I managed to attend a relaxing lunch at Sala Bistro in Greenbelt, Makati, with some members of the Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines, headed by Ms. Olga Martel.
Hirap na hirap akong magbihis! One of the reasons I seldom attend social events is because I hate dressing up. Gusto ko daster at tsinelas lang ang suot. But for this lunch, I needed to look a little bit nicer — the ladies of JSSP are always so glamorous.
I was wearing this salmon-colored blouse made by Amir Sali many years ago — a gift from him. I like it a lot because it’s simple, loose, and doesn’t go out of style. I paired it with my Dior step-ins.
Anong tawag diyan ngayon? Flex?
Akala ko dati ang “Flex” ay yung mabangong shampoo by Revlon. Pero ngayon, apparently, it means showing off.
So eto na… ako daw ang nepo lola.
But seriously, just wanted to thank Amir Sali for this lovely gift.
@amirsali
(Beging Soriano, Olga, and me)
KKB kami. Kanya-kanyang order, kanya-kanyang bayad.
Some of them ordered the lunch special of the day, lamb. I thought of my son, he likes lamb.
I was happy with my order, Seafood Pasta. It was served hot and delicious.
Chichi split this panna cotta with fresh fruits with me.
I split this cheesecake with Chichi.
My seatmate, the very pretty Mrs. Gilda Salonga, sells fine jewelry. She showed me this stunning diamond ring which, according to her, matched the pair of earrings I was wearing. ₱254,000 daw — one year to pay. Less 10% if cash!
Then she showed me an intricately designed pair of diamond earrings. I told her I only wear simple jewelry, even for formal parties. ₱260,000 daw yun, also payable in one year. I heard someone warning Gilda not to sell to a certain lady — siguro balasubas, hindi nagbabayad.
I’m so discouraged to buy jewelry because they get lost so easily. Oyen’s two pairs of diamond earrings were stolen from her bathroom. Until now, I haven’t found my pair of dangling diamond earrings — which could probably cost a fortune by now. I might have accidentally thrown them away, wrapped in tissue!
I really can’t bring myself to buy jewelry on installment. That’s against my self-imposed financial discipline. I get restless when I have debts — I can’t stand the feeling of owing money. So even if Mrs. Salonga’s pieces were truly beautiful, I had to pass. I just hope I didn’t disappoint her for not buying any of the sparkling treasures she showed me. ✨
My colleagues from JSSP think I now live abroad because I haven’t attended the Johann Strauss Society events for at least the past three years. I did, however, manage to join last year’s Christmas party, which was held at the beautiful mansion of Dely and Eddie in Forbes Park, Makati City.
The JSSP holds a casual monthly lunch — just food and kumustahan — plus a formal black-tie ball once a year and a semi-formal Christmas party. Sometimes, there’s one more formal event in cooperation with other organizations. The proceeds from these formal dinners go to various charities.
I think the impression that I live overseas also came from Maribel Carandang. Every time she sees me, she tells our colleagues that I’m always traveling.
It just so happens that I’ve been busy each time. And now, this coming December, I won’t be able to attend their Christmas party. It’s scheduled for the second week of December, at the same lovely residence in Forbes Park — but I’ll be in Bacolod City on that day.
#foodie #europeancuisine #finedining #lunch #amirsali
