Get-together at Metrowalk

March 30, 2012

A continuation of my friend Nina's visit, girls from HS organized a get-together and we all met up at Metrowalk in Ortigas.  It's been a long time since we last saw each other and it was a night filled with uproarious laughter, wild stories and just a great sense of camaraderie. Here we are in our little corner where we asked the waiter to take our picture hehehe  Ufnortunately, Leslie arrived after we took the pictures and for some reason, we never took them again, huh, weird ...

The highlight of the evening was when Nina presented us with our "gifts".  I would like to post a picture of the main gift but then, on second thought, never mind ;)  The contents of the big box (on the table if you can see) will remain known only to those who were present, right girls?

But we all got Hello Kitty massagers which, I personally think, are too cute to use for massaging LOL  Until next time! :) Thanks Nina and thanks everyone for a wonderful, fun-filled night :)

L-R:  Pam, Cecille, Gwen, Me-ann, Gicel, Celine, Nina and Me

Gimmick in Clark with Senate friends

December 27, 2010

After many months of planning and the plans running awry, the day has finally arrived for the much-awaited reunion of Senate friends :)  Of all the places to meet, we had to go to Clark for a day, or a night, in this instance hahaha Martin was generous enough to host the meet at his V8 Resto Bar :)

Now, believe me I don't drink any alcoholic beverages but I felt I was old enough to try it (nyahahaha) and since Patrick was going to be the one driving anyway, well I figured I may as well indulge a little hahahaha Tequila, especially Patron, really tastes good.  I can get used to this hahaha 

For that day, Lily and I went together and it was nice being able to chat with her on the trip.  Jerry who was one of the original "instigators" of the meet was trapped in La Union to my surprise.  Luci was the first to arrive in V8  :) 

As you can see from these pictures, it was a night of much laughter and entertainment brought on by good company, great food and free-flowing drinks.  It was a time for catching up and reminiscing especially about great times during our stint as Senator's Staff.

One highlight of the evening was when Jimmy Santos of Eat Bulaga fame (and I'm sure many Filipinos will recognize) arrived.  Patrick and I were giggling (yes, even Patrick because he's such a fan) because it's like one step being closer to the legendary trio of TVJ (Titom Vic and Joey) :D  Naturally, I didn't let the opportunity pass and I posed for a picture (or two) with him hahaha Patrick was a little shy though :)

Jerry arrived late, as expected since he was traveling from a few provinces away and he was even trapped in several stops where there were fiestas occuring.  His shirt best says it, "Heinaku!" :) or "Hay naku" which translates to "Oh my gosh!"

The evening flew by so fast with a lot of singing (it was a videoke bar too).  Patrick and I didn't want to leave yet, but we already agreed that we would stay only until 12MN because we didn't want to leave the kids too long.  So, we left at midnight, like Cinderella and arrived home some 2 hours later.  It was a good night! May there be more to come! :D

Reuniting with old friends

Once again, time has permitted former office mates and great friends to meet.  This time, it was at Martin's son, Kevin's 21st birthday and graduation bash, held last October 30.  It took a while to get most of the pictures so this post is a bit delayed. So, sorry for that :)

There was a casino theme as you can see, which was a perfect backdrop for our getting together.  We all shared good times, entertaining moments and unforgettable blunders that mostly centered around clubs, drinks, girls (for the boys) and  general frivolity during the years we all worked for Senator Ramon Revilla, more than 15 years ago.

Here's a toast to Kevin - Good luck on your new path!
Here's a toast to my friends - It's good to have found you all once again!



Here's a photo chronicle of the night:

Before going inside the venue
L-R: Alan, Russell, Kevin, Jerry, me, Patrick

Standing (L-R): Lily caught up with us, Russell, Mang Rudy
Sitting (L-R): me, Jerry, Martin, Ronnie

Martin opened a bottle of Patron for us to enjoy!

Ronnie and I got free hats!

Girls (seated): me and Lily
Boys (standing): Russell, Martin, Ronnie, Jerry & Mang Rudy

I've become so fat I'm able to block Jerry!

Pro Photo!
Jerry's missing! Where in the world is Jerry Panela?

Meet-up with Friends in Clark

July 24, 2010

Funny how Facebook can really bring people together.  I have been using Facebook (with all its simple applications) before it was even popular.  Most of the people I know used Friendster but for some reason, I steered clear of it.  Now, since there is a staggering number of people connected to one another on Facebook it surprised me that it took a long time for me to connect with my former officemates.  It's funny too that I got connected with them primarily through my favorite ManiPedi salon, Hotnails Spa LOL

(L-R):Dana, Me, Dylan, Jeff, Lily, Martin and Mang Rudy

 (Patrick was taking the picture)

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I got caught up with my former officemates - Martin, Jerry, John, Lily (she's one of my first friends on FB too) and a few others.  Martin then extended an invitation to treat us at one of his favorite restaurants in Clark, Angeles, Pampanga, C' Italian Dining.  Patrick already had the privilege of eating here during the coverage of one of his events and he swore that it's the best Italian food he's ever had :) So, naturally I also wanted to try it out.  Of course, Martin always posted pictures of the dishes he orders whenever he eats there so that always sets my mouth watering hahaha It was good timing though that Lily was also headed for some R and R time with her family and so we also decided to spend the weekend in Clark.

