After I attended Metrobank’s annual anniversary celebration held at their headquarters in Buendia two years ago, I promised myself that I would never again attend this event. Why? it took me two hours just to make a left turn at the corner of Buendia and Paseo Roxas in Makati because all vehicles were going to that direction. When I entered their lobby, there was a sea of people that greeted me. This is the kind of party where your presence does not matter, unless you are a politician or a top guy. In fairness to Metrobank, their key officers are in-charged of inviting their own special guests, so they meet you at the door and they make sure you are comfortable. But with more than a thousand people standing, eating, talking, it was just too much for me. It’s neither fiesta, nor wedding, para akong sumali sa prusisyon sa Binangonan pag Byernes Santo, ang dami talagang tao. I didn’t stay long, I left.
When I received an invitation for their anniversary last year, I begged-off. Oh no, not again, and I felt, my presence would not really matter. Metrobank has more than enough clients and friends, no one would even notice my absence.
Last week, we received a nice invitation which looked promising. It’s not their anniversary but simply “Gathering of Friends” and it would be at the residence of Metrobank’s founder, Mr. George Ty. Okay, we’re going this time.
I am bringing Julienne along, Edmund doesn’t want to go. I am imagining there would be a hundred people and more laid back, like a sit down dinner.
Julienne and I went in separate vehicles to the event last night, January 11. The invitation says 6 – 9 pm cocktails but due to the heavy traffic around the one block sprawling mansion, it took me 30 minutes to reach the venue from the North Forbes Park’s gate. I saw people getting off their cars and walking under the rain. Oh no, I don’t want to do that. And I am wearing a step-in.
Cars are nakapila on all 4 sides, and para kaming choo-choo train entering the drive-way.
Each guest is given a name tag
I waited for another 30-40 minutes at the foyer before Julienne arrived.
Former President Joseph Estrada looked a lot slimmer and look at his face, he looks younger than I am. Para siyang hindi tumatanda. He’s with his Ateneo classmate and very close friend Antonio Lopa, my colleague in Philippines, Inc. (Team Phils).
Many politicians were there too like Senator Loren Legarda, Sen. Ed Angara, etc.
The gracious host, Metrobank’s founder Mr. George Ty
The reception is at the hectare-sized garden.
Tents were set-up but the party organizer probably did not watch the weather news the night before, they were not able to put some flooring to prevent the mud. I almost slipped.
Nay ko, ayokong madulas dito baka ako sumemplang
The yearly dinner hosted by Metrobank dubbed Gathering of Friends at the sprawling mansion of Mr. Ty was greeted by rain and mud.
I was actually very hungry when I arrived but I lost my appetite. Only 3 tables were set up at the lanai for the super special guests like Erap. The rest of the populace, including yours truly will have to wade thru mud to get some food.
Not the fault of Metrobank, but I was just too lampa, tired and old to do this kind of thing. Julienne and I decided to leave.
I got a cup of soup before leaving to avoid collapsing from hunger.
Senator Loren Legarda is another lady that doesn’t age. Mukhang wala siyang stress.
His son Leandro is 19, cute and smart. He is a sophomore at Yale University. He and Julienne have several common friends despite the age gap.
The hallway going to the toilet, kitchen, and main house is full of art pieces by HR Ocampo and other artists.
Art books
We were told that there are 500 guests, kaya naman pala ang traffic sa labas.
the cars outside are not moving, Julienne and I walked under the rain to where our van was parked kesa abutin kami ng siyang-syam waiting for our vehicle.
