Mamou Too!

My girlfriends and I have a rehearsal of sorts. Our Christmas dinner would be on 7 December yet. But last Friday, 2 December, we had this brilliant idea of a Friday pampering night slash bazaar trek. Come night time however, we discarded the nails session as we were all famished. 

We didn't make any prior reservations but we have already made plans to eat at Mamou Too at Rockwell Power Plant Mall. I just can't get enough. You see, I had my first Christmas Dinner with my former roomie Judy at Mamou in Serendra in Bonifacio Global City. The food is just so great that I didn't mind coming back with just a few days in between. 

Girls' Night Out. (L-R) Me-an, Erica, Mara, Armin, Moi and Mei

 
We really don't like to cam whore but we want to look back to this night with fondness. And so we snapped away. To us, bonding means either coffee, food or both interspersed with hearty conversations. Here's what we've partaken.

Linguine Al Nero (P325). Never mind the black ink that may coat your teeth jet black. 

Lamb Tapa with Salsa Pina (P395). Still Erica's order. She doesn't eat much, actually. Lol.

Venison Curry with Buttered Parsley Rice (P395). Mara's scrumptious choice.

Adobo Flakes with Bettlenut Red Rice (P295).

There's a long list of choices in the menu but we just have to order the same -- Mei, Armin and Me. Ha ha.We're crazy like that. 

Then, I had this bright idea of ordering a bottle of red wine. It made the night more festive. And I must say, it made me so buzzed and woozy. I couldn't stop laughing all through the night.

California Red (P1150). Chilled, eh?

All through the night, our dinner was peppered with anecdotes of our life in the office, the latest in showbiz as disclosed in twitter and what have you. It's really good to be spending the night with people you respect and you want to be friends with. 

After dinner prettiness.

We closed the restaurant that night. But the night was still young so we head to the nearby bazaar at the Rockwell Tent. We roamed around, tried some interesting jewellery, checked out some knickknacks and bought some gift stuff. 

As I've said, this is just a prelude. Tomorrow night is our real Christmas dinner complete with exchange gift, the works.

Cheers!

Manila, Manila!

Back in the province, when we were just little children, Manila is synonymous to Luneta Park for us. That is before the gigantic malls have taken over the landscape of metropolitan Manila. So, you can just imagine the fantasies that we conjure in our minds as we daydream of that day when we can finally set foot in the country's capital. 

Many years later, I grew up and got side tracked by life and other events. I've forgotten about it. Then, in a twist of fate, I now consider myself a resident of the Philippine capital. Yet, it took me many years to finally take a leisurely time to get to know this landmark. 

The National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal at the Luneta Park.

When I found the time, it was just perfect. We chose to visit it on the commemoration of the Philippine Independence, June 12. Very symbolic, eh? Here lies the man who showed us Filipinos that indeed, the pen is mightier than the sword. 

The martyred hero.

He taught us the concept of nationalism and instill the virtue of knowing your identity as a people. And loving your skin color and language. Walking around park is sort of a wake up call. Inasmuch as you have to embrace the new world, you have to always go back to your roots. You don't turn back from it in order to move forward. 

Zarah and I.

 

 

 

This wall could speak.

While we roam around Luneta, one has to realize that this is not the figurative walk in the park! It covers such a big area that you feel as if you've walked an entire city. Zarah was our impromptu history guide. She took us back to the events that led to Rizal's martyrdom and what did it mean then and now. Analysis thrown in, opinion tossed by our small group as we enjoyed the view. Quite a respite from the usual gossip in everyday life. ha ha ha. 

Luneta Park plays a significant role in the country's identity; it marks Km. 0.

Adjacent to the park are art installations that dot the stretch of Roxas Boulevard. 

Dancing Rings by Olympic Sculptor Jose Datuin.

Beautiful mural.

In my bucket list, Luneta Park has been crossed out already along with Intramuros, the historied fortress of Manila. But I intend to do another Manila Walk again. This time with the Walking Man of Manila himself, Carlos Celdran. 


Until my next tour of my own city. 

Hello from Manila.