We have finally met again!
For four consecutive years, we used to see each other everyday five times a week. After our high school graduation, we never had the chance to see each other again and that was 42 long years ago.
Today, at about 11:30 in the morning, I heard the loudest call of my name and I felt the tightest hugs ever from Elise "Beth Reyes" Santos as she ran towards me. And she did the same with Rosette and Remy. It's been a very long time since we have heard each other's voice.
As we walk on our way to our lunch date at Ristorante Mitre somewhere in Intramuros through the courtesy of our very generous seatmate Remy Federigan Carbero, we never wasted time. We tried to update each other. There were lots of questions about ourselves and there were lots of anwers too. There were so much to know and so much to share with each other. . . . to fill the 42-year gap.
As we took our lunch, I have heard once again those boisterous laughter despite the Sistine-chapel ambiance of Ristorante Mitre. We talked about everything under the sun . . . from elementary to high school life, college life, even our own love life and those of others.... hahahaha . Kulang na lang tanungin yung " What is love? and Define crush. " Slum book na ang dating!
For sure, it would be a lot difficult to wrap up in a few hours everything that we have missed for 42 years. So from Mitre, we proceeded to Cafe Ilang-Ilang at Manila Hotel ( still through the courtesy of Remy ) for the traditional all-year round merienda of puto bumbong and bibingka to the delight of our balikbayan seatmate Elise. Stories and laughters continued up to the last minute at the hotel. Of course, " picture picture " was never missed. If it were not only necessary for Rosette to go back to UP for her afternoon meeting ( she actually escaped for her morning meeting just to be with us . . . hehe), we could have stayed a bit longer. But we were also reminded of Elise's date with the other members of Batch '72 earlier this afternoon . Well, that's the trouble with hello . We have no choice but to say goodbye. One good thing is we can always say, "See you later".
To our dear Elise, we were delighted to have our friendship rekindled. We may have changed somehow in our age and looks, but the soft spot of friendship in our hearts has remained untarnished. In a few days, we will miss your company again. But let us make our "goodbyes" for now the beginning of a new exciting moment of seeing you again and saying "hello".
Bring with you all our hope and wishes for traveling mercies on your way back home to San Diego, California. Always remember that you are loved by all of us! God willing, we'll see you again!
For four consecutive years, we used to see each other everyday five times a week. After our high school graduation, we never had the chance to see each other again and that was 42 long years ago.
Today, at about 11:30 in the morning, I heard the loudest call of my name and I felt the tightest hugs ever from Elise "Beth Reyes" Santos as she ran towards me. And she did the same with Rosette and Remy. It's been a very long time since we have heard each other's voice.
As we walk on our way to our lunch date at Ristorante Mitre somewhere in Intramuros through the courtesy of our very generous seatmate Remy Federigan Carbero, we never wasted time. We tried to update each other. There were lots of questions about ourselves and there were lots of anwers too. There were so much to know and so much to share with each other. . . . to fill the 42-year gap.
As we took our lunch, I have heard once again those boisterous laughter despite the Sistine-chapel ambiance of Ristorante Mitre. We talked about everything under the sun . . . from elementary to high school life, college life, even our own love life and those of others.... hahahaha . Kulang na lang tanungin yung " What is love? and Define crush. " Slum book na ang dating!
For sure, it would be a lot difficult to wrap up in a few hours everything that we have missed for 42 years. So from Mitre, we proceeded to Cafe Ilang-Ilang at Manila Hotel ( still through the courtesy of Remy ) for the traditional all-year round merienda of puto bumbong and bibingka to the delight of our balikbayan seatmate Elise. Stories and laughters continued up to the last minute at the hotel. Of course, " picture picture " was never missed. If it were not only necessary for Rosette to go back to UP for her afternoon meeting ( she actually escaped for her morning meeting just to be with us . . . hehe), we could have stayed a bit longer. But we were also reminded of Elise's date with the other members of Batch '72 earlier this afternoon . Well, that's the trouble with hello . We have no choice but to say goodbye. One good thing is we can always say, "See you later".
To our dear Elise, we were delighted to have our friendship rekindled. We may have changed somehow in our age and looks, but the soft spot of friendship in our hearts has remained untarnished. In a few days, we will miss your company again. But let us make our "goodbyes" for now the beginning of a new exciting moment of seeing you again and saying "hello".
Bring with you all our hope and wishes for traveling mercies on your way back home to San Diego, California. Always remember that you are loved by all of us! God willing, we'll see you again!
Ristorante Delle Mitre is a food shop managed by priests
When I looked up from our table, this is what I saw . . . ala Sistine Chapel ang dating!
The Menu
Elise browsing over the menu. She's quite picky when it comes to food. Beside her is her sister Cel
The best at Mitre's. This is the best crispy pata I've ever tasted.
Host na host ang dating ni Remy. Thank you for taking care of our resto bills! God bless you more!
This well-blended sinigang with pink salmon belly is a perfect match with the crispy pata...
Our lunch was capped with a cheesecake festival. But pardon! pardon! Dahil sa sarap, hindi na nakapag hintay. Kinain agad. We had the best apple cinnamon cheesecake, mango cheesecake and calamansi cheesecake. Guess what the best seller was?
I never expected that this bonding will happen this soon not until I got a text message last night.
kodakan muna while waiting for our merienda at the Café Ilang-Ilang, Manila Hotel
trying to look for the best place at Café Ilang-ilang
the all-time favorite bibingka
at puto bumbong with Thirdy ba ang name nya, Elise?
at the lobby of The Manila Hotel
Sorry, Elise... may gustong sumama sa picture mo eh...
picture picture
" I shall return!" , Elise said.
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