When Strangers Became Family: Best APG Bondings 2

One of the highs of being a part of the APG core group is having Iya and Pearl around. They're the best event organizers and can really through a fit to get everybody out of their busy schedules to attend our regular getos. It's nice because it's a chance to catch up and makipagkulitan with friends who became almost like a family to you.

Videoke session, Macapagal Boulevard

Videoke session is one of the group's favorite past time. Best singers: Olga, Jacke and Eli. The rest of us were just hang out for moral support (in case di nila maabot yung ibang notes :P).

Since we have a grand database of each other's details (e.g., birthday's and what-have-you) courtesy of Iya, we make it a point to be with each other's best moments or even kahit wala lang --- bored, stressed or naaliw lang. Last June 14th, we treated Thad for a lunchout at EDR before he leaves for a two-year study leave in Tokyo, Japan. (Real story: we felt guilty because we missed the dinner he threw for the group a night before at San Miguel by the Bay).

Thad's Despidida at EDR

With Pearl around, we can get really semi-rowdy even in places like EDR where there is higher probability to have some of your bosses also lunching out. But, who really cares?

Me and Iya in B&W (Ok pala effect)

Iya and myself have gotten close through the years because of our mutual love of writing and of late, blogging. Btw, she just launched her new book --- Bound to Last (available in Powerbooks).

New vegetarian Ms. Ding. Not sure whether she's happy with the meal.

Ms. Ding, one of our elder group members, recently turned vegetarian due to health reasons. But knowing from an aunt who is a staunch vegan (one who doesn't eat anything that came from animals and animal by product or simply anything with a face), vegetarianism is a tall order and I admire those who has the discipline to live the lifestyle although is not always a fun experience. You'll have to pass up fun family reunions because you can't eat the lechon among others. Right now, I'm happy being a carnivore (although I am trying to minimize the slaughterhouse violence by eating less red meat these days).

Soup of the Day, EDR

The meal was not exceptional but the ambiance of the EDR is good for it to be considered an ideal watering hole of highly opinionated and talkative APG members.

Vegetarian Dish daw (Parang di masarap :P)

EDR's Lechon Kawali, Thad's fave dish.

Thad: "Hmn, parang kulang sa akin ito? Tingin mo, Pearl?"

Thad promised to keep us posted of his funny experience in Tokyo for a year in a half. Although Pearl said that if he misses us, he can also send his excess lapad (student allowance) along with his emails to the group so we have sufficient funds for future getos. It was a day filled with laughter and good memories. To Thad, best of luck to you.