Easy On Me

 What a track!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

🎼🎹🎶🎶 Go easy on mе, baby
I was still a child
Didn't get the chance to
Feel thе world around me
Had no time to choose what I chose to do
So go easy on me

I had good intentions
And the highest hopes
But I know right now
It probably doesn't even show 🎵🎶🎹

Just like that she is finally here!!! Welcome back, Adele! 💖💕✨

#rallinejeanhearts

Remembering the Queen

In Remembrance on the First Anniversary of Reyna's Death

I think of my dearest Sister Taba, Reyna Villacarlos, so often, and although this day brings to mind the sorrow of her passing, it is also an opportunity to revisit some wonderful memories of Reyna. A friend so dear with a heart of gold.

Eternal Rest grant unto Reyna O Lord
Let Perpetual light shine upon her,
May her Soul Rest in Peace. Amen.

The Queen Will Always Be Remembered

"Somewhere a journey begins at the end of the worldly existence we know, Somewhere a path stretches over the stars, and rivers of memories flow... Somewhere a silence is heard far away and the brightness of day fills the night, Where the trials of life are resolved into peace -- when a soul finds its way to the light."

Maria Reyna C. Villacarlos

August 11, 1975 - October 10, 2011

Lord our God, You are always faithful and quick to show mercy. Reyna was suddenly taken from us. Come swiftly to her aid, have mercy on her, and comfort her family and friends by the power and protection of the cross. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sister Taba, we will miss you!

Sister-rific Chloe

Together we laugh, we cry
We sometimes fight; we often cheer each other up.
There's no better blessing than having a Sister who is also a Friend!



Wishing you a very Happy 29th Birthday, Chloe Jean!

Through the Years

Friendships like ours, are not made in a day or even a year.
Friendships like ours, are built with long talks and revealing our true selves.
Friendships like ours, make us feel accepted and loved.
On your birthday, I want you to know I feel blessed to have you in my life.


I'm glad to have a wonderful friend like you. See you in June!

Ribs and Laughters

Since it’s the season for giving gifts and endless parties, for us, it is also a season of reunions and re-acquaintance with people we have not seen for a while. It has been years, I cannot even recall if it is five or six, but it’s been a while since we last bonded face to face. Good thing we have email, SMS and FB, the friendship is still intact.

The original date was weeks before but we had to reschedule because of the flu. We’re supposed to attend our HS reunion but conflicts on dates forbid us to attend. After a week of delay, we had our date set and ready for a night of chitchat and laughter.


For our date, we find La Maison Brasserie, a French Casual Dining Restaurant, in Greenbelt 5 an interesting place to eat and share good food. It was advertised as having the “best steaks” or at least something along that line.

First to arrive was the super trendy, Ms. Charito “Chato/Iking/Chamy” Gabriel, clad with her powerful Prada bag, Mikimoto pearls and of course, the Philip Stein watch. As always, Chato depicts the corporate banker type with elegance and character. I love her salt and pepper hair, suit her more compared to the highlighted do from before. She’s on the thin side nowadays but as I told her, adding a few pounds will do her good as well. As we were getting settled at our table, Chato bombarded me with tons of questions, I cannot help but look at her and go back to years back when we were still classmates in HS. I did miss her laughter, her antics and sarcasm and most special of all, her with and humor! Nothing beats Iking!

As we were waiting for our other date to arrive, we had to update ourselves and it was tiring yet fun. As the clock ticks later in the night, we wondered how come she’s still a no-show. I suddenly remembered she gets lost in the area. Tadah! She did!

The other Maria for the night is the very petite and cute, Ms. Rubyanne “Deng” Canasa, sporting a new hair color and laughing out loud that she got lost again within the Greenbelt 5 premises and having a hard time finding a parking slot. The ever conscious Deng is still the same, prettier in fact, as others say, the added years suit her best. She lamented on how hard it was for her to find a parking space for hours and it was a real laugh for us to hear her rant! Between the two, I have more contact with Deng through the years, but hearing her voice again, brings back memories.

