandra to get Suz shorts. Late lunch mutton biryani & tikka Lucky restaurant. Took Uber back to Thane.  Shortage of rideshares.  Fish, rice & fried chicken 4 dinner. Talked & went to bed late in Zurika room.

4th Dec
Zurika & Zai went to get mutton at Rabodi.Zai cooked crispy pork 4 lunch with salad. Zurika make pilaf. At 4 pm we went to get bangles 4 boys near Gurudwara then to Lakeshore mall. Previously Vivianna.  Got kebabs 4 dinner 

5 Dec
Woke up early Took Uber at 7 am to Naigaon.  Back by 825 am. Visited Coutinho Uncle son & Dsilva uncle. Got veges & chicken. Leftovers pork 4 lunch & Malay cabbage. Had shrikhand- not good. Went to Papdy & got mum flowers from a nursery as Vasai flowers increased the price from 840 to 3k.

6 Dec
Went for 7 am mass. Visited Mum. Lunch at Farmhouse Mulgaon.Got lollipop,  chicken dum biryani, chicken mughlai,  chicken manchurian, cheese nan 4 zai, plain nan 4 dad & Steve. Steve had tummy issues later. In the evening Dad, Zai & James Uncle went to the pani (water ceremony) of Vinit. 

7 Dec 
Took Uber to Chuim 630 am. Reached in time for 8 am mass St Vincent d Paul. Fr Evans celebrated mass. 2nd brekkie of usal. Hard bread, soft bread cheese & puri bhaji. At 1 pm, we headed to Claude Uncle home for lunch. Picked up Dutch chocolate truffle cake from Cake & More. Sylvia got mutton sukka, idlis & jaleebi. Rosie Aunty cooked chicken potato chops. Chicken chilly. Jojo made pilaf & chicken curry. Yumm food. Had a good time. Rested a bit. 530 pm walked to Carter rd to view the sunset with Adrian. He took sum lovely pics. Later had fries from The J at Carter rd. Later got kebabs from Jai Maharashtra & murgh massalam from Hotel Sahil. It had 2 sauces green & red. Was nice. Big pieces of chicken. 

8 Dec 
Woke up 6 am to head to Mt Mary with Dad. A1 bakery closed . Had brekkie then left for Naigaon 730 am. Reached 914 am. Leftovers 4 lunch. Visited Chowgule & Mulki families. Chowgule hubby cannot walk. Gave Zai a coconut & put a tikka on her head.  Cauliflower with Zurika smoked pork 4 dinner with bread. Did a short walk to church. Nicely lit up.

9 Dec
Had cereal then later brown bread with cheese spread. Did Jio grocery 4 dad. Arrived in minutes. Very impressed. Chicken mince koftas, beans with chicken mince & rice 4 lunch. Rice to be made in rice cooker.  No salt in rice added. Dad ok with it. Lol. Afternoon went to Rangaon Beach. Paid Rs 700 for return ride. Stayed at beach for just 10 mins. Dad had not been to a beach for a very long time. Later got kaju katli. Barfi & kachori 

10 Dec
Had early lunch of chicken roast & chicken 65. Dad made rice by himself in rice cooker. Left at 12 pm for Churchgate via AC local Rs 105 pp.  Reached 2 pm. Walked to Westside via cricket ground. Zai shopped in Westside. Lollipop at Mondegar. Took taxi 4 pm to Churchgate metro. Aqua line metro to MIDC Andheri.  Next took a tuk tuk Rs 300 to Infiniti mall. Met Andreans at 8 pm. Dinner Copper Chimney. Food was just ok. Zai enjoyed tikka & cheese naan. Butter chicken & goat biryani average. No Uber rides so took Virar slow local 11 pm from Malad. Was packed. Got a tuk tuk ride to home. Dad was awake.

