Christmas mass with mom

momxmas2004

Since mom passed away we never prepared much at home for anyone except that christmas day this year, we unexpectedly had visitors for lunch. Dad's relatives arrived noon time and stayed on till we had to leave late afternoon to hear mass at mom's grave.

Aling Miguela and Beverly arrived at home and went with us to fetch the priest at Don Bosco then proceeded to Heritage Memorial Park.

Photo shows Dad blessing mom's grave after mass. I am the one in green :)

After mass, we proceeded to the Fort for an early dinner. Unfortunately all eateries were closed so off we went back to makati and settled for Dulcinea in Greenbelt 1. I preferred Via Mare for the puto bumbong and bibingka but it seems dad wanted the richer spanish meal.

While Dad brought back the priest to Don Bosco, Aling Miguela, Beverly and I watched 'So Happy Together' at Greenbelt 1 cinema.

The New CIRCLES Event Cafe at Makati Shangrila

Choco Dessert at Circles

I treated Dad at the new Circles Cafe at Makati Shang, the evening before christmas. I happen to see the place on TV a month ago and I thought it looked similar to Mandarin's Paseo Uno. I guess Paseo being new then got a big chunk of their clients therefore they had to refurbish their good old coffee shop.

I was thinking of reserving a place since I had a feeling it might be full being a new place in town. Unfortunately I never had a chance to so off we went to take our chance. True to form, the place was booked but since we were just two and it seems it was the foreign F and B who met us at the door, he was able to give us a good place near the buffet tables.

Wow!!!! That was my remark deep inside when I saw the feast in front of my eyes. I suddenly remembered a similar buffet in Shang Honkong (Pacific Place). Presentation was very close.

I concentrated on the lobster, cold appetizer since I dont usually get to take such regularly. Took some of my favorite sashimi of course. I forgot that its heavy thats why I hardly ate the other selection. Went straight to the hot section after my starters (skipped the salad for I already felt bloated) and took some of the roast beef, vegetables and my favorite scallops! As expected I was not able to finish them all except the scallops which are light enough.

Headed then for the array of dessert. Chose to post a photo of the mouth watering chocolate syrup where one can choose fruits or mashmallows to dip this with. I took that shot with my 7610 camera phone.

I think most of the desserts were creatively designed, such a pity to just bite on them. Took a bite of the tiny version of apple strudel, custard and ube ice cream ( in tiny bowls).

After all the gorging, I needed to order some green tea to help my digest everything.

Oh and I forgot to mention, before we entered the cafe, we were told they are serving a special holiday selection therefore the price is higher than regular at 1,700++ each good thing I didnt take breakfast and just a very light lunch just enough to be able to drink my medecines.

I think I was able to try not even one third of the variety. I tried checking on the other meals after my tea and noticed there were assortment of noodles, other asian food, dimsum, lechon etc.

Next time I go here, I must make sure its my only meal for that day and that I don't gorge much on the lobsters :)

A memorable College jubilee celebration

Ateneo College 78 on stage

It took us three years at least to prepare for the grand silver held last Dec 2003. Several reunions, get togethers, meetings, trying to track down people all over the philippines and even the world. Many flew all the way from another country where they are based just to join all of us, reminisce the good old college days, mingle with former professors and friends.

After decades in corporate life, it feels great just to be with real and true friends :)

Christmas get together Dec 15

ateneo christmas reunion at figaro

Last Dec 15, our college batch had a get together at Ice Vodka, greenbelt three. The photo shown here is outside Figaro coffee house. We decided to move at around past 11pm since the vodka place got noisy and we could not understand each other.

From the photo you can see most of them are drunk specially the guys. Yes I used 'them' cause I was not :) Am scared to drink a lot and get a headache later.

I guess Jan B Banzon had the worst 'tama' since he started drinking early :) From the photo you can see him laying by the benjie laza's shoulder. Mon Caballero and Aster Sotto left before the photo session. Bobby Tuason was visiting from Singapore. Learned he is now with Agfa. He was not able to join us last Dec 2003 silver jubilee celebration, since he had a new job and was stationed at Malaysia then.

Winnie chose Ice Vodka since its owned by another Atenean and she was able to extend the happy hour price. Our two Bio girls, Sally and Renee mixed vodka and red wine well. They didnt seem as drunk as the guys. At least we had two doctors in case someone got sick due to too much drinking :)

Sonny Clutario, Marcy Rivera, Mon Jarencio, Jovie Sison our Call Center guru and Innove's Clarisse (who arrived last) were also present.