September 26, 2014 Friday
After our lunch at the Export and Import Bank of the United States, we were brought back to the hotel for some downtime. We were given 30 minutes to rest and freshen up. Philip Romualdez found the half hour rest too little. He was craving for a massage. He’s tired na rin. I was really in pain so instead of joining in the next meeting scheduled at 4 pm, I just took a nap, I informed RP that I would skip the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the US-Philippine Relationship, hosed by CSIS President & CEO Dr. John Hamre.
I took a cab to The Jefferson Hotel where our dinner would be. I paid $12. The driver used a different route kasi daw barado yung main street kasi rush hour.
The historic 5 star Jefferson Hotel , located 4 blocks from the White House
This property is affiliated with the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) guests according to their website.
The hotel doesn’t have a large lobby but it’s cozy, elegant. and impressive.
I caught my colleagues in the cozy book room.
They were having cocktails prior to our dinner.
Dindo, Raymond, and Rupert Hammond-Chambers, Managing Director for Taiwan, Bower Group Asia
These gentlemen were tired and very sleepy.
Tony Lopa, Jun Bella, and Tony boy.
This was our last event for this trip. A little relieved. More so Oh My Buhay. It’s been three days of hectic schedule, pak pak pak, our schedules were one after the other. Ang galing naman ng tyan ko perfect timing pa sya.
I left them for a while and explored the gorgeous hotel a bit.
Touches of old
I love this place. This is my kind of hotel. I’d like to stay here next time. I actually asked RP to transfer us here but too late to make arrangements. Our payment at the Renaissance would be forfeited sayang naman.
I went to the cellar where our dinner would be.
It was elegantly set up, as if a wedding reception would be held there.
I found my seat assignment.
Let’s eat na.
Our gracious host, Ernest Bower of Bower Group Asia
Ernie Bower made everything possible. He said our visit here opened doors we’ve never seen before. But none of this would have been possible without him. Thank you Ernie.
Our appreciation to Nini Alvero, our country’s able officer in DC.
Rupert and I
Ernie made us feel so special with this dinner.
I chose the spicy crab bisque
So delicious
Rupert chose a risotto but he didn’t finish his food.
I ordered steak a la pobre
The presentation (plating) was interesting. The fries were tasty.
Arthur Lopez didn’t finish this sea bass. He said it’s overcooked. Arthur is a hotelier kaya whatever he says is important.
I ate the ice cream, berries, mint leaf, and a small slice of the top part of the chocolate cake.
It’s been a tough 3 days for me. My stomach ached the whole time. First time I have experienced continuous pain. Matapang ang sikmura ko (literally and figuratively) kaya this pain was new to me. Parang feeling ko napaaga ang Byernes Santo ko.
I felt relieved that I was able to participate in the meetings. There were moments I was feeling faint. Parang gusto kong himatayin sa sakit.
Photo by Rupert Paul Manhit
