CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH THE WALKING BEAUTIES

​Last night was such a lovely party with my walking buddies, the Walking Beauties.  Though  I’m a bit self-conscious to mention that in public since it was meant just to identify our group, but then, why not? As paraphrased buy the Greek philosopher, Plato, “beauty lies in the eye of the beholder”.

We thank Tess, the no. 1 jogging/walking beauty who graciously offered her home to celebrate this Christmas party. 

We admire and appreciate her lovely table setting. She brought out her blue and white crockery, so beautiful and pleasing to dine with; it was above and beyond our expectations.

That was my place with my initial. 

Look at this special cake she ordered from Aggie’s; so pretty, so Christmasy and so delicious! 

Joy was the earliest bird, she and Tess were already having cocktails when we got there. 

Jim and I arrived next. Below, see Tess toasting Jim for coming early as well 

The the rest of the Beauties arrived 

The garden and pool was beautiful that I couldn’t resist having my pictures taken. 

Finally DINNER!

Imagine the piano music of Christmas songs played by the pianist Tess hired. It felt like we were in a hotel lobby. It was pleasant and soft enough to carry conversation. 

After dinner, we had the cake and tarragon/mint tea; once again served in tall blue and white mugs. 

Then there was dancing. 

Sorry, I missed taking a photo of the dance instructor, DI that Tess hired as well. 

As if we hadn’t taken enough photos that we had to take more

Jim andI had a great time, thanks Beauties for your enjoyable company. To Tess, once again, thank you. 

Let’s have another one before Valentines. Meanwhile, we will carry on with our impromptu breakfasts. Please, no hassle, bread and coffee and interesting conversation will be great. 

HOW TO CELEBRATE A 93rd BIRTHDAY IN STYLE

​I gazed in awe at the enormous birthday cake prominently placed near the entrance of the Rigodon ballroom of the Manila hotel.  It is pure elegance, it sat on a profusion of American roses in varied colors. 

The top tier is conveniently placed at the bottom for easy access for blowing the cake candle. 

The ballroom was an explosion of color and glitter;, exquisitely beautiful and truly amazing.  Strings of golden leaves and lights hang from the ceiling above the dance floor.

There are huge floral arrangements at the foot of the stage with twinkling lights; part of the stage mimic a floral garden. 

Thats me in front of the stage. 

The tablecloth has a shimmering lace cover that shouted festive. A huge flower arrangement, tall candles with flickering lights and capiz ornaments decked the center of each table. 

“Take charge” sibling no.3, Tess, my friend and walking buddy, from whom we owe this invite. 

Tess almost single-handedly put together this whole event with minimal consultation with her siblings. 

She reserved the Venue early and helped booked accommodations for the out-of-town guests. She arranged the program, the invites, the souvenirs, the cake and gowns for her sisters who live abroad. 

She contracted the singers, Lemuel Llamas and another equally great singer whom she flew in from Samar.  That’s Lemuel in the photo below. 

How do I know all these? We walk 10,000 steps almost everyday, oftentimes breakfast too when she’s in town unless she has houseguests. 

The mass was celebrated by Fr Aldrin, a family friend and Sports Director of Adamson university. In the homily he mentioned that the celebration started earlier in Adamson where student volunteers helped serve 500 deprived people free lunch. Such a generous act, it is a family tradition to share their blessings during birthdays of family members. 

The family love to sing and dance, including their children. A grandchild of Ma’am Patria, Vince Gutay gave an outstanding performance of Quando Quando Quando that awed the guests. 

I was called on a stage for the “best in something” contest. I may have done good in the Q & A portion but I can’t dance like the winner, the young and lovely Grace, first from left on the photo. 

The siblings also performed a lively dance number which they did with gusto. 

The surprise number was the giving of ampao to all of the 250 guests by the celebrant. Instead of the guests bringing gifts; with Ma’am Patria, it is the other way around. She finds joy in giving and sharing her blessings. 

That’s Joy and I toasting each other after we got our ampao. 

Happy maybe too weak a word to describe the event. So I ask Google for help and came out with JOYOUS, used in formal writing to describe an occasion filled with happiness. Yes, joyous it is! 

You all should know how Tess put together this event into a resounding success. 

Ma’am Patria, you are the epitome of selflessness. You have raised your children well, surely you are the “wind beneath their wings”. 

Here is a photo of the fruits of your labor, your gifts and your treasures. 

Congratulations! Happy birthday! 

MY BIG BROTHER’S 80th BIRTHDAY

​I felt like I was going to a hotel when we arrived at my niece’s home to attend my big brother’s 80th birthday. 

Of course there was no Porte cochere, unlike in a hotel though a uniformed guard met me with an umbrella as soon as I alighted from the car. He also assisted me going up the two flights of stairs from the street. 

I was wearing a palazzo pants with matching long and wide top; not my usual so I was a bit self conscious.  Yes, not my comfort outfit and not what they all expected me to wear. But my niece was impressed as soon as she saw me when she let me in. I love this outfit, so light and comfy; given by my younger daughter. 

We were met with a lot of chatter; my nieces, nephews and grandchildren were like talking at the same time. It was a riot, all of us were happy to see everyone. Our last get together was on my golden wedding anniversary, pre pandemic. 

Here we were together in the picture below. 

Of course the celebrant was already “happy” having arrived earlier and started to “party” early, if you get my drift. 

Below, he sat with the grandchildren:

Siblings Sandy and Annie with me. We missed Joe who is in California. 

As soon as we hit the couch, a waiter appeared with calamari and crispy spinach and offered red. I declined, it was a bit early for me, I asked for coke light. 

While catching up with those seated close by, including my sister’s boss from Florida, four roving waiters kept refilling the appetizers and our drinks. I was also taking photos of those near me.

The young ladies in the family above 

 below: Jim, Annie and  beautiful Sciezka.  

My own granddaughter Arya and Nikky who just graduated cum laude from UST college of nursing and presently anxious about the board exam she took recently. 

Soon I realized that I had enough appetizer and won’t have room for the lechon from Elars, my fav;  if I don’t stop. So I suggested lunch. 

As always, Tillie outdid herself with a generous spread of lengua, callos, chicken pastel, lasagna, butterflied prawns, potato salad, the lechon and of course Aboy’s Lumpia, fruits and an assortment of mini pastries as

Lots of family jokes were told and retold, while the teenagers gathered in one table, the older ones in another table below:

The first generation also grouped together with the other celebrant, Aboy, eldest grandchild of the clan. 

While people were talking and eating, wine was flowing and noise becoming louder. 

Look at the celebrant, he looks happier than when we arrived. 

Thanks a lot Tillie and Tady for hosting such a wonderful party. Everyone enjoyed, for sure.