It's Like a Pacquiao event, But With Horses

Today is a holiday here in Melbourne. Back in CDO, November 1 and 2 were reserved for the day of the dead and almost everyone would be on a holiday. This was my first time not physically celebrating that event. It felt weird seeing people going to work during those days but it was weirder thinking that people don't go to work because of horses. For every Melbournian, the first week of November is for the Melbourne Cup, and on this day, it showcases the horserace of all horseraces. With that, it is an excuse to place your bets. Not into gambling? Lucky for most women who love to dress up, there's a spot for us. This week is also an excuse for fashionistas to dress to kill, for the event is a whole meet market. What's Melbourne Cup fashion for women, you ask? Think cocktail or shift dresses paired with flamboyant hats or headpieces, or in Melby speak, fascinators.

(I DO NOT OWN THIS PICTURE.) Nicole Kidman at the event two days ago

Photo from www.fashionfile.com.au/blog

Very prim and proper, wouldn't you say? Very English. Oh, speaking of English, Prince Charles and Camila graced today's event and gave out the awards. I was hoping Kate dropped by because I was itching to see what she would have worn.

Anyway, my cousins came over for lunch and watched the race on TV. Our lunch consisted of leftovers and newly cooked pansit, and dessert was a choice of banana cake or apple crumble topped with vanilla ice cream. The crumble was so good, I had two servings. No judging please!

Dessert option 1: Banana cake

Dessert option 2: Apple crumble

... With vanilla ice cream? Yes, please!

 Apparently, there were many races in line but THE race - "The race that stops a nation" - was scheduled at 3o'clock. You know how Filipinos are with a Pacquiao event? All the streets are quiet because everyone is at home tuned in to the TV. Plus, there's a pre-match before the actual fight. Today was like that - like a Pacquiao event, but with horses! It was fun seeing my aunt and uncle getting into the action. They placed their bets, hoping that they chose the lucky ones. Ever since last week, I keep hearing names of the horses who were popular with the crowd and whom was likely to win.

At 3 o'clock. Watching the race that stops the nation.

 While watching the race, I was expecting one of those names to pop up as they announce the winner. It turns out the underdog won! There goes my aunt and uncle's money! haha.. I'm hoping next year I can actually be part of this madness by either a) placing my bet, b) dressing up in Melbourne Cup fashion, or c) both!

Cheers!