The december weekend that was...

Had a fun weekend which started in Greenbelt Makati last friday. Cyma restaurant is highly recommended despite the four-star price, I'd give it a 5 out of 5. For the first time I read a menu which all sounds Greek to me, both literally and figuratively. But the food was oh so good, a true taste of fusion Mediterreanean cuisine. The baby back ribs (costs about 900 Php) is highly recommended. Service is good.

Our drinking session was held at the National Sports Grill, a watering hole we used to frequent way-way back when it was previously located at Greenbelt one. The smoking section outside is quite the spot to be to people watch, and I went ga-ga over the passing women and young ladies.

The traffic in SLEX was horrendous eventhough it was already past midnight. Had a few more bottles before settling down for the night at the farm. The next day, we went to Pavillion Mall's Pure Gold to shop for drinks and pulutan, which includes my all time favorite nacho recipe. Alcoholic drinks bought were Absolut Vodka, Jose Cuervo gold and Tanduay Rhum. Liquers included were grenadine, blue curacao and a number of fruit juices. Of course, never would be excluded therefrom.

Amidst the strong december winds passing through the lake, we concocted ice cold cocktails, some of which were Green Mai tai, Lemon Drops (a new personal fave of mine), tequila sunrise, Shark Bite and of course, the all time favorite frozen blue margarita.

Pulutan was rich... in cholesterol. The MSG coated peanuts, JL's invention of a chili-spring roll with bread crumbs deep-fried, my NSG rivalring Nachos, and... fried adobo wild game freshly shot. Yeah, you heard it right, Ka Willy went out on a 30 minute hunting trip with his semi-automatic hunting rifle and shot a few wild birds in the lake area. And this cuisine is not for the paranoid about avian flu. It was quite delicious and crispy, and really gamey... has a stronger taste and more stringy than your regular market birds. Oh, before I forget, lunch consisted of lechong 'talunan' (meaning, expensive Texas fighting cocks which died during a previous cockfight) and boy, the meat is indeed tough.

Then this morning, a semi-formal day reception was held at the grounds near the Trellis and the lake. White tents were set-up, a buffet table and round tables with baby blue trimmings. This garden reception could have been an Ascott or Hampton event had we been in Western Country side wearing the pompous attire of the traditional and noveau riche. The place looked marvelous. It was Baby Nathan's christening and house blessings of the newly renovated houses within the farm.

So, after spending the day eating, chatting and resting for a while, time to go back to Manila sweet Manila. I love that feeling of being rejuvenated after spending a long break in a place which has been a sanctuary for most of us for a number of years. The company of good friends and new friends, close to nature. It all seems so perfect, despite my personal knowledge of the troubles which lies in this place. A gathering always brings the best in people, share dreams and problems, and you can be at your worst, and laugh about it.

This is the break I've wanted for quite a while. And now, I feel energized once more. Time to celebrate once more in the spirit of Christmas with more friends from the various parts of my life, the people from high school, college and law school, family and personal friends.

I love this season, and despite personal and family circumstances which could make you think of the oddities of life, its a time to be thankful for the gift of life itself and love in all of facets.