We feasted ourselves with the house specialties and the baby back ribs were indeed tender and juicy as mentioned by some friends who already dined at La Maison. The service was good; very polite and helpful staff. The ambiance was quiet and comfy, stylish but relaxed. It is absolutely perfect for a date place. Overall, we really had a great dining experience.


Even though we missed my dearest twin, Mrs. Evangeline "Vangie" De Jesus-Cruz, the laughter and the voices were really ear-splitting with our own stories to tell and the tons of chismis with regards to our other class/batchmates. Just like in any occasion, we talked about almost everything under the sun. Next time around, we do hope to have Vangie with us - physically.


Much as we want to stay longer and chat, the night was almost over and everybody have her own schedules for the next day - getting ready for the last working day for the year and for flights to catch. After exchanging presents, kisses and hugs and tons of pictures, we said our goodbyes.

See you again soon, Deng and Chato! Hopefully with the rest of our intriguing classmates and friends! Oops, might be sooner, maybe along Harbour City Shopping Centre perhaps?!

A Double J Celebration

It was a rainy Thursday when Vangie sent a personal message informing me she’s already in Manila for a short period of time. It’s a double header celebration for her two beautiful daughters – Julianne’s 2nd birthday and Jasmine’s baptismal. As always, the party fell on a Saturday. Knowing Vangie, she won’t take no for an answer even if I did give her my valid reasons.

Since I have class till 6pm, I asked my sister to buy my presents. I asked her to buy my twin’s two daughters dresses at Rustan’s Makati and to have them gift wrapped for the occasion. Dutifully, she obliged despite not having eaten lunch that day!

Back to my story, class was extended for a few minutes and as usual, traffic in EDSA was the worst. As we were going to the De Jesus’ residence, I can’t help but reminisced some of the funny moments with Vangie during our ES/HS days.


The party for the kids started at 3pm. We came in at around 7pm. Even though we are 4 hours behind, there were still a number of guests. Food as always was provided by Corrhin’s Catering. I got to taste again Nanay’s special fried chicken. Even my sister enjoyed the Hotdogs. Yum!


Although we were late, I got to chat longer with my twin. We talked about almost all the topics that can be covered while I ate dinner and enjoyed each other’s company. I always feel at home whenever I’m at the De Jesus’ residence – para ka lang nasa bahay!


As I said my goodbyes, I can’t help but be teary eyed. It was as if we were just mere students the other day and now my twin is a mom of two beautiful girls. As the night goes deeper, I got good news – she’s coming home for good before the end of the year. Definitely more time for bonding and as I was leaving, I kidded her, one more round – make it a boy!

Gie, don’t forget to get me a room at the Venetian! Let’s have some fun in Macau before you head back to Manila for good.

The Best Mom Ever!

You fill our home with love and laughter, warmth and comfort, life and hope...




...You're the secret ingredient in this family.


Happy Mother's Day, Mami!

Presidential Dinner

It was almost three years ago when we last had a big get together. For this year, even though we can’t outnumber the count of attendees, it was still a fun night.

Available members of EconBlock3-A and the Big Family met for dinner at President Tea House behind SM Mall of Asia. The restaurant is in Bldg. F; and in the same row as Hooters and collectively known as San Miguel by The Bay.

We enjoyed the food. The servings were generous and reasonably priced. Peter Allan, the man behind PTH, was the one who selected the specialities and we dined like presidents.

Who were the presidents who graced our dinner? Let’s enumerate the magic seven.


Nhore is currently in the country for a month’s vacation. She’s radiant-looking that night and everybody commented that her hair colour suits her better as well as her added poundage looks good on her. She came with her youngest sister and we were kidding that they looked like twins. Nhore’s husband was not able to join us since he went home to his province in Cagayan De Oro.

