Two Weeks Of Bliss (2 of 3)

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I made sure my visit was on the down low but how am I ever gonna get away from family when one of my Aunts physically saw me going into my parents house? Explain that. So I told everyone that I work fully remote and that the company was not privy to my trip (which they are actually). So no social media posts until I get back, to which everyone that I asked seem to oblige. Appreciate them. And how could I not meet up with friends and family that I have not seen for what it seems like a lifetime? I gotta. But I had a tight schedule and I could not possibly squeeze in each and every one that I wanted to meet in a two-week period. This includes any other of my High School friends, college acquaintances and one-off friends I've accumulated during my life in Manila. I was on a mission for this visit, and that mission comes first.

BACARDI NIGHTS

Always a delight to meet up with my former Jardine Caldbeck co-workers. I may have been with the company for just several months but my golly, it has been such a memorable stay-- unlike in Globe Telecom which was a nightmare (sorry, just being real here). I never heard or been in Estancia in Capital Commons where the agreed spot Tipsy Pig was located. But since the rendezvous was near where I'm staying, who am I to complain. Some of the appetizers were quite unique yet sumptuous and even the ones I'm familiar with were too good in the palate. Those small chicken tacos with a piece of chicharon on top was out of this world! I got wild on the cravings. I was also anticipating a hard night of drinking. I recall during my last visit and meeting up with everyone, that I passed out really bad. It was after a night at Privè if I remember it right (is that club still open?) I woke up the next morning inside a car who I didn't know the owner in a place that I was unfamiliar with. Had my eyes been blindfolded and my hands cuffed, I seriously would've thought I got abducted. Turns out my old boss Philip drove me to his place but never really bothered to take me inside his house. Either I was too heavy for him to carry or he was equally wasted as I was. Or both so I truly don't blame him. Luckily, it didn't turn out to be the same that Tuesday night. Everyone was tamed. Philip, who now drives a bike could not drink anymore than two bottles. Gio, who still works for the same industry, does not have ties with the place, so no bottle service for us.  Myleen was kinda getting at it but calmed herself down when the group wasn't going hard with the alcohol. And Trish was DD for her husband. Nevertheless, even with less spirits inside us, it was a great gathering of old office mates. There was certainly no shortage of memories and laughter. We did miss a few people-- Mama Olga-- who is now based in Palawan. Beng-- hope you feel better. We will pray for you always. And Bebs and Yen who are also based in the US (we still on for NYC??). I'm hoping the next visit would be all of us reunited.

Jardine Caldbeck Forever

TAGAYTAY HIGHLANDS and the ESTEFAs

A trip to my sister's get-away house in Tagaytay Highlands was a must. Coincidentally, one of my closest cousins, Ronnie from Canada, was also visiting Manila. In fact his trip was known a long time before mine and my sister already planned a get-together with my Mother side's clan that weekend for him. Would it be a great surprise that I just pop out of nowhere to family that I haven't seen even longer than 13 years? Because that's what happened. I met with Aunts, the remaining Uncles (sadly) and cousins that I grew up with as well as nth degree cousins I'm finally getting introduced to. It was surreal to finally see them again as my memory of them is still stuck at childhood. I mean that's really the most I've interacted with all of them even when I was still living back there. I never really frequented the province. One of my Uncles told me that I looked like I never really gotten old. I know he was just being nice. As I am bad with receiving compliments, I just returned the remark back, "Right back at you Tito!". Happy to meet them all plus now I got an invite from cousin Ronnie to go visit Alberta. Might take him on that and visit Banff as well while I'm out there. Heard it was gorgeous. Let's wait and see.

Majayjay represent!!!

I'm so happy for my sister, being able to build their own home in a very prestigious area. It's a testament to all her and my brother-in-law's hard work and a blessing to their generosity in life. Love the house, the architecture, the location and most especially the serenity it brings when you're inside. The light tone and modern design was elegant and gorgeous. Biking around the neighborhood was a treat since the over-looking was just stunning. Mom keeps telling me that my Sister spends a bit too much on the decor but then again, it's her money so let her have it. More blessings to you my dear Sister and I'll probably hang out there a lot longer on my next visit instead of staying at your condo in Pasig. 

Midlands at night!

A FEW IMPORTANT FRIENDS

How can I visit the Philippines and not meet up with my longest tenured girl best friend Bingle. She'd probably kill me if I made the trip and stayed incognito. She has been a great ear and shoulder to cry on thru my darkest times and for that I appreciate her that much! Happy and proud of her for building up her career as a Branch Manager for Pru Life (free plug LOL). But more proud of her for not succumbing to cancer and to fight on with life! Will always have you in my prayers Bing! Nice to also see sister Carol and Tita (her Mom) and to be back at San Antonio after all these years.

Bing's office in Makati

I also met up with one of my childhood Project 7 buddies Edwin. It was a last minute invite to my childhood neighbors who obviously couldn't make it being that it was only a day in advance when I asked them. Edwin obliged and I even asked him if he was sure because it's only the two of us. With the recent and abrupt passing away of one of our childhood friends, Edwin said we need to take every opportunity to meet up because we never know if we ever will again. Valid point. He brought his wife Jeanie who I happen to know as well. Jeanie unintentionally and indirectly insulted me with her honest remarks about looking like the husband of a girl I used to like when we were young, to which we all laughed about because after she stalked the dude in Facebook, I surely look nothing like him. Great laughs!

