Life is a walk in the park with loved ones

If there is one thing about weekends it’s that they are sacred to me.

As much as possible, I make sure that weekends are spent away from work and in the company of people I love and my ever-loyal and truly-loving canine companions.

On weekdays I do find time to walk the doggies in our village. But, weekends are made for special treats, lots of walking, and people and doggie watching — I am so glad that more and more pet-friendly places have sprouted up in the Metro.

Let me confess, I love Bonifacio High Street (BHS), Serendra and the newly opened Burgos Circle in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) because they love my doggies and they love kids, too.

A perfect place for a family day out is what I call the place.

And, as far as I can see, many families have begun to include their little doggie companions, too.

It is quite an interesting sight — BGC on a weekend afternoon.

Dogs of all sizes and shapes take centerstage in the center parks of BHS. It is so much fun to watch how people really take time to walk their dogs, sit with them in the grass or just doggie-watch, as they let the lazy afternoon spread its charm.

I don’t know what it is about walking with doggies, but, I assure you that doggie-people are a little more friendly. Smiles come more

Toni Rose Gayda with her Poodle Coco and VJ Sarah Meier strike a pose at Bonifacio Highstreet during on the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) events there.

easy and getting to know yous are a little more frequent to come by.

I also noticed how one of the cemented areas in the BHS park is now being used as an area where people with remote control cars can show off their skills at RC racing. And, lest I forget, I also noticed how the area has become a true haven for people who love to run. Early mornings and more so early evening until late nights see a lot of runners (joggers, walkers) honing their skills in the area. There are quite a few skateboarders and in line skaters in the area, too.

I really love the warm feeling that BGC evokes in me. It’s quite like spending quality time with an extended family that I never knew I had.

And, in this day and age, that is something that I truly treasure.

But it’s not just about spending the time outdoors that gets me high, it is also being able to take my younger nephews and nieces to the stores and places where their imagination, spirit and pent up energy can run wild.

There is always Hobbes and Landes, a fave stop of my young relatives. The kids head off to the new discovery section, and I opt to sit and stuff myself with a cool cup of Froyo.

Hobbes and Landes is a store that lets the kids do the exploring. I learn so much about the latest gizmos and gadgets from my young relatives.

After a few hours at Hobbes the kids get restless and a trip to Timezone becomes the next must thing to do. Needles to say, the kids spend hours here — and quite a lot of my well-earned salary, getting their fill of their most favorite Timezone game. Not to be left out, I head on over to the air hockey machine and play a few games with whoever is willing to challenge me.

While the kids get lost in their games, this gives me time to leave them where they are and head off to Bike King. I dream that one day I will own a really snazzy bike, but for now that is just a dream. Bike King is one of my must visit stores in BGC. I love it that the sales people there know me and that they never tire of allowing me to take a taste ride on the latest bike. I think they believe that one day I too will buy a bike.

The space in BHS is good enough and I am able to make a few rounds on the cemented portion of the park areas. A true treat.

Another must stop for sporty me is Rox’s where I check on the latest in sports gear. Not much buying here, but I really love looking at all the cool stuff for outdoors that the store is well stocked with.

I head back to the kids to check if they are already hungry — and if their funds for gaming have run out.

Yes, to both.

We make a short stop at Club Princess, to my nephews’ dismay and to the joy of my nieces. The girls have a blast trying on whatever it is young girls like to try out in Club Princess.

My nephews take Cola and Yuri my Schnoodles for a run in the park.

“Not so fast,” I holler as the boys run in the park.

“Marta’s Cupcakes, Marta’s Cupcakes,” the kids chant when I ask where it is they would like to eat.

Cupcakes it is, goodbye diet.

What is life without kids, doggies and BGC?

It would be boring. It would be lifeless. Cupcake-stuffed. I ask the kids if we can make one more stop at Krispy Kreme as the folks at home will not be too pleased with me if I don’t bring home a box.

Sunday is almost over, another day of joy shared, games played and happy kids.

This is truly the life.

It is my life.