Joseph perfectly fits as a dignified lawyer in his paisley designed polo yet he’s still the same old Joseph that I remember. He was teasing me that I might not be able to attend dinner since I was a no show in 2007’s dinner. Sorry! I was able to make it although a little bit late since I came from a far location. He was with his wife that night but the wife was with a friend and decided to shop during our dinner.

Jojo, on the other hand, is also missing a fiancée. The most sought after guy in our block and family is getting married on October and I can’t help it but laugh when Bing commented something about the coming event. Jojo is very jolly as always and never fails to brighten the mood of any person. He still works as a consultant and currently busy with the pre-wedding preps. Hey, don’t forget to invite us on your big day!

Peter or Allan as some people call him is now managing four PTH branches. Aside from the branch where we had dinner, he still visits the Binondo, Glorietta 4 and ATC branches almost every day. Talk about wellness in restaurant-managing! He mentioned that business is doing well (good for you Peter!) and he doesn’t have a competitor within the restaurant row (even better!). Kudos and more power to you and PTH!

Then came ME! Enough about myself – though for this date, I came late as mentioned earlier.

That night, we have two new recruits. The last time I saw them was way back in 1994 but good thing for the World Wide Web, we were able to touch base and it was like college days once again.


Gigi or Geraldine is now a mom of two cute kids and soon to be a new mom again in four months. She works for CHED and still sports the long locks that I used to remember during our freshmen days. It was nice that she was able to join us even if she came all the way from Quezon City and heavy with the third child. Bayani!

Bing, our teacher turned nurse is now sporting a new look too. She used to wear her hair short, just above the shoulders. Now, it is traded with a long flowing hair, as if she’s a shampoo commercial model. Naks naman! She works as a fulltime nurse in one of the hospitals in Manila and currently thinking of going back to her first love, teaching high school kids.

Oops, before I forget, Bing is single, so are Peter and Ralline Jean. I just thought to mention that!

As we were finishing our dinner, we started calling other blockmates and family members. We were able to talk to Kuya Menard and Ate Jane. Menard’s still doing work with PAO in Ilocos and Jane’s in Dubai. We also learned that Jane is visiting Manila for two weeks and we might have another round of get-together by the middle of April. I just can’t wait!

We tried calling Reyna, Au, Vicky, Pocs, Rhodz, Alovel, Cynch, and Oli but all we got were unanswered calls. Maybe they are already sleeping or watching telenovelas seriously! Anyway, we missed their company and wishing the next round they’ll be able to join us.

It was fun that we updated ourselves on what we know of the rest of the group. We feasted on gossip and facts. If only they knew that those who are not present in gatherings are the usual topic for discussion, maybe they would have attended. Kidding aside, we all wished that we could all go back to where our friendship started and bond just like old times.


As Friday night, breaks into midnight, we started to say our goodbyes. We promised to continue with an open communication among ourselves and to recruit more blockmates on the next gathering.

Going home, even though I know I will suffer in class the next day because of the lack of sleep, I was really happy seeing them once again. It was nice reminiscing what we did during those college years, the laughter we shared, heartaches, lost loves, admirations, winnings and losses, all in all it was a night to remember.

UPCB’s EconBlock 3-A and The Big Family will live forever in our hearts. Until the next round of gatherings and chitchat, we wait. For now, let us cherish the wonderful moments.

Four by Four

It was a very draining Saturday in class as always but my energy level was still very high at 5 in the afternoon. Class was good; I behaved as I should even though deep inside I want to strangle the neck of somebody within my reach. Good thing, I have friends in class who were texting me to put a smile on my face and to cheer up.

As the class wraps up for the day, I was giddily counting the minutes to dinnertime. I was to meet my former officemates and to celebrate the birthdays of Sheryl and Jannice.

Since class was dismissed early, I had time to chat with some of my classmates while waiting for their friends as well. It was nice to talk to Cat and Sheyan and even with the students from the other class.

