BFF's 37th!

A friend like you doesn't come along very often. You make me laugh, and you're there for me when I cry. That's why your birthdays are so special. It's one more time to tell you how happy I am to have you for a friend.

May you enjoy a day of leisure, with hours of simple pleasures, on this day set aside, just for you! Have a Happy Birthday, Ruth!

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.

To Be or Not to Be

Be understanding to your enemies.
Be loyal to your friends.

Be strong enough to face the world each day.
Be weak enough to know you cannot do everything alone.

Be generous to those who need your help.
Be frugal with that you need yourself.

Be wise enough to know that you do not know everything.
Be trusting enough to believe in miracles.

Be willing to share your joys.
Be willing to share the sorrows of others.

Be a leader when you see a path others have missed.
Be a follower when you are shrouded by the mists of uncertainty.

Be first to congratulate an opponent who succeeds.
Be last to criticize a colleague who fails.

Be sure where your next step will fall, so that you will not tumble.
Be sure of your final destination, in case you are going the wrong way.

Be loving to those who love you.
Be loving to those who do not love you; they may change.

Above all, be yourself.

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!

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?!

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.

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!

BF-CF-DF-EF-GF-FF

After fourteen months of no visual contact, we finally saw each other again. Moises or most known among close friends as Jon, with his girlfriend, Weng, fetched me from UP last Saturday after class.

It was Jon who decided to have dinner at North Park’s Kopi Tiam located in Horseshoe Village, Quezon City. I’ve never been in Kopi Tiam but I liked the trellis by the side of the restaurant. The whole trellis is filled with Lily of the Valley flowers and it was just hanging in full bloom.

As I admire the beauty of such white flowers, Weng noticed my footwear. I was wearing my Havaianas High Heel Sun Black Flip Flops and she was laughing her heart out. I looked at my feet, then her feet then we both laugh together. We were both wearing the same Havaianas. Jon was asking what are we laughing about, and then we just laugh even more. Talk about a twist of fate.


Kopi Tiam boasts about their unique Asian twist with various meals with a cozy ambiance. We had Pinsec Frito as appetizer. We also ordered their specialties: Lechon Macau, Chapcae, Classic Bibimbap, Garlic Squid and was greatly satisfied with the food.


While having dinner, Jon and I shared to Weng our Corfin Family Stories. It was nice reminiscing about the years we spent together as officemates and all the extracurricular activities we shared. Weng also commented on Jon’s latest diet and their LQ’s. This reminds me, I have to give them a tease on Thursday as March 19 is a memorable date for the lovebirds.


After dinner, we headed off to Rockwell in Makati City. Since they will be bringing me home for the night, I volunteered that we have Ice Cream for desserts. It was a little bit late when we reached The Ice Cream Bar (Flavors by FIC) but there was a long line of customers still. It was good that it was a bit chilly since we got the table outside – Alfresco Ice Cream treats for us.


While having our sweet treats, we continued with our stories and Jon made fun of himself by taking pictures of him. Filled with good food and laughter, we then headed home. They stayed another hour in my house since I showed to Weng our precious photographs.

I spent seven hours with Jon and Weng that night. When they left my house with their goodies, even if it was already the break of dawn, I was still smiling; it was nice to see them again and to reminisce.


Before leaving, Weng mentioned that we don’t have to wait another fourteen months, we will see each other again soon, especially now that Weng’s working just a few blocks away from mine and we scheduled for a few out of town gimmicks as well.

I wonder will I hear wedding bells for them real soon. Jon and Weng – wishing for your happiness together!

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.

Tough Friendship

1. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you
2. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in
3. When you are scared -- we will high tail it out of here.
4. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining, ya big baby!!!!
6. When you are sick -- Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.
7. When you fall -- I'll pick you up and dust you off.
8. This is my oath...I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask – because you are my FRIEND!

Friendship is like peeing your pants - everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.

Sometimes a friend is there to pick you up when you crash. How sweet!

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.

Breakfast Delight

The other week, I was eating breakfast while waiting for the bank to open. I asked Yaya Juvy if she heard my name being called. Somebody was calling “Ralline, Ralline, Ralline!” I was busy browsing the newspaper… then I looked up… and saw a familiar face.

Josephine Ragunton-Galang, commonly known as Jheng during our elementary and high school days, was on the other table. She was waiting for her husband, JM (Jose Maria), and their breakfast as well. Jheng works as a Relationship Manager in the bank and JM goes to a telecommunication company nearby.


