Konted's Make My Day 2: Meeting Classmates At Alex III

Meeting Classmates At Alex III

There was some sort of conflict at the start. But it was manageable. There were classmates who could not join the affair at Club Filipino. There was conflict in their schedule but they found it alright to meet even a day later at an assigned place. Andy Jimenez, as in the years before, wanted to end the year with a get2gether with old classmates. He would not settle for anything less. The same with Greg Calixto, Ed dela Rosa and Tony Olizon. But there were two others who wanted to join. Though these two men were present in the previous night affair, they were raring to be with those who missed the yearly event. Thus, Chris Embuscado and Ted Gener opted to hook up with the group at Alex III.

Alex III is one of the oldest existing restaurants in Metro Manila, having been a part of the Aristocrat Group of Restaurants. Aristocrat, Serye, Reyes Barbecue and Alex III trace their roots to the old Aristocrat along Dewey Boulevard founded by Justice Alex Reyes and Mrs.Engracia Reyes. The branch the group selected was the one along Morato Avenue near Timog. It is ideally located along a cluster of restaurants with adequate parking spaces for diners. Alex III is a cozy place where a group can engage in quiet conversations.

While Alex III offers traditional dishes like Pancit Canton, Camaron Rebosado, Chopsuey and Seafood Kare Kare, their best seller is the Chicken or Pork Barbecue. Served with Java Rice and the native Atchara, diners get full satisfaction with a taste they can't find in other restaurants. The taste is uniquely Alex III's. Chicken Barbecue costs P229 while Pork Barbecue is P175 for two sticks. It is done so well that I have yet to hear somebody criticizing Alex III's grilled pork and chicken. As it has been in the business for many years and the demand for its products remains stable, Alex III's place in the food industry is well secured.

Tony Olizon planed in from Cagayan de Oro City. He has a sawmill there and business is still doing well even with a log ban still enforced. Greg was in his Sunday best, with a white and green shirt that matched his green wrist watch. He came driving a brand new Vios. Chris bought an Ipad and was complaining that some politicians who lost in the last elections in their place in Nueva Ecija have yet to settle their obligations after making purchases at his hardware store. Ed had taken a trip to Vietnam, and, upon his return, attended a very important affair in the town of Taal in Batangas province.

The exchanges shifted to the whereabouts of other classmates, all curious and concerned. All throughout, the conversation was lively, punctuated by laughter, ranging from chuckle to giggle to guffaw. And as closing time came, they realized the hours were still not enough for them. But contented, just the same, that they had a nice time together. And as Ed dela Rosa, who has Spanish blood running through his veins, would often say: Hasta La Vista, Amigos !!!

- Konted

Alex III is located along Tomas Morato near Timog Avenue.