As I wait for my friends’ arrival, they kept me company. Iyra was the first to arrive and then we fetched Sheryl who got a little bit disoriented in Diliman's campus and then Jannice infront of the Kapuso compound.

So that we don’t have to travel far away, I decided to have dinner within the area. It is good since it will be near for the three beautiful ladies. We had dinner at Chili’s Bar and Grill in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.


It was Sheryl who I haven’t seen for a long time. Four years! During the absence, we stay connected through chats, sms, and emails and of course, letter writing. Oh yes, I still believe in the power of the postal services. Sheryl changed a lot. She’s now blooming with longer locks and with confidence. She’s no probinsiya anymore. Iyra, the “Cutie”, was there and the last time I saw her was in 2007 with Jeremy during a side trip to Diliman from The Medical City. She is now wearing braces and we all agreed that she’s skinnier than before and warned her that she should eat more since she’s too slim. We missed her chubby cheeks and long hair. She’s now sporting a shorter do and takes a few years off from her age. Same with Sheryl, we never failed to update ourselves with the use of modern communication. Jannice or Ja, was very tired coming from her work in Las Pinas and was just so happy to see the two ladies as well.


We were calling Jeremy but he was not answering his calls and he was supposed to join us. Mike had to go to another planned gig while Marvin was out of town and Norman was out of the country.

Much as we want to spend time with the rest of our group, some of our officemates are already in various parts of the world. Abbie and Jean are in Sharjah and Dubai respectively while Raphael is in Bahrain. The significant others of some are also out of reach during dinner. Ka Roger is in Jeddah while Carlos was in Cagayan De Oro.

The night was purely just for the four of us. Four “single” ladies with tons of smiles, laughter and of course, good food to top the night.


We talked about almost everything. Work, school, entertainment, current events, love life, sex life and most of all the lives that we lead since the time we left our Concorde address and the people we met during those short but memorable times.

Dinner was not enough for all our stories. Since Roger’s coming home for a month’s vacation, Iyra suggested for another round, this time longer and more intimate. Iyra will organize the get-together and will try to have more of these good times. Sheryl suggested for karaoke and barbeque night, while Jannice suggested some swimming and I was thinking of doing all of it.


We almost forgot that it was a birthday celebration when we were about to dig in with our dessert. We informed our server about it and we got a freebie Birthday Sundae.


Much as we want to talk on and on it was getting too late for us and decided to call it a night. I distributed my birthday presents to She and Ja; and of course gave a present to Iyra as well.

As we were going out of Chili’s, we promised for a much sooner get-together. The dinner was really “bitin” and we missed our boys.


We parted with smiles in our faces and I was cruising on my way home, I can’t help it but reminisce the times we were together as officemates. It seems too long ago and a very short time for us, but the experience and the friendship that was developed was definitely for keeps.

One question lingering in my mind as I reach home, in Ja’s words – can we ever be complete as before? My answer – I really don’t know.

Tongs

Wishing you dreams in your heart, love in your world, and the beautiful day you deserve for being so special!


Happy Birthday, Jannice!

See you on Saturday afternoon for our Frozen Margarita celebration!

A Sweet Farewell

Just like he promised, he returned to where he started. For the last time and before its final call in television, George Clooney made a final appearance in ER as Dr. Doug Ross.

Watching the show with most of the original cast members was like a mini reunion. The tandem of George’s Dr. Ross and Julianna Margulies’ Nurse Carol Hathaway and the friendship between Noah Wyle’s John Carter and Eriq La Salle’s Dr. Peter Benton. It gave us a final glimpse into how their lives have gone since they left the ER.


Some friends were saying that they didn’t know that Clooney will be a guest in the show, there was not even a promotion from NBC. In my case, I was anxiously waiting ever since the rumors started that the original cast might do a cameo before the series finale.

As ER nears it finale, this one was a great way to send the show out!

Happy 22!

Happy 22nd Anniversary to R. A. Mojica and Partners!