11 Dec
Stayed home. Completed Philippines etravel.  Zai shopped crazy at Dmart. Luggage overweight. Pork pilaf in pressure cooker. It had a bit less water. Rice a bit hard. James Uncle came over 4 lunch & he got red pork. Was tasty. He was a bit drunk. Steve skipped dinner as tummy upset. Zai & Dad had dal , smoked pork & garlic loaf.

12 Dec
Brekkie we had Skippy. Early lunch 10 am ham sandwiches & grain bread. Charu visited us with sheera which was yumm. Met Anu & her daughter.  Anu mum sick.  Took Uber to our airbnb at Vakola,Santacruz east.  Bad locality but the bungalow is spacious, clean & comfy. Noisy due to proximity to airport. Lots of airplanes. For tea, we got biscuits & green tea, kurkure & insipid limes. Noisy outside. Dinner will be multi grain bread & boiled eggs. Ashwini the caretaker super helpful. Dad enjoyed the hot shower. Our last day In Mumbai. Dad likes the place. 

13 Dec 
Could not sleep much. Nervous? Excited? Also the noisy planes. Had cereal 4 brekkie. At 7 am, Anil came to pick up our heavy luggage. By 730 am our Uber ride arrived. It dropped us off at the airport & dad to Naigaon. Lots of traffic at Fountain & dad reached at 10 am instead of 9 am. Our luggage at airport was over the 60 kg limit & hand carry overweight too. They managed to push it thru &: we avoided the Rs 8300 fine. At security we had drama as talcum powder not allowed in carry on. So I had to check it in & had no bag so got it shrink wrapped. Had to sign a declaration. Flight was delayed 40 mins but arrived on time. I had the grilled chicken with potatoes.  Was ok. Zai had the goan fish curry with rice & roti. Yumm. We had a wander on arrival in Singapore to T1 using skytrain & passed immigration to see the Jewel garden. Zai had wonton soup for dinner whilst I had Popeyes fish burger & spicy chicken. Departed from T1 for Davao 2 am. Packed flight.

Philippines 14 December 2025 to 2 Jan 2026

14 December 
Packed flight.  3 -3 seat config.I took aisle, Zai middle seat. Flight 20 minutes delay but arrived on time. We got meals - not everyone did. Fish with cream sauce, tomato rice, coke, a yummy cake & biscoff. I had my meds & them had to run to the loo. Tummy probs. 
Arrived Davao 550 am. Luggage took a while. Gaga rushed us to his home as my tummy upset. False alarm. Met the family. Ricson prepared fried chicken . Yumm. Had it with rice. In the evening we went to Davao Global Township at 6 pm. Before that we collected the keys of Villa Mercedita.  Compact place. Bad steps. DGT is huge & lots of eateries. Live music. We had pizza, bangus,  grilled chicken, schwarma. Got back home & had a good sleep

15 Dec
Had Skippy 4 brekkie. Zai had oats. After washing 

clothes, we walked to the main road, took a jeepney, got hot dogs, chicken pan from 7/11. Lazed around in gv. Bread & eggs 4 lunch. Red pork 4 dinner. Was yumm. Zai took the Parame fly for shopping to G mall, Toril. Got bread, spread, cheese, kopiko.  Back by 1030 pm. Met Ronaldo. 

16 Dec
Met Uncle Boy - Adana fly for dinner SM Lanang at Davao famous restaurant.  Lots of traffic. Good catch up. Lots of leftover fried chicken which we took back home. 


17 Dec
Zai visited the lawyers for her properties. I stayed back in the Villa.  Onset of flu for Steve. Picked me up after lunch & viewed the lot in Bago. In the evening visited Uncle Amay. Collected food trays. Lots of traffic. Catching up with Yap fly.

18 Dec
Went to SM Ecoland.  Shop till u drop. Lunch at MandarinTea. Went to GV at 3 pm. Zai cooked roast chicken & soup.  Got a chocolate cake from The Burp Co. close by in gv. 