While in Clark, we couldn't pass up the opportunity of trying another of it's famous restaurants, Zapata's.  We're fans of Mexican food so we were all excited to try it out, although Dylan conked out from sheer trip exhaustion while we were there.  Here's a sampling of our orders:

Tacos and Iced Tea

Combo Platter for Patrick - Tacos, chili, bean soup

Bean soup

The Top Favorite: Quesadillas

It was weird though that from the outside you probably would think twice about going into the restaurant.  For one, it was like totally closed-off when you're coming in from the street.  But once you overcome your initial fear or doubt, and you step into the foyer, you'll be welcomed by the yellow and quaint interiors, the pleasant staff and the over-all charm of the place.

I know that a restaurant has made its mark on us when the kids request us to return :) Can't wait to go back :)

Torrado-Jose Nuptials, April 7th 2010

Believe it or not, we've been invited to another wedding!! hahaha Our frocks are really worth it now hahahha

This time my cousin Francis and his fiancee Macole are getting married at the Sto. Domingo Church and having their reception at the Fernwood Garden in QC.  Last Sunday, we were able to catch up with our relatives from the Paypon side because they're here to attend the wedding.  We also found out that Den will be a proxy bridesmaid to replace one who got a scheduling conflict.  To prepare for the event, Den had a dress fitting (fortunately,  the dress shop was near Dylan's school so it was easy to go to) on Monday.  We were worried that they wouldn't be able to repair the dress on time but they pulled through :)

We all went to Hot Nails Spa (our spa of choice!) for some foot pampering :)  We timed it well so that Den would know what color her dress will be to coordinate the color of her nail polish as well.  The next day, we all went to Torre Venezia where the kin were billeted.  Den needed to spend the night there in order to be bright and early the next day.  Preparations for the actual wedding will take a long time so it's better that she be there as soon as possible.  We had dinner together with Tita Letty, Josh, Mar and Alyssa at Gerry's Grill.

On the day of the wedding, we (minus Patrick who was coming from the office) went straight to Sto. Domingo.  It was a solemn but touching ceremony.  What is it about weddings that really brings people to tears?! :D The bride, Macole, looked beautiful and Francis looked excited ;)  These are the pictures taken immediately after the ceremony, outside the church.  Don't they all look n ice? :D

The drive to Fernwood Garden was short.  Patrick got caught in traffic on his way from the office so we were a little behind.

Upon arriving, we took pictures, of course! :D


We got to our seats and we waiting for the bridal entourage's entrance.  It was really cool and cheery :)  We just took the time to take pictures of most everyone we know :)

Family (L) and Philip and Den (R)

Ate Mel and Dylan (L), Daddy and Dana (R)






Tita Cora and Tito Angel (L), Tita Letty and Josh (R)

Tito Ping and Tita Beth (L) and Tita Ofel (R)










This time, we were able to take a picture of the huge swans and koi in the ponds.  Dylan kept calling out, "Farmville" hahahaha

After the ceremony, more pictures taken with the family.

Day 9 - 7th Day in Calayan

April 30, 2008 - Wednesday

By this time, we should have been leaving the island but because the waves have been reportedly strong, no boat wanted to transport us. We were scheduled to leave the next day.


So, we spent the day packing our stuff, although we did go for a last dip in the beach in the morning hehehe The kids were just lounging about and playing with their sea shells :)

It was also Lola's death anniversary so we attended mass for her in the evening.


We also bought lobsters to take back home to Manila :) yummy!! and it was so cheap at P250/kilo hahahaha

Day 8 - 6th Day in Calayan Island

April 29, 2008 - Tuesday


Today we went to Sil's mango orchard :) It's still quite young but at least he can look to a profitable business when it matures :) The kids had fun playing with the "makahiya" plant (it's a kind of grass that when touched, it folds it leaves, hence the term makahiya which means "shy"). They also tried to climb trees and hang from them which was really fun to watch hahahaha We also took pictures next to pigs from the adjoining farm hahahaha



After that, we went to Sagpat to visit our Lolo's siblings. It also gave us a chance to look at my father's property hahahaha Tito Ambil planted corn on it, hence they called us "Children of the Corn" hahahaha


Next, we had lunch near the beach on Tita Cora's property. We sat on coconut leaves, ate fish, meat and green mangoes woohoo!! the life!! the life!! Although someone mentioned that the way we were was reminiscent of Survivor - so Survivor Calayan hahahaha