Best wishes for this special occasion and for another year of accomplishments to come.

Here’s to many more terrific years! Cheers!

S-S-S

Saturday. Surprises. Strawberries.

Last March 7, 2009 was another extraordinary Saturday for me. Days before Saturday, one of the KIDS, informed me that she’ll be in the area and asked if it is okay to visit me during class hours. What else can I say but yes! Though I was looking at my notes, I saw the note that visitors are not allowed, hahaha! Screw the rules for a day. I can spare a few minutes.

Two classmates celebrated their respective birthdays but the uber generous Erson had a Buko Pandan delivered for Owen and Venz. Because of work related commitment, Venz left after the morning session and wasn’t able to enjoy the cake but Owen gladly posed and enjoyed the birthday cake while being serenaded by the class.


Jannice texted me that she’s already in the area and I sneaked out from the room during the start of the afternoon session. It was a little bit over five minutes and with a few hugs and smiles and it was over. I can’t stay longer since I can’t miss a lot from class and we can’t go out after the end of the class since I have earlier plans. We just exchanged gifts and promised to meet again on the 21st and will ask the rest of the KIDS to join us. For sure it will be a riot full of laughter and gossip and most of all food!


The lesson for the day was very informative and helpful for my daily work yet as usual I drifted for a few seconds in the computation part, whew! It was a bit of a nosebleed since we are without the handy Excel worksheet.

As most of my friends know, my top three fruit choices are Grapes, Cherries and yes, Strawberries. Ian was in Baguio City for a client presentation and he brought me a pack of fresh hand picked strawberries. Sweet! He gave the strawberries after class and I brought it home and had it chilled before I started munching the berries. Thanks so much, Ian!


Another fun-filled Satuday it was. Next Saturday it will be another one for the books. I’ll be one of the host team members with the very pretty, Iyah, and the equally guwapo, Jigs; and to top it all, I’ll have dinner with Moises and Weng after class.

I can’t wait for Satuday Sunshine! Countdown begins…

A New Chapter

I am currently swamped with schoolwork aside from the usual work load and was really wishing to have a break with some friends. As I was rushing some inputs to a group presentation on the next class, I got a message from Elline.

At first I was kidding with her and was surprised she’s not at work. I asked her why and she gave me a few bogus reasons and then she dropped the bomb.

She’s leaving tonight for Singapore and will be starting with her new work in Nanyang Technological University, I was like, huwat?!

Elline resigned from her work, a work she’s been with for almost 13 years and will be starting to work for a very different work environment.


I am sad. Honestly, really sad. I’m not talking or chatting with Elline since she mentioned that her flight is for tonight and I haven’t seen her since Mary Ann’s birthday treat.

I am also happy. Happy for her new career and workplace and maybe she’ll find her Prince Charming in Jurong. Happy as well since we can visit her in Singapore and enjoy the sights.

I’m used to having her near my area. She’s just a cab away from me. A phone call away if I want to rant or rave a few stuff. Starting tomorrow, we’ll be 1,490 miles apart. It would take me 4 hours to see her rather than the usual 15 minutes.


Elline, I’ll miss you. As I write this one, I can’t help but cry.

Laurie, Mary Ann’s younger sister, told me that we really are following the steps of the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants storyline. From four, we are now down to two. Yet, even if will be divided again in distance, I do hope the friendship will stay the same.

Elline – it saddens me to learn that you are leaving but still good luck on your journey. I wish you all the best.

Happy Rachelle Birthday Bouquet

She got an earlier surprise of a home-cooked meal of pasta and pork from her two adorable kids and lovable mom but she never thought of receiving another surprise.

For a fraction of time, they kept on guessing. Rachelle was saying she’s not yet dead and yet somebody sent her flowers. The kids thought it was from Lola Charing. Rachelle on the other hand was very excited to go home from work.

It was Axel who saw the card enclosed in the bouquet:

On your birthday, Rachelle, and every day...