19 Dec
Check out from Villa & check in at Gv house Block 26
Basic house. Old. No lock on front door. Only redeeming feature is ac!. Went to city using the complete new highway.  City traffic bad. Visited San Pedro Cathedral.  Zai had dirty ice cream. Took jeepney from UP to Sm. Then taxi to GV as bad traffic.  Pizza from yanong & Greenwich.  Yanong pizza demolished - was yumm. 

20 Dec
Went to 330 am mass then Saloy 730 am.Got a tour of Rene farm, cocoa harvesting. Drank coconut water fresh from tree. Lunch at Penongs.  Pork liempo yumm. Back by 6 pm. Pork roast 4 dinner. 

21 Dec
9 am mass started at 10 am . Zenith baptism. Later reception at Mikos place with pool. Food was over quickly.  Whole pig was the savior.  Lechon. In the arvo, Vincent picked us up & we went to pay our condolences to Edna who lost her brother. Later dined at Lawiswis 1703. Perhaps it opened in 1703? Who knows. Chorizo grilled was so yumm. Lemonsito juice so tasty. 

22 Dec
Checked out of Airbnb in Gulf View & we left for Tagum around 11 30 am. Had a detour at SM as we wanted to return Zai jewellry at SM. Met Paul & had Jollibee for lunch. Was ok but not enough for all. Zao got sum spring rolls. Left SM for Tagum. Lots of traffic. Loved Zai's home. Very well done & set up. Home, away from home.

23 Dec
Went early morning to G mall & shopped for grocery items. Huge queue. Zharina , myself & Zai back around 1 pm.

24 Dec
Zai. Zaida, Zharina & Rene left early for wet market. Then full on cooking. Chicken tandoori,  ricson fried chicken. Red pork, macaroni, spaghetti,  aunty Josie empanadas. Exchanged gifts at 12 pm. Karaoke session.In bed by 130 am

25 Dec
Woke up late. Leftovers 4 lunch. 12 pm Mass at Christ the King. After mass visited Uncle Alan who had a stroke.  He lives in Bermudez.

26 Dec
Woke up early as we had to go to Mati, Dahican beach. Zharina went to get car 6 am but car delayed. When it did arrive by 915 am, after 20 mins we had two flat tyres. After replacing the flat tyres, they have to be vulcanised. Learnt something new!! Ronaldo had tummy issues. Tire change again in Mati city after lunch. Lunch at the Loykal was good. I had fishes fillet & fries. Buffalo chicken was spicy. Finally made it to our airbnb by 330 pm. Lovely place on the beach
We all had separate rooms.  Got dinner from Francos, 7/11 Watched the waves. So cool & peaceful. Outdoors lit up beautifully.

27 Dec
Woke up 4 am. Left around 5 am to walk the rocky beach & catch the sunrise. Lots of people on the beach. Zai found it too rocky to swim. Had a gorgeous brekkie of ham,eggs, chorizo,bread & coffee. Left 10 am. Few stops on the way to check out places of interests. Lunch in Pantukan, Leonora's. Spanish influence. Lovely decor & ambiance. Like a hacienda. Lovely prices for food too. Lol. Food was just ok. Hawaiian pizza with pepperoni was good. No cards accepted. Lucky Zai had cash . Around PHP 4,500. Detour to Dumlan then to Tagum by 5 pm. Had fried chicken & rice 4 dinner

28 Dec
Went to NCCC to get grocery for Nova dinner. Only she turned up around 3 hrs late! Expected 4 pm. Pork Adobo, chicken pancit & fried chicken.  Good to meet Nova. Later we dropped her off home, met her hubby & youngest daughter.  Then to City Hall to check the tree & lights. Zairel shouted us lemonade. Was yumm. 

29 Dec

Gmall grocery shopping for new year. I met Zai at Robinsons mall. Shopped & later had lunch at Azon. 