Edwin with Jeanie at CIBO

 "AETNA" MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH

This particular gathering is what I was really excited about. Remember in my blog "One Song To Rule Them All (Part Deux)", when I mentioned that I met with a few Aetna co-workers in SoCal? That was fun and there was only 6 of us. This time it's a bigger group (and honestly could be way bigger but I kept it a bit intimate). I told my "Soul Sister" Manay Nome and one of my closest friends "Partner" Tetchie ahead of time that I am visiting so they better "gather the troops". Reservations was at Barcino in BGC. Side note-- yes, the hype on BGC is legit. It felt like you were somewhat in Japan and the crowd and ambiance gives you that feel that it's definitely not the Old Town Manila I remember. At least the Philippines has a section of a city that they can truly promote tourism to investors and foreigners. Way to go! Anyway, the heat was merciless and the a/c inside the bar was no match. There were stand fans to compensate the poor cooling feel inside. But it didn't deter our mini-reunion even for a bit. The food was great and did I mention the Sangria was delightful? It was so good even Tetchie, who never usually drinks, had a drink too many. My close friend Alvin came through to the delight of Manay Nome haha! My good friend Milot, who looks dashing as always, made an appearance too, as well as Doc Jed and happy-go-lucky Rom. I'm also grateful that Fern showed up whom I've always considered such a very nice timid woman. And of course the "Nome's Angels"-- Karen and Michy sans Joie, who is based in Norway and was dying of jealousy for missing out on the gathering. Our former boss DocMal (my, Rom and Tetchie's) showed up at the tail end of the get-together. He felt really generous, plucked out his wallet from his jeans and just paid for the entire tab. What a guy, right? It was definitely great catching up with everyone and had this been 20 years ago, there would have definitely been an after-party. There was actually, a week after at District One but with just Manay, Partner, Michy and us for one last hurrah!

Manay, me & Partner

Was a top night!!!

TABLO RESTAURANT w/ the ROBELs

Like I alluded to in Part 1 about the food in Tablo taking the cake, it was really awesome. The parking though, not so much. Nestled in the inner streets of Timog, it was not hard to find even if it wasn't technically in a commercial area as advertised. The attendance from my Dad’s side of the family wasn’t complete. But I didn’t pry on the reason why some cousins never made it. I knew there was some family drama going on and I’m not about to put everyone in an awkward moment and ask tactless inquiries. Instead I focused on the food, the cute set-up inside the restaurant and just did some small talk with the Aunts. They asked why the sudden visit and instead of explaining, I showed them a picture of the reason. They smiled and also gave me some unsolicited advice about relationships, really to my astonishment. That came out of nowhere. Of course you take it in stride and I ended the conversation by giving them a much deserved wink.

The Project 7 Clan

THE MEET UP

Manam at the Podium was the dinner spot that Thursday night. It was actually the “Meet The Parents” moment and there was for sure some anxiety but I was never nervous at all. Couldn’t say the same for my girl, although she looked calm and collected to be honest. There wasn’t much talking going on after the introductions. But leave it to Dad to break the ice and put me in a gawky state by asking if my girlfriend’s Dad drinks. To which my eyes opened up wide while looking at him since I did tell my girl that I was a lightweight when it comes to drinking (Listen, eventually I will admit to it so don’t judge ok? LOL) My eyes got even substantially wider when Dad blurts out that everyone in the family drinks. She was cool about it but my cover was unexpectedly blown. But that wasn’t even the highlight of the night. Tetchie (yes Partner Tetchie), whose office happens to be at the Podium, decided that she wants to barge into the family dinner and snag my girl away. This is just so she can bring her to her office, take a picture of them together, send it to our group chat with the other Aetna folks and snag the “I’m-really-close-to-her” bragging rights which for some reason became a rolling joke. My folks were like, “Who is she and why is she taking your girl away from here?” I was able to explain who she was but not entirely what just happened. You see Tetchie and my girl kinda hit it off during the Aetna meet, being that they were college school mates and despite having different personalities, they do have a lot of common traits. One of which is being "mapanlait" (condescending) which is really not true of my girl but I kid her anyway. Tetchie on the other hand jokingly and purposely tries to be one so I told them that I think this is probably an elective at Assumption College being that they are both good at it. Plus the fact that they use the "Tita" glasses almost the same fashion. Now they are like BFFs meeting up for dinner without me. What a wicked turn of events. But despite the unusual interruption, the first meet with my family was fairly tamed. And my girl was relieved. So the next one was just a walk in the park. Dare I say, "Welcome to the family??" Maybe too soon.

The law office of...

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Meeting up with family and friends got me all sappy. And if not for the heat and traffic, I would probably be mushed to my core. I knew even before I left that I will miss the moments, the food, the laughter, the places, the people. Now I'm back to toast and sipping on my coffee in my corner office at home. I stare at the sky outside my window musing over the thought of Mom cooking breakfast again. But instead I get a message in Microsoft Teams requesting assistance for an escalation. I'm back working and the world is how it should be. 

The final nail on the coffin (Part 3) in the works. Don't call it a revelation... actually, do!