Not so silent nights
In my book, Christmas should be celebrated every day. Your birthday should be every day. Every day can both be Christmas and your birthday. In other words, we should be thankful, every day.
Okay, I am not blind to the world and I do realize that there is a global recession. But let’s look at it this way. Think recession equals recess. And during recess, you prepare for your next class. And hey, we all need a break.
Now going back to being thankful, look around you as you make your Christmas list (on who’s been naughty and nice — I’ve been naughty, but that’s another story) and really take the time to appreciate those who make your life more inspiring. As my friend always tells me, “Stay inspired and inspiring.”
Lately, I’ve been going out of my regular routine and exploring different spots — to quote the wise Brendan Fraser in the high-flying in-flight Mabuhay magazine, “Diversity is key.” And so my nocturnal travails take me from the Tatler set to Taliba territory. I feel as at ease at The Fort as I am with Tomas Morato and am really pumped up to tour as many spots that our 7,107 islands can provide. Last week, I had a grand time at the launch of The Bar (it’s my new favorite drink, with concoctive variants of vodka and orange and gin and lime) in Baguio, and next week, I am off to Dagupan. Bring it on — ’tis the season to be, say, “oh golly!” And oh-so-jolly!
Teriyaki at t-mo and respect for ronald
That was exactly the vibe a few weeks ago when we went the Troute and partied the night away at Teriyaki Boy. Yes, T Boy has a new, snazzy look and you gotta see it to believe it. It has the feel of a modern Japanese hip spot, and with DJ Mars Miranda spinning some muzak that night, plus cartons and cartons of sake, how can you not have fun? But of course, one should never forget that style is nothing without substance, and the food at Teriyaki Boy remains yummy, yummy, yummy!
Credit goes to hardworking new generation restaurateur Brian Tiu and business partner Martin Lorenzo. My relationship with Brian is exactly like what Bill Clinton is to President GMA, we were former classmates. I saw him grow up and work hard, starting from scratch to building an enterprise and then slowly forming an empire. Beyond it all, he shuns the spotlight, and prefers to be really low-key. Now, that’s where we are different. And that is why I respect him so much.
Speaking of respect, one person who comes to mind who is highly respected is Congressman Ronald Singson, and at his recent birthday celebration at Fly, people passed by to pay their respects to the birthday boy. His sphere of friends spans the entire spectrum of party society, showbiz, politics, and poker. In short, he is well-loved and respected — and that is because he treats other people with much respect as well. Respect begets respect, right?
That night, he had a band set up and all of his friends, singers, and wannabe singers all went up to render a song. I did, too! And it was sooo much fun that I think I want to do it every week! I am the only person who hasn’t gone to Rockeoke at Mag:net, and yes I know I am missing out! But this season gets more hectic by the day, and so let’s wrap it up! I mean gifts. And never forget to count your blessings.
Of sweet endings
One such blessing in my life is having people like Boy Abunda and Freddie Santos serve as my guidance counsellors, spiritual life advisers if you wish. Their time is more precious than gold, so every chance I get to be with them, I grab and embrace each moment. If you’re going to learn something, you gotta learn from the best. Due to his hectic schedule, Boy doesn’t really get to attend parties, so when it’s his close friend’s birthday, he chooses to throw a birthday dinner for them. Recently he hosted one for co-Buzzer Phoemela Baranda at Mamou at Serendra. It was a tight crew of people who love Phoem (but don’t we all?), a diverse group of people from media, the diplomatic circle, and the biz. Nights like these are so special because you’re bound to get past the small talk and really get to know real people, which is what Boy is all about anyways.
And because of his genuine interest in getting to know the “real” side of people, he always emerges victorious. Proof of that is his sweep of last week’s PMPC Star Awards, of which I got the chance to also be a part of. To al the winners, congratulations! And that includes our show, Living It Up, which won as Best Lifestyle Show, and us (that’s Mond, Sam, Issa, and myself) as Best Lifestyle Show hosts. I cannot reiterate how hard we work to come up with the show every week and just like Supreme, it is always a team effort. What a way to end the year and start a new chapter. Personally, I just finished my master’s degree course for entrepreneurship at AIM (Asian Institute of Management) and my classmates are getting ready to defend their business plans to our gurus, a council of wise elders whose sole aim is to empower people. This personal achievement, the Star Award for Best Host and everything that is happening here at Supreme, the people who life has brought me closer to, and my renewed faith in God — these are the things that I am really thankful for.
Times like these, when I am away from all the noise, when I choose to be silent, I realize how beautiful life is. It is never perfect. In fact, it is quite flawed. But it is in accepting and embracing your flaws and still choosing to love yourself and those who remain true that you discover how simple it can be.
