December 2, 2019, Monday
I was practically in bed the whole day. I was suffering from vertigo. I was feeling dizzy and sad. Two unrelated feelings. Dizziness is physical. Sadness is mental. Stress kasi ako.
It was Philippines, Inc.’s Christmas party but I was no way in the mood to go out and have fun. My mood was in tune with the overcast sky.
I was trying to rest but my phone kept alarming from the weather reports. Nakakagulat sa lakas nung alarm.
I didn’t want to miss our group Christmas get-together. We only see each other occasionally so I forced myself to get-up and dress up.
Dressing up for a party when one is feeling so low and blue, plus fat is difficult. I’ve tried on several clothes and none of them fit me anymore. When one is not happy, para bang lahat ng damit ko pangit, and mukhang luma.
I first tried on a black cotton dress with red trimmings. It was fine but I decided not this one. Then I wore naman a beige one. Hay pangit. Then a blue one. This must be it because I love the color blue. Hindi rin. Not today.
Then I spotted a bright pink dress. It’s actually new. Just bought it recently.
Mere looking at the bright pink color lifted my spirits somehow. So eto na lang.
It was a struggle getting dressed when one is not in the mood. It’s hard to smile on camera.
Last year I arrived at our Christmas party at 8 pm because of the heavy traffic along EDSA. It took us three hours from our house to Noel Onate’s house in Makati. This time around, it took less than an hour. There were fewer vehicles on EDSA because people were afraid of the typhoon Tisoy. Many people chose to stay at home because of nature’s looming fury.
I arrived at Noel’s house at 6:20 pm. Only the waiters and maids greeted me. The host was still having his beauty rest, or shall I say handsome rest?
There were two long tables set for the evening. One in the lanai (good for 18 people) and one in the formal dining room (good for 12). According to RP, aside from Philippines, Inc. officers and members, we’re expecting some guests such as the Ambassador of Japan, Ambassador of Germany, and some other friends.
At first it was so quiet when I arrived. Then the musician started playing some music.
Early birds: I arrived first, 15 minutes later Itos Carlos did. Itos is currently the chairman of Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV), the largest accounting firm in the country. We are planning to integrate our dealership operations to improve efficiency and Itos is my consultant.
After a few minutes, they arrived one after the other.
Jeffrey Ng (President of Cathay Land), Raymond Garcia, founder of DFNN), Felix Ang (President of Auto Nation), and Itos Carlos (SGV Chairman)
Atty. Rey Oben (Chairman of Toyota Balintawak, Toyota North EDSA, Toyota Otis, Toyota Marilao, Bulacan and Toyota San Jose Del Monte, among others), Jun Bella (Chairman of Harbor Star Shipping Services), me, Itos.
Tonyboy Cojuangco, Jun Periquet (Chairman of Metropolitan Insurance Corp,), Chef Jessie, Annie Tan-Yee, and our gracious host Noel Onate.
I expected to see a suckling pig on the table because last year there was. Kawawa nga kasi beybing-baby pa. This time the pig was a little bit bigger, just a little. I was told that we ordered two. Parang sobra. I felt sorry for these two babies. But they were delicious.
Smoked salmon caviar pie with croutons
Most of the desserts remained untouched.
White chocolate mousse
I ate the most.
Standing from left to right– Atty. Opap Villongco, Felix Ang, Antonio Lopa, Simon Paz, Jun Bella, Rupert Paul Manhit
Seated from left to right — Jun Periquet, Annie C. Tan-Yee, Atty. Mike Toledo, Antonio Cojuangco, Noel Onate, Jesus Pineda.
