Konted's Make My Day 2: lsqc62/66

Wednesday, 4 December 2013

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.

Alex III has been in the business for many years.

Special potatoes

Pork Barbeque with Java Rice and Atchara

Good with Iced Tea

Chicken Barbeque

Chris (right) tells Andy and Greg what transpired the night before.

Ed and Andy

Cozy place

Enjoying their meals

Ted G. is flanked by two businessmen-- Chris and Tony Olizon

Professor Greg with matching shirt and wristwatch

Two events to cover

Settling the bill

Monday, 2 December 2013

Seeing Each Other Again At Club Filipino

Seeing Each Other Again At Club Filipino

Everybody knows Ben Jacinto. Everybody knows that he was, once, one of the topnotch cagers of our school. Everybody knows that he also excels in golf. But not everybody knows that he, too, can sing. After engaging almost everyone in reminiscing the past, the funny and silly moments of our grade school days, he set aside the wine glass and took hold of the microphone. Everybody stopped talking. " Someday when I am awfully low, when the world is cold, I will feel a glow just thinking of you, and the way you look tonight." I nudged and asked Secretary General Francis Pacheco: "Is there anything else this guy can't do?"

Not to be outdone, guest Andrea, with businessman Vic Fadrilan by her side, countered with her own version of a local song : "Bakit ba ganyan, ang ibig ko'y lagi kang pagmasdan, Umulan at umaraw ay hindi pagsasawaan ang iyong katangian, Damdamin ko'y ibang iba kapag kapiling ka, sinta....." The party was warmimg up. Everyone was having a nice time. Drinks, mostly Novellino wines, overflowed and finger food was plentiful. A whole crunchy, succulent roast pig, brought in by Capt Ronnie Cunanan, had been reduced to a mere shadow of its old self in 20 minutes. Never mind if these guys are taking maintenance drugs for hypertension. And true to the prevailing spirit of the season, Novellino Wines in Christmas wrappers were given away by Bel Mondo Italia Corporation owner Nonoy Quimbo. To the delight of regulars Chris Embuscado, Dennis Araneta and honorary class member Medy West.

It was actually the fourth straight Christmas party for the group. And Club Filipino board director Albert Castro made sure nothing but the best was served. And he, too, made sure that another principal guest would appear as he promised. Oswaldo Geli, long listed in the class scroll of most wanted classmates, came on time. Those who have been manifesting symptoms of Alzheimers, Geli was one of two boy scouts who had the privilege of carrying Troop 66's official flag, the other one being Scout Willie Santiago who perished in a plane crash en route to the World Jamboree in Greece. So now you remember, I suppose. Geli is now a top official of a government revenue-generating agency. He is currently assigned at Clark Air Base.

Now, Ben Jacinto was asking Dr. Carlos Martin the name of the old Capuchin priest who, after confessing one's sins, whether mortal or venial, would shout out loud that echoed off the walls of the church: "What more? Tell me, what more? " That was old Father Blas. Everyone would be stunned and would shriver with fear. But not anymore. Times have changed. These guys have grown up. They no longer get intimidated. When the wife asks: What took you so long? It is now 2 AM." With a voice that would not crack, the answer is usually firm or resolute: " In the office. There was much work to do. I am tired. " Then the long sleeve shirt would be removed and thrown near the armchair, unaware of the lipstick mark somewhere near the collar. Trouble is imminent. But times have really changed. These guys are now tough under pressure. And there is nothing to confess. Nothing.

- Konted

The Way You Look Tonight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzDGccicFxQ