NOT JUST A PARTY BUT STRENGTHENING FRIENDSHIP

​What a lovely evening! The Valentine Party of the Sweet Magnolias. 

Once again we were able to strengthen our bond;  friendship that has grown beyond walking. This is due to shared experiences and common interests in cooking, fashion, healthcare and topics like keeping our marriage alive; dealing with household help issues and most of all enjoying more the finer things in life together 

And just recently, we discovered our love for dancing and singing. 

How did Tess put it? 

“ it is nice to have neighbors who become your friends, with whom you exercise everyday and share breakfast almost every other day. How lucky can you be?”.  

We had the best venue for this party; a place that is most coveted in town, the charming home of Tess. It encompasses an unsurpassed ambiance and winner cuisine. 

We arrive to see  this elegantly set dining table

And I saw my assigned place

After we were served drinks, mine is our favorite Barefoot Pink Moscato that Tess always keep in her bar. It would be lackadaisical of me not to mention the over the top appetizers prepared by our host, Tess.  The most anticipated kinilaw prepared from the freshest Tangigue, lemon, peppers, ginger, spring onions and the creamiest coconut milk. 

Not to be outdone is another favorite, the ELAR’S  lechon. 

But wait, there’s more. The extra large oysters! The winner! 

Each one brought a dish, mine was the beef asado, a favorite from my cooking repertoire, learned from my mother in law. 

Claire’s Greek salad and roast chicken. 

There’s Cheska’s truffle resoto to die for and her crispy-on-the-outside-soft-and-chewy-on-the-inside focaccia to dip in special balsamic vinegar and olive oil. 

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The best is yet to come! The strawberry cake from Purple Oven brought by Mel and the creamiest homemade cheese ice cream brought by Carol. 

Coffee and fresh tarragon-mint tea were served when singing started. 

Carol opened the singing 

Tess rendition was unexpectedly welcomed and it brought the house down. And it started the dancing. 

The husbands shared their favorite ballads; 

Jim sang “May The Good Lord Bless And Keep You” ; dedicated to Tess for her return to Holland with the 3-C’s (Carol, Cheska and Claire) as back up singers. 

When Doc Kim sang “ Just Tell Me You Love Me” he only had eyes for Claire. 

Aside from singing, can’t avoid Marites:

Came next was Mar with his Broadway songs. I’m amazed how he can hold a note, great breathing there, Mar. 

Husband AP and wife, Cheska sang “Dancing Queen” and encouraged more dancing. 

Then AP belted “Achy, Breaky Heart” and dancing continued. 

Claire shared one of her favorites from Les Miserables and gave another duet with Mar. 

What more can I say except to say thank you Tess, our host for such an unforgettable night.  We broke up at half after midnight and would you believe that we still covered 7 kilometers the very next day. 

We were so high that we couldn’t get over from the excitement of the night before. We sang almost the entire time and then we realized the other songs we could have sang. Oh well, those are for the next party.