…we are wishing you moments that delight you, special times and laughter, happiness that grows, and wonderful memories to keep.

Have a Great Birthday!

love,
Ralline Jean and Family

I was waiting for Kyla’s report and glad she was able to send me pictures. Thanks, Kyla for the feed.

Again, happy belated birthday, Rachelle! Hugs and kisses!

P.E.P.P.E.R-achelle!

Pancakes. Electronics. Phad Thai. Phantom. Entertainment. Rachelle.

Today is Rachelle’s 39th birthday. Much as we want to have a Sistahud gathering to celebrate her birthday, we simply cannot. She lives thousand miles away from the rest of the girls and not to mention, it would cost us lots just to see physically her smiling face.

Yet, even before she turned 39, I already surprised her with several birthday presents when she visited us in Las Vegas during the holidays. I was really happy to see her again even for just 25 hours. It is time (and money!) well spent with one of my dearest friends. Lucky us!

After driving for almost four hours from Alhambra to the City of Lights, we shared breakfast at I.H.O.P. wherein they are known for famous American breakfast foods such as pancakes, waffles and omelettes. We shared a hearty meal with my sister and brother. Filling up our tummies with coffee and good food, we started our day in Las Vegas.



We got lost several times but we did reach our destination and we even saw the Welcome to Las Vegas Signage. We just could not resist so we took pictures. Then we went around the shopping district of WalMart, Office Depot, Ross, Best Buy, Circuit City and the like. Wow in 3 hours that is like a year’s worth of salary! He! He! He! It was fun updating each other with tons of stories and laughing out loud while waiting in line in the retail stores.

After shopping for the much needed stuff, we got tired and hungry. Finding a good place to eat, Rachelle saw one of my “memorable” restaurants in Las Vegas. I won’t tell the whole story about the said restaurant because I keep on laughing just remembering our faces. We had Thai food for late lunch and Rachelle got her dose of Thai Iced Tea and we had Phad Thai, Chicken and Pork BBQ, Tom Yum Goong and of course a big bowl of Steamed White Rice. Yum!!


Unfortunately, time is upon us and we had to get ready for our ultimate entertainment experience for the night. We treated Rachelle for an evening of music and opera, Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. It is one of my absolute favorites ever and really anticipating this event the whole time. Rachelle loved the show and the state of the art technology and effects, even the custom-built theater made us feel that we were in the Opera Garnier in Paris. To complete the Phantom experience, Chloe and Reyboy bought her a Phantom souvenir coffee mug while I got the famous music box. Fantastic!


No trip to The Venetian would be complete without dining to one of its fine dining restaurants. Where else?! We made reservations prior to our Vegas trip at Mario Batali’s B&B Ristorante. It features Batali and his partner, Joseph Bastianich’s acclaimed blend of exquisite Italian food. We enjoyed our selection of appetizers and main courses and though Rachelle didn’t order dessert, I shared with her my chocolate gelato. Pure heaven! I can still remember the taste and am craving for more right now. That gelato is worth the trip and the wait!


Before heading back to our hotel after the late dinner, we strolled around the Venetian, had a picture taken with Humpty Dumpty, played a few slots and eventually drove throughout the Strip to see the lights.




It was already morning when we head back to the hotel but we had fun and enjoyed the trip! Then Rachelle gave me a Christmas present that was so cute. Thanks a lot my friend! I had sleep before heading back to Alhambra while I pack some stuff for her to bring home. I have gifts as well for dearest Nanay Charing, the uber tall Axel and of course, Kikay Kyla. Hope they enjoyed them!

Although it was just 25 hours, the time spent with Rachelle will certainly last for several months. I asked her prior to her leaving as I was hugging her if she enjoyed the day, she said she did and was so happy with all of her presents.

One thing that she just mentioned as she was pulling off the hotel driveway, “come back soon and stay longer”! Well, we certainly will now!


Rachelle, happy 39th birthday! Hope your day is filled with surprises and dreams come true.

