Like a Mad Hatter's Tea Party

Picture this: formal dinner at the Tower Club boardroom (33rd Floor, Philamlife Building, Makati). Five senior managers of the company, 2 senior consultants, 1 senior strategic planner, 3 members of the company's board of directors, our company's Country Chairman and myself (the low-corporate-lifeform-among-them).

When everyone took their seats, I found myself being seated at the head of the table. Jokingly, the Country Chairman remarked that he gives me financial authority for dinner.

It was an opportunity of a lifetime -- to be at a pedestal identified with authority and power -- even if it was just a gag for our group.

Just my day's two cents.

Fourth

Last night, it rained. I've been waiting the whole week to rain. I've been uneasy the past week, thinking of so many things in my head. Plenty of why's, what-ifs and hows.

And then it rained, and it seemed to me that time stopped:
Water drizzling on my hair,
raindrops tickling my shoulders,
fine mist touching my face,
and I found myself smiling.

That short summer drizzle reminded me that I love the rain.
And I kissed the rain goodnight.

Cathartic

My inclinations on how to celebrate my birthday parties has evolved over the years. Years back, I had loud-bam-music parties at popular nightspots with 30 or more guests. A couple of years later, I'd plan my celebration on an eat-drink-chat concept at well-hidden bars for 20-30 guests. This year, I changed it (again): formal dinner in a relaxed setting with a dozen well-selected friends.

Thinking in retrospect, I've been becoming more reserved (or mature? hehehe...). I don't crave anymore for the loud music or the bititty beats that make my shoulders hop to the rhythm. I'm now just contented, no let's change that... I'm happy with spending some 'quiet' time in the company of friends, for a change.

I did something for the first time again. I gave my first formal speech on my birthday, towards the end of dinner, with the Makati evening skyline as my backdrop: "I am truly grateful for everyone here. Each and everyone of your presence, in more ways than one, is a testament to who I am now, what I want to become, and who I will be. This is the main reason why I look forward to celebrating my birthday with friends and peers every year. Thanks, and happy birthday to me!"



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Best gift so far: an apron. :D Yup, and it says "Kiss the Cook" on it.

Invitations

MARCH 14, Wednesday
the core

Top of the Citi, Citibank Tower (Makati)
Terrace area
7 pm sharp
Attire: Business Casual


MARCH 15, Thursday
the bachelors

Shell Housing Compound
tba
830 pm
Attire: come as you are


MARCH 16, Friday
the gang

MIOS
One Serendra, Taguig
1000 pm
Attire: smart casual


March 17, Sunday
the family

Hawaiian Barbeque
The Boutique, Tagaytay
lunch

third

... too many to mention. =)

second

... chicken isaw for me, atay for you at UP's famous isawan
... jogging around the Acad Oval while exchanging stories and songs
... giving me a crash course on the buildings and colleges around the oval
... introducing me up close and personal to Uble,
... cutting through the Lagoon.
... going back to your place for me to cook for you,
and you complimenting me on my cooking skills
because I got it right the first time,
while your girlfriends had a blast with the cupcakes I brought for you.
... having coffee with my friends, and laughing with them.

We did a lot for this second one, and we both had fun. =)