“Makikita ko na ba yan mamaya sa Facebook or sa My Space”, Jheng said of the pictures taken. But, it took me almost two weeks before I could upload the pictures. Still, I can still recall the chitchat as if it were yesterday. It was nice seeing Jheng again, even though I am used to see her in bank, but seeing her as a wife and a mom, that I still have to get used to. Nevertheless, motherhood suits her; I see a certain glow with her smile.


Today is Jheng’s birthday and she’s spending the week with her family in Hong Kong Disneyland.

For Jheng: Wishing you a beautiful birthday and a lifetime of beautiful tomorrows!

Red. Hot. Chili. Elline!!!

We usually don’t select a theme for our birthday celebrations but a few years back, we had Japanese for the whole year, then Chinese and then finally we got tired from the same cuisines. We experimented with fusions of dishes and yet we still craved for more. However, whatever the choice, it still is good as long as we are filled with good company and laughter.

For Ella Elline’s post birthday celebration, she craved for a Tex-Mex flare. Where else did we go but Chili’s Grill and Bar in Greenbelt One. The three of us cannot remember the last time we ate at Chili’s. We had a fun time guessing when but, at the end, we failed. (Now I have to check the big albums to know when.)

I came first so I got a good table, with a good view too -- the Legaspi Street and a very weird couple having early dinner. I wasn’t able to get a snack so I gladly ordered some appetizers and by the time I had company I was a little bit full. Elline arrived next and since Mary Ann was running late we availed of the Wi-Fi services of the restaurant. I gladly helped Elline solve her biggest problem to date and she savored the free Wi-Fi.


While waiting for Mary Ann to arrive, we were making fun of her. You might ask why, because she always came late whenever we have gatherings within the Ayala area. Why again, because she walks around the Makati Commercial Business District. Nevertheless, we salute her for her enthusiasm. How I wish I had the drive of Mary Ann!!!


It didn’t take long for Mary Ann to arrive. So when se did, we ordered our choices. While we enjoyed dinner and shared our stories, we missed another Sistahud. I just wish by the next celebration she’ll be able to join us, perhaps on her birthday. You know who you are and do visit us soon!

Before we parted ways, I gave them my “pasalubongs” and we gave Elline her birthday presents. We even checked our calendars for Mary Ann’s birthday blowout. Since I won’t be here for the Holidays, we’ll have an advance celebration for the Mary Ann Birthday and Christmas treat. Another Sistahud event that’s worth waiting for!

Elline – happy birthday to an ageless beauty! For the Sistahuds - let's do this again soon!

Another Send-Off

In a few days, one of my parent’s classmates from elementary and high school will be leaving for another country and will pursue greener pastures.

Tita Norma will be joining her other siblings in the United States and will be surely missed by her two sons and one grandson. I, for one, will definitely miss her. She’s so sweet and thoughtful and very helpful to my family and she cares for our welfare. She is there for every big event in our family and does not fail to make sure we are doing alright!


I know my Mom, Tita Mercy and the rest of Batch ‘70 will miss her but I know that the bond of their friendship is greater than any distance.

We had lunch with Tita Norma and her son, Darwin, a few days ago and as usual, I was teary eyed. Good thing my Dad was also available and it was a good send-off.


I told Tita Norma as we were leaving the restaurant that we’ll have constant communication and we’ll definitely touch base with her whenever we are near her area.

Tita Norma: Bon Voyage and have an amazing time!

Six "Single" Ladies

As early as the last quarter of 2007, Kumareng April’s very excited for her trip back to Manila. We didn’t get a chance to see each other the last time April and her family went to visit in 2006 so I’m so eager for their next visit.

Before they left Vevey, Switzerland I already confirmed with April our date with other HSFs. Gladly, I called and informed a few HSFs and booked the date. She’ll have a hectic schedule with the family and we want to have a concrete date of our kitakits. January 3, 2008 turned out to be a memory-filled event for us.


Along with Mrs. April Daisy Tupas-Buenaventura and me, four more HSFs were able to attend. Mrs. Adina Benosa-Manansala, Mrs. Ruth Cervantes-Casiño, Mrs. Czarina Imperial-Cuenca and Ms. Agripina Banigoos completed our group. Yes, only six HSFs, I invited a few more but due to their work load and the traffic that day they opted not to attend.


Six HSFs is a good number. April was happy to see familiar faces after a long time of nil communication with other HSFs. Agripina who was back for the New Year from Malaysia was also happy with the dinner date. Much to our surprise, Adina was able to go with the permission of the very jealous husband (hihihi). Czarina was able to leave her kid with her Mom to enjoy a night with friends.

