Hello Hivers! miss me? it's @sonjamorz posting another blog this week. I hope you're doing well and enjoy reading 😊  Family time is always special to me. We recently spent a wonderful evening at the Mercato de Mactan Food Park in Lapu-Lapu City. It was a quiet evening, but it made me realize how much I love my family and enjoy the connection we share.   

When I arrived at Mercato de Mactan

Once we got to Mercato de Mactan, I turned to the vibrant ambiance. The ambience is lights, music, people and food. Tables were laid out under a big white tent and barbecue wafted through the air. We found a big table where we could all sit. I'm happy because in my family, from the youngest to the oldest, everyone is always talking. Times like this don't happen every day, so I'm taking full advantage of them.  

Share the holiday joy

The food at Mercato de Mactan is amazing! We ordered many different dishes and our table was filled with BBQ, fried fish, clam chowder, green salads and more. Barbecue is my favorite. It was sweet, crispy and cooked to perfection. It is a warm and refreshing lime soup ideal for nighttime. Furthermore, the cooked fish was very tasty and the seaweed salad was sweet and fresh.  

Laughing and laughing together

What I loved most about the evening was not just the food, it was the way we all came together. We talked, laughed and shared stories. My parents used to tell us fascinating stories about their childhood. Even though I heard other stories, I still laughed because they were always funny. My siblings and cousins also tease each other and discuss aspirations and goals. I feel lucky to be surrounded by people who love and support me. It reminds me that no matter what happens, family will always be there. 

Why Family Time is Important

Last night I realized how small a seeming family evening can be when it really counts the most. It’s easy for me to get caught up in school, work, and other things, but spending time with my family makes me feel whole. At Mercato de Mactan, I didn’t think about anything stressful. I'm so glad to be there with them, they're very dear to me. We don't have to agree on everything and yet this type of experience keeps bringing me back to the importance that our love for one another holds.  

Taking Photos

We took a few photos before the night ended. I really enjoy taking pictures at family parties (parties with the family) since it triggers fond memories of great times we shared as a family. Look at these pictures and I do smile because it captures the feel of the joy we experienced that evening. We provide food and share everything. It’s nice to hear people say, “Try that! or “This is so cool! Sharing food like this always brings us closer because it feels like we all care about each other. 

What I learned that night

I found out that family can be very cheap or even not at all luxurious. What it is, is to be close, to chat, to joke, to have memories. Our evening at Mercato de Mactan revealed how wonderful it is to share food and company at a table. It brought us closer and reminded me to cherish every moment with my family. 

I can't wait to spend more time

I would like to spend a night like this with my family. Whether it's at the park, at home, or somewhere else, I want to make time for them. Family relationships are about love and unity. It demonstrates that we care for one another, including in everyday gestures. I enjoyed very much spending the evening at Mercato de Mactan and would love to see more events of this kind in the future. Go to Mercato de Mactan with your family if you have a chance. It's a wonderful place to eat well and make memories. To me, it's a lot more than just food, it's family love and sharing good times.