Family time in Alaska

About 10 years ago, my cousin Ana Alejandrino told me she went to Alaska on a cruise and felt it was one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Thus was planted the seed — a steadily growing desire to go to Alaska.

After 10 years, that desire finally became reality. Mostly in fact because my sister, Berta, had the temerity to make it happen, which meant choosing the cruise line, aligning our schedules (we are seven siblings!) The last time we went on a cruise ship was on Crystal Harmony — with my father — from Hong Kong to Vietnam, Cambodia and finally ending in Singapore. It was a five-day memorable journey.

This time Berta chose Silverseas, a relatively small cruise ship. It can accommodate 300 as compared to the bigger ones that can hold thousands. She wanted something intimate but very comfortable. Good choice. The rooms were spacious with each one having a living room.

My mother Conchita Taylor’s room was amazing. It had a dining room, living room, bedroom and dressing room. Crystal Harmony had many activities and common areas but the rooms were relatively small. I felt I was in the Philippines because 70 percent of the crew was Filipino. My brother Ernie brought magazines from ABS-CBN Publishing and DVDs — to the thrill of the Filipinos on board. Needless to say we were very well taken care of. They even celebrated Independence Day on June 12.

Warmth, amid the Alaska cold: My sister Berta and her husband Ting celebrating their 12th wedding anniversary

So it was my mother Conchita and Dick Taylor (my mother’s other half), all my siblings except for Marisa because her son Josh had a school activity to attend. 

My kids went on the previous Crystal Harmony cruise but they were too young to remember. As certified foodies, the treat of endless eating without worrying about costs excited them.

Since we were 24, we were a big enough group to have our own tour, which was great bonding for all of us.

Ketchican

The first stop was in Ketchican. This was an activity with seven zip lines and two bridges! It gave me great ideas for Sibuyan, which has the mountains and the resources to do something like this. Because we were so many we had to divide into three groups but all following each other. Zip line after zip line — I finally got zipping down pat so that I didn’t sway left to right. The others in the group got over their fear.

Then we ate in a seafood restaurant where they served crabs with the longest legs.

It was a great bonding time. We had all our meals together. It was great for the next generation. They picked out movies, played cards, and just clowned around. I love these family events. It’s so healthy for the kids to have a sense of family.

The dog sledding place: So sad to see these dogs in cages.

Juneau

Next day we arrived in Juneau, Alaska.  Here in the heart of Alaska, we ended up going to a Filipino restaurant called Lola’s. When we got in, the Filipinos inside were watching Maalaala Mo Kaya! The food was laing and lumpia, standard Filipino fare. But what hit me most was in the middle of the town, the signpost that says Manila Square! And there is a bust of Rizal! In honor of the 82 Filipinos who helped put up the first telegraph. 

Skagway

We went to the dog sledding place and I was looking forward to it because I have an Alaskan Malamute. I was missing Drake and I looking forward to seeing other Drakes. I was quite disappointed to see the dogs disheveled and tied up. They didn’t feel very happy. I don’t like seeing animals tied up. I wanted to see dogs I could hug but the dogs looked smelly and dirty. I guess I am used to Drake who wears organic cologne, has his teeth brushed and mouth washed, and whose hair is silky soft. I did see a cross between an Alaskan Malamute and a Husky in town. This one I hugged.

Sitka

We went to Sitka Alaska and saw bears.

Then we went to an Inner passage... I woke up and saw ice and only ice... almost eerie. My meditation in the middle of the sea was amazing! Really quiet. So easy to go in, maybe because there was no one where we were. No thoughts in the space — just total stillness.

It was amazing because at 10 p.m. it was still bright... by midnight the sun set and then at 3 a.m. it was sunny again!

The Lopez clan: (from left, standing) my son Roberto, my brother Ernie, my brother Mon’s wife Rhea, my brother Raffy, my sister Berta and her daughter Alyssa and husband Ting, Raffy’s wife Gaucha, my brother Gabby and his partner Karen, Gabby’s son Sancho, my mom Conchita, my son Benj, Mommy’s other half Dick Taylor; (seated, from left) the twins Isis and Sabrina with Blade, Ernie’s kids, the yaya, Gaucha’s daughter Tyrese, Berta’s daughter Dani and me. My brother Mon was with us, but he’s not in the picture.

Hubbard Glacier

Our last stop was the sea otter place. This was a treat as we went on a sea vehicle and went to see the otters. They are so cute! They lie with their stomachs and feet up, as if in a perennial beach position. Yes, we saw whales and eagles.

Anchorage

From the cruise ship we took a four-hour train ride, seeing spectacular views of glaciers. The train ended in Anchorage. We went shopping and watched the NBA playoffs. It’s always a lot of fun to have two sides rooting for the two teams during an intense game. We were evenly divided. Some were for the Miami Heat, others for Oklahoma. My team, the Heat, won!

Alaska is awesome. My cousin Ana was right. It must be one of the most beautiful places on the planet. God’s creation is magnificent. But what I treasured most was the bonding we had. We all live such busy lives. At the end of the day, the moments of connection with those we love are precious. If you want to have moments of preciousness amidst the splendor of nature, take an Alaskan Cruise, you won’t regret it.

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I can be reached at regina_lopez@abs-cbn.com.