New Years Day 2007

I practically slept the whole morning having gone home very late after the new years eve celebration. Of course special days like this will always never be complete without a visit to the resting place of the most important persons in my life, mom and dad.

I bought the flower arrangements the night before since all shops are closed on new years day.




My cousin Feling, dad's side texted me earlier that they would like to visit me in the house. It ended up they joining me at the heritage park so they could also vist dad and mom.

We proceeded to Bonifacio High street to have dinner at Abe's the new place of Larry Cruz. I learned about this place from my classmate Gerry who treated us a few weeks ago. Unfortunately we didnt have a reservation. I didnt realize we needed one. Apparently there was a special New Years Buffet right outside the resto so the place was so full. Good thing we arrived early so I pleaded with the waiter to give us a table no matter where and after a few mins more of coaxing, he gave in :)

I was excited discussing the various projects I will be embarking on this new year. I just found out my nephew was in the IT field and since he also worked in Oman where Frankincense abound, I became more interested to touch base being an aromatheraphy fanatic recently.

Like the past periods, I knew dad planned this day as I mentioned to Feling. I asked Laura, his wife to help me out in our financial outsourcing business and I plan to set up something using her thriving accounting business. God is good.

New Years Eve: The Countdown and fireworks display in Makati

For the very first time, I spent New Years eve outside my home. I never wanted to go out during those times cause I am scared of the fireworks. The only one I feel safe with are the sparklers.

When rowena texted me a few days ago, informing me about the New Years Eve party at the center of makati, the grand countdown and 20 minute fireworks display, I told her that I don't feel like going cause I dread the noise and explosions.

However, I couldnt catch up with the sked of masses either at alabang or BF homes so my only choice was don bosco in makati. Since I would be in the area, I told rowena, maybe it wouldnt hurt to watch the countdown right at the rooftop of my condo bldg.

Above is a scene from the rooftop of Asian Mansion 2 where you can see four laser lights moving around from the center of paseo de roxas and ayala ave. The lighted portion was where the program was being held with a crowd of thousands watching.

All the other photos are shots from the 20-minute fireworks display, showing the stretch from paseo till makati avenue.

DMAP board Tagaytay sojourn (Dec 28, 2006)

Last Dec 28, thursday, the directors of the Direct Marketing Association were invited by Prof Joe Miranda in his Tagaytay hideaway for lunch. We all met at Alabang Town Center to ride the Hi-Ace Van of Insular Life.



We arrived Tagaytay close to noon and tried finding Joe's place at Maharlika East. When we finally found the place, we all thought it was no wonder he usually needs to leave early for home. It was a work of Art!

From outside the gates, once coulkd see the overlying theme of his residence replete with precious antiques.

The house was named after his mother, Tinang.

Jun Hidalgo and Lirio Sandoval enjoy the the decors of the orange themed living room.

I particularly liked the stairs and the antique figures lined up. The house was actually featured twice at My Home magazine.

You can appreciate the home layout from these two photos taken from the second floor.

I insisted to have a photo with the house owner esp that he adorned his gate with my favorite angel figurines.

We later motored for our late lunch at the new Taaleno resto which gave a breathtaking view of the volcano lake.

After lunch, we went back to Joe's place where he distributed the special pies from Rowena's as Myrna gave each of us New Year black grapes.



We then had a final photo with everyone at Joe's foyer then motored back to manila after passing through some fruit stands and pasalubong stalls.

Zalazar Annual Family Reunion (Dec. 30, 2006)

The annual reunion of the zalazar clan, relatives from my Mom's side was held last Dec. 30, 2006 at Hap Chan Resto veranda, Brittany Bay.

Zalazar originally included the Dadia, Ollada, and Tolentino families but now due to marriages included Ona, Lacson, Gonzales, Custodio, and many more.

Early this week, I accompanied Joy to various restos inside BF Homes but we ended up at Brittany Bay which overlooks the Laguna de Bay. It was our first time in that complex which includes other famous restos as Pancake, Dencios, Figaro, Grappas and even the newly opened In the Mood (which appparently was franchised by Larry Cruz to Villar).

We informed everyone that lunch starts 1pm so that it will not be too sunny and warm. Since I went home very late the previous day (around 2am and slept around 4am), I arrived almost 2pm.

Lo and behold, I was the first visitor after Joy of course who hosted the get together. Everyone arrived much later as what usually happens each year.



The food in HapChan was sumptuous and includes the all time favorite garlic fish fillet.

Timmy, Jon, Trixine, Emily and little marcus line up to take the very late lunch.

Joy checking on each of the dishes as she fears it might not be enough. Actually the waiters did well serving so we were able to take home the left over and had it for dinner :)

Enjoying the late lunch on center table Boy, Tito Jun, Ampy, Earl, me, Lulu, Tita Tessie

Patricia taking her turn.

Tita Maan's gifts for the clan. Took the photo before I gave them away :))

Ampy with Martin Miguel. This reunion I think has the most number of kids and babies.
A few years ago, in my first website (which yahoo geocities already deleted boohoo), Marcus, the son of Cath was the youngest member of the clan.

This time we have two! Besides martin we have the new baby of Cath. Photo shows the new baby with parents Cath and husband.

This is the gadgets corner during the party. Tita Marlo on her mobile phone with Teetap and Timmy busy with their new Mac and HP notebook.



Patricia joins the gadget freaks including the Tita's (Trix with her new DELL, Maan with the reliable mini fujitsu lifebook bundled with Visibility so we can all be connected, and Ampy- all with their respective nanos, video Ipods, portable speakers, externals filled with photos and mp3s!

Now its time for the traditional group photo!!!

Last year's reunion was really sad. Many not available. Some came very early and left. I arrived late so group phot was just a handful. This time it was fun.



We chose the bay as the backdrop instead of the restaurant bldg.



This last was the best and brightest since the waiter taking the shot stood on a chair and we were all asked to wave!!!

Hoping for a better, healthy, and successful New Yar for everyone!