Melai Cantiveros and her family are having the time of their lives in South Korea.
To the highs of cultural immersion from the lows of delayed flights, Melai captured on Instagram her memorable family adventure with husband Jason Francisco, daughters Mela and Stela, and her mother, Virgie Cantiveros.
Read: Stars taking a break to savor "buhay probinsiya"
Delayed but Determined
Melai's first Instagram post on July 13, 2023, revealed a weary traveler, seemingly drained by the long flight delay.
But thanks to the kind personnel who helped and comforted her, Melai got over her misery soon enough.
Expressing her gratitude, she wrote (published as is), "Yung di ko kinaya ang flight pero laban lang , and Thank you sa Flight attendant na nag assist sa akin.
"Super Thanks tlagaaa naiiyak na ako pero pinapanatag niya ang damdamin ko salmat sa inyu po [emojis] Kamsamnida [heart emoji]"
SAFE ARRIVAL at Incheon Airport
After the long period of waiting for their flight, the Cantiveros-Francisco family finally arrived at Incheon International Airport — the largest airport in South Korea, and primary airport serving the Seoul Capital Area.
Melai took the opportunity to express her heartfelt thanks to everyone who prayed for their safe travel, filling her post with "Kamsamidaaaaaa," a phonetic spelling of the Korean word for 'thank you.'
It did not take long before the group got moving, strolling through the charming streets of South Korea, and savoring delectable local cuisine with friends.
Her caption, crammed with tumbling emojis that follow the viral meme format, read: "Bakit masaya ang beshy nyu? Dahil andtu na cya sa AnyeonghaSayeoo [South Korean flag emoji]"
Quick Fast-Food Chain Photo-Op
Melai and Jason, popularly known as the love team "MelAson," grabbed a quick break to indulge in a lighthearted photo session at a fast-food chain.
Characteristically funny, Melai teased her followers to cease and desist—all in good fun, of course—if she didn't post a greeting of "Anyeongseyo."
"hayan na ha ang allowance nyu na post with Oppaa seyo , pag di ko ipost ang anyeongseyo wag myu na hanapin ha dahil masasabi ko Ewan ko nalang se enyo [winking fave with tongue emoji]," she captioned.
Finding Spiritual Connection in a Foreign Land
The former Pinoy Big Brother housemate and her family made an important stop during their vacation.
They attended Mass at a church before embarking on their escapades at the "Kingdom of Lotte World."
Although they couldn't comprehend the language, their hearts understood the profound meaning of their visit.
In a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the Lord, she wrote, "nakakataba ng puso na mag Mass sa ibang bansa kahit di nmin naintindihan ang lenguahe pero ang puso nmin ang nakakaintindi sa ibig sabihin ng pinunta nmin sa church.
"Amazing ka tlaga Lord, We Praise you Lord, We Adore you. Kamsamnida Lord Jesus Christ."
Seoul Grand Park Adventure
At Seoul Grand Park, the bunch reveled in the outdoor breeze and delighted in cherished bonding moments.
Read: Five cute moments of Ate Mela and Baby Stela Francisco
The simple and candid reel shared by Melai showcased their love for exploration and making memories together.
Family on Wheels
In another delightful post, Melai proudly showcased their rented vehicle – a bus or van filled with an endearing mix of companion, including, "Senior Citizen, PWD, Kids, LGBT, Husband, The best [emoji]"
Each person had a role to play in the trip, contributing to the overall fun and enjoyment.
Melai expressed her heartfelt wish that their journey would remain harmonious, praying, "So far, wala pa nmng awayan In Jesus Name, wag nmn sana Lord [emojis] for all the guidance."
Embracing South Korean culture
In their latest post, the Cantiveros-Francisco family fully embraced the richness of South Korean culture by donning vibrant hanboks, the country's traditional clothing.
They precisely posed at the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace and against its grand Geunjeongjeon Hall.
The magnificent palace served as the filming site for historical K-dramas, such as Kingdom, Goong, The Last Empress, and The Moon Embracing the Sun.
Melai lightheartedly remarked that though they looked happy in the pictures, the scorching heat and the weight of the hanboks made them yearn for their comfy Filipiniana outfits.
Writing about their day 6 OOTD, Melai shared, "masaya lang kami tingnan sa picture pero papunta na sa World War 2 ang tinginan namin sa isat isa sa sobrang init at sa bigat ng suot namin , ok na kami sa Filipiniana."
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