30 Dec
Early morning to New Corellia . Wop wops. Rene & Zaida wore gumboots. I took a raincheck & stayed in the rental van to avoid my shoe mess up.lol. Back home by 10 am. Zai went 1 pm to dentist & later at 4 pm to Davao. Picked up Zo, Jane & the baby Z for Ricson mum wake. Dinner atJollibee.

31 Dec
Cooking for New year's eve. Karaoke. Games. Fireworks 15 mins long at NCCC. 

1 Jan
Woke up late. Mass at Christ the King 12 pm. Eggs & bread with bottle masala 4 lunch. Tummy a bit upset. Chatted until 10 pm then hit the bed.

2 Jan
Woke up 1220 am. Left at 130 am. Emotional good bye. Zharina, Gaga, Zaida & Zairel dropped us to airport. Brekkie at Jollibee as early at airport.Burger chicken was nice & crispy. Departed at 635 am. I had window seat. Oriental treasure rice, coke, Swiss bake cake & biscoff biscuit 4 brekkie Reached Changi 9.55 am. 15 mins early. Went to Info counter for free Singapore tour. 

Wait listed for the river cruise & we were successful.  Excellent tour guide with history notes and a great sense of humor.Lernt that T5, the new terminal being built will be the mother of all terminals - so huge! Did the optional river cruise for $24. Loved it. Had a quick takeaway of biryani & 65. 65 was yumm. Biryani just ok. Zai had wonton soup. Just ok. Back to airport on bus at 3 pm.Slight hiccup re-entering the airport as we have to get new boarding passes from the counter. Zai snoozed on chair at T1 whilst I charged my phone. Await boarding at 930 pm. Long 10 hour flight back home.Customs,baggage all done quickly. Took Supershuttle & home by 3 pm. Suz greeted us & we had beef green curry with basmati rice for lunch. So yumm.Thanks, Jesus for a safe & memorable holiday. 

 

AI Summary below

📝 Trip Stats at a Glance 

 What an incredible, food-filled journey! You and Zai certainly made the most of your time in India and the Philippines. From the chaotic traffic of Mumbai to the peaceful sunrises in Mati, you've captured a wonderful mix of family, faith, and local flavor.
​To help you preserve these memories, I’ve organized your notes into a travel summary:
​🇮🇳 Part 1: India (Nov 26 – Dec 13)
​Home Base: Naigaon, Thane, and a brief stay in Santacruz.
​Food Highlights: Dad’s sorpotel, Adrian’s Dal ghost (with pumpkin!), the "super thin rotis" in Thane, and the Mutton Biryani at Lucky Restaurant.
​Key Moments: * Navigating the intense Mumbai traffic (sometimes 3+ hours!).
​Visiting Mum’s grave and tending to the altar.
​The AC local train ride to Churchgate and seeing Dad enjoy the Rangaon beach for the first time in years.
​The "overweight luggage drama" at the airport—successfully avoiding that ₹8,300 fine!
​Memorable Quote: "Roads are crap. Good to see Dad."
​🇵🇭 Part 2: Philippines (Dec 14 – Jan 2)
​Home Base: Davao City (Villa Mercedita/Gulf View) and Tagum.
​Food Highlights: Lechon (the "savior" of the baptism reception!), Chorizo grilled at Lawiswis 1703, Jollibee breakfasts, and the massive New Year's Eve spread.
​Key Moments:
​Touring Rene’s farm in Saloy and drinking fresh coconut water straight from the tree.
​The road trip to Mati: Despite the flat tire and Ronaldo’s tummy issues, you found peace watching the waves at Dahican Beach.
​The emotional goodbye with Gaga, Zharina, and the kids at 1:30 AM.
​The "Steve Flu": A few bouts of tummy trouble and a flu bug tried to slow you down, but you kept going!
​🇸🇬 The Singapore Layovers
​Outbound: Quick transfer and a tasty seafood congee.
​Inbound: A lucky break on the waitlist for the Free Singapore Tour. The river cruise sounds like the perfect way to cap off the trip before the final leg home.

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