Bubba and I spent Holy Week mostly at home.  I was really into cleaning (even scrubbing the floor) and organizing my room and other parts of the house.  This is evidenced by my embattled fingers that currently have a lot of nicks and damaged manicure but I seriously don’t mind.  I love my sparkling clean and fresh-smelling room and I can stay in it the whole day.

But admittedly, a free and adventurous spirit like me cannot be bottled up inside the bedroom like a hermit.  Case in point, 2 years ago, Bubba and I spent one whole week in a Vietnam-Cambodia vacation trip. 

We initially landed in Ho Chi Minh City and searched for French influences in the architectural structures in the area.  Then we traveled to Siem Reap in Cambodia to finally see the lost mega-structure city of Angkor Wat with its temple reefs and gigantic roots that embraces the temple complex.

Last year, Bubba and I spent the week before Holy Week in a Singapore-Bali trip with some friends.  Bubba and I weren’t new to Singapore but it was our first time in Bali, Indonesia.

Bali is one of the more memorable and spectacular Asian travels that made a mark in my memory bin.  We had the best BBQ ribs on this side of the world along a roadside shack in Ubud Village, saw great artwork, sunset in Tanah Lot Temple, beautiful sunset beachside dinner and learned how to surf.

That fun-filled hectic week was the reason we weren’t able to plan anymore where to go for 2010 Holy Week.  However, Bubba had something up his sleeve and we just couldn’t let the Easter Holidays pass without traveling to a local destination. 

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Laguna-Quezon was our point of destination.  That was the time I discovered the laidback rustic charm of Ugu Bigyan in Tiaong, Quezon and the simple tranquility in Lake Pandin in San Pablo, Laguna.  There are just too many beautiful spots to uncover and relish in our country and my Filipino pride yearns to encounter more of the Philippines.

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This year, after all the cleaning for 2 days, Bubba invited to check out Tagaytay and spend lunch or afternoon there on Black Saturday.  We’ve been meaning to visit Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen for quite some time now and were only able to do so last Saturday. 

I braced myself for horrible traffic along SLEX since I read that morning on Twitter about folks complaining about heavy traffic in the area.  Bubba and I weren’t able to grab any breakfast at home and decided to make our regular pit stop.

This has been our customary pause every time we take long drives by the “countryside.”  Even if we are part of a big group of friends who are taking a trip outside of Manila and meets at 6am somewhere first, it’s never a forgotten rule to pass by McDonald’s Drive Thru. 

Even if it is as early as 6am or even at the crack of dawn, with the selected 24-hour stores McDonald’s has nationwide, it sets worry aside that we won’t have any food fuel for the long haul.  The cars convoying will have that familiar hot and freshly-made scent of McDo’s French Fries and wonderful breakfast options.

Who doesn’t love McDonald’s?  When I was still in college in DLSU, my favorite breakfast would always be Mickey Dee’s.  Either I order the Big Breakfast, crunchy hash browns, tasty Longganisa with Rice Meal with lots of vinegar, or Sausage McMuffin with Egg which used to be in blue wrapper.  And of course, McDo’s Hot Chocolate that can spring anyone to action and up the good vibes!

Since this was a spontaneous last minute plan, we weren’t able to call and reserve at Bawai’s for lunch.  Bubba wanted to take the chance and call when we get to Tagaytay.  I didn’t want to take the chance of being extremely hungry and yet get turned down at the Vietnamese restaurant.  As soon as I saw that yellow big letter M along South Luzon Expressway gas station, I pointed excitedly.  The STANDARD pitstop!

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The car veered towards the McDo Drive Thru sign.  I ordered my favorite chicken McNuggets while Bubba had the double cheeseburger and large French fries.  I also piped in an order of their caramel sundae which I sometimes dip the French Fries in… yea, adventurous palate too.

Before double cheeseburger, I’d be more inclined to get Big Mac, which is McDo’s double layer of sear-sizzled 100% pure beef that’s mingled with the sauce and cheese that melts on top of it.  Let’s not forget the spunky onion and the tarty pickle that give a textural crunch.  Pure joy in a bun, with no added preservatives and additives!

I love McDo’s McNuggets whether traveling or even just staying put.  While in Bubba’s passenger seat, it’s so easy to pop a nugget in my mouth or take a dainty bite while holding the fries or burger for him while he drives.

While other people flock the convenience store in the gas station, most stay in their car and conveniently drive through a McDonald’s Drive Thru.  Bubba and I take the easier and convenient route and it has everything to do with a McDonald’s happy face.  It’s nice to have a “FRIEND” you can go to anytime and anywhere when you need comfort.

Before embarking on your journey or setting out for a long drive, feed the unmistakable hunger like we did and avoid starving yourself during a ROAD TRIP.  ENJOY McDonald’s anytime, anywhere via drive-thru, 24-hour stores,  delivery (8-2363/8-MCDO number) or online delivery at www.mcdelivery.com.ph!

How about you, which 24hr or drive-thru McDonald’s do you frequent?

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