Even though we’re only six, the laughter and the voices were really earsplitting 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.


Much as we want to stay longer and chat, the night was almost over and everybody have their own schedules for the next day. After exchanging kisses and hugs and tons of pictures, we said our goodbyes.

To Adina – Thanks for everything. Salamat din kamo kay Alvin. Kitakits sa YM. Ilang talon ka lang sa akin ha.

To April Daisy – I’ll see you soon and kisses to your two cute boys, sama na si Francis. Let’s keep the communication lines open especially when you’re back in Vevey. Don’t forget my Bacci.
To Agripina – I’ll miss again your laughter; hopefully, we’ll see each other before September. Don’t forget the Malaysian chocolates.

To Czarina – Freshen up your IT skills ha para mas updated. Send our regards to Oliver.

To Ruth – A few more months and you’ll be closer to my home; more bonding time with my BFF. Did Elian love the “pabalot”? Give our thank you’s to Cong. Teddy for driving you all the way to MOA and having a picture taken with the group.


Dinner was very filling and with all the stories told that night it was way over board. Kailan na kaya maulit?

And then they were Four...

Yesterday, I visited my best friend Ruth G. Cervantes-Casino at Cardinal Santos Medical Center. She gave birth to a bouncing baby boy early morning last Wednesday, Emilio Jacinto C. Casino. Emilio is so cute, 8 pounds and has long limbs.

She was supposed to undergo normal delivery but they had to perform C-Section because the umbilical cord wound around Emilio’s neck. Even though she was in induced labor for a long time, all the pain was forgotten upon seeing the beautiful baby.


Teddy and my godson Elian went out for some errands. As I was leaving the hospital, I saw Teddy in the lobby and was able to congratulate the once-again proud father. Elian was sleeping inside the car, but I was able to give him some TLC before leaving the parking lot.

Time flies really fast, at 32 years old, “Best” is now a mother of two. The lingering question Ruth asked me during my visit was “Kailan mo naman bibigyan ng apo si Tita Jean?”

Whew! A tough question. Kailan nga kaya?

Of Bread and Sausages

Second to the eldest of the Sistahuds, Ella Elline celebrated her birthday last September 12, 2007. Just like clock work, even if it’s already weeks after the birthday we still make it a point to see each other and celebrate.

For this year, Elline chose Mickey’s Delicatessen located at Jupiter, Bel-Air 2 Village in Makati City for our mini-reunion.


I’ve been to that place already (just last week in fact) just to buy sausages from their deli and bread from the Lartizan Bread Shop beside Mickey’s. One thing that I liked about the place is the abundance of choices for cheese, deli and bread. What else? The intoxicating smell of freshly-baked breads really got into my system. Wait, I can hear somebody snickering – yep, there’s also another reason that will remain a secret amongst the Sistahud.

It was walking distance from Elline’s workplace but I was the first one to arrive (excited ba masyado?), though we were shocked that Mary Ann walked to the venue from her area in Ayala Avenue. As per Mary Ann’s words: mas mabilis kaysa magcab. Whew!

We feasted over the various breads from Lartizan, assorted cold cuts with cheese platter, Caesar salad, a variety of grilled sausages, the Meat and Sausage Ciabatta Pizza and for dessert, we had the traditional Austrian dessert, Kaiserschmarrn. Our server can’t even pronounce the dessert but its shredded pancakes with apples and raisins. It was the perfect dessert to end a very hefty meal.

Michael Beck, the owner of the place was very friendly and even had a picture taken with us while he narrated his stories about his deli.

As we are leaving the place, the three of us wished that Chef Miguel was as game as the owner in having a picture taken with him. You’ll never know, maybe on our next visit, we’ll have another opportunity! Ha, ha, ha! Cheers to Rachelle!

It was a fun evening and another one for keeps.

Friendships

Another goodie from Rex Barker’s site…

Some Thoughts on Friendship

• True friendship never ends.
• Don't cry over anyone who won't cry over you.
• Actions speak louder than words.
• Good friends are like stars...You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.
• Life's short. If you don't look around once in a while, you might miss it.
• If you think that the world means nothing, think again. You might mean the world to someone else.
• Don't let the past hold you back; you're missing the good stuff.
• A best friend is like a four leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.

Rex is reminding everyone that friendship is a two way street. You have to both give and receive. Today do something unexpected for a dear friend.

Hmm… Ja, what do you think?