When time was with her... She came early at last!

It was an advance birthday celebration (December 22 is the exact date) and a Christmas get-together rolled into one. I was leaving the next day for a Winter Holiday with my siblings and I cannot afford NOT to party with my Sistahud.

If you’ve been following our dates, you’ll know our side remark regarding the birthday girl, Mary Ann aka Marianna. She walks a lot. If the meeting place is in the Makati area and it’s a work day, she’ll definitely walk her way to the venue. Given the proximity, yes, it is good to walk but guess what, she always comes in late. So, for this date, I applaud Marianna. She came first to the venue. Hooray! December 17, 2008, a sure date to remember!

Yes, she still walked going to Tony Roma’s. I, on the other hand, was the tardy Sistahud. I got caught in terrible traffic coming from work and they were already eating appetizers when I reached TRG4. I cannot blame myself entirely for my tardiness, it’s the holiday season and everybody’s out for last minute shopping finds.

Once settled, we immediately got busy eating our ribs, seafood and steak dinner. Yum! Yum! Since we love the freebie bread with herb butter from TRG4, we asked another serving and just munched them away. While we are having dinner, we talked about updates regarding career, family and of course, love life. This is always a necessity! Tsismis Sa Gitna Ng Tsibog!

You bet we do have our colorful love stories especially the birthday girl’s love life. All along she didn’t know that we’ve been talking about her in her sister’s blog. Even her Mom was part of the conversation. See, Marianna, you’re very famous! Charing!

Before we finished dinner, I brought out Rachelle’s Christmas presents for Elline and Marianna. Mom brought home from LA the gifts and I was really intrigued with them. Elline got the white bag and Marianna got two music CDs. Wow!

We also exchanged Christmas presents and gave Marianna’s birthday treats as well. In return, they gave me Rachelle’s Christmas presents intending to bring them with me when I leave the next day.

It was another year of good food, tons of laughter and precious moments with the Sistahud.

The next cycle of dates will be my birthday celebration unless Rachelle decides to visit Manila before June 2009, we will definitely book a weekend all together and bond!

Mary Ann - wishing you every good thing that life can bring, on your birthday and always.

For The First Time

It was a spur of the moment, fast-paced but fully-loaded dinner and it was their first time. Yes, for the first time in their lives, as they mentioned to me during our dinner, that it was their first time to eat in Glorietta 3 and in California Pizza Kitchen (CPK).


Maricel and Malou are friends and former officemates of Jannice Bautista-Vejerano. Jannice is my former staff in a former workplace and a friend and a kumare as well. I met Maricel and Malou through Jannice.



Maricel is an assistant of Jannice in CSM and I’ve met her since 2006 and then I met Malou during Jannice and Roger’s wedding day in December 2006. We bonded and both are such sweethearts.



Malou now works in a specialized school library system. Her only son, Aaron is such a cute boy and very playful. Just like Jannice, Maricel is also my kumare. We are both godmothers of Jannice’s son, Paulo Matteus.

I only had a few open dates before my winter holiday so when I had an opening and I can have dinner for a few hours, I called both girls and we met at Glorietta 3.


We had dinner at CPK and devoured the sumptuous BBQ Chicken Pizza, Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, Fried Calamares and Fettuccine Alfredo. Of course, we had to have dessert. Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae was such a treat and even both girls enjoyed their Raspberry Iced Teas.

I tried calling Jannice to join us that night but she won’t answer my calls. It would have been nice if she was able to join.

We had fun catching up with various stories and promised each other to visit once everybody is free. It would be Maricel’s birthday on January and she would love to have another get together.


We parted early that night, it was getting late as well and we live in different parts of the Metropolis. We exchanged Christmas presents and Malou even made personal Christmas cards and what’s written inside the card made me shed a tear.

Maricel and Malou – thank you so much for the laughter and the gifts. I’ll treasure all of them. Have a great holiday and see you soon!