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Sometimes the best way to organize a meeting is not to plan for one and let it just happen like a blink of an eye.

It’s been awhile since I spent quality-bonding time with my friends in Manila and the meeting we had this week was never planned and never called but true as they are (at least one), they confirmed, they we’re willing but only one actually showed up. :o) or maybe it was the other way around, I only talked to one and leave the rest to know thru him where I could personally call them and insisted they come. Whatever which way, it was fun to see (and know) the guys are doing great!


So where do we meet? That has been the typical question. We’ll be coming from different directions and the best idea is to met halfway. No, we didn’t need a navigation tool or scientific triangulation equipment, the place has always been pre-defined. It is Ortigas, the place where we, as a group, used to be when I was in Manila. The where refers to the venue.


First choice, Sidebar Café in El Pueblo. One of Ortigas’ secret place with cool ambiance ideal for friends, dates and hang outs. The place is almost always filled with yuppies from nearby companies. Cold beers and delicious pasta and chicken are their specialties. This place has the “hottest” hot sauce in the Philippines! At least for me. But then the place could be too loud for people who wants to talk and enjoy little music and visuals.


Second, Water Hole in Shangri La. Ideal for gimmicks with limited budget but wanted to get the most of the happenings. One of the best restobars in Manila where fine dining meets non-stop entertainment. The interior structure overlooking the stage (for the live band) is really cool. One major setback of the place though is its proximity to EDSA. The country’s most polluted avenue!


Third, Metro Walk. This place has it all! You can choose the best place that suits your mood in any of the restos and bar in the Metro. And while at the Metro, we usually stay at the famous iBagnet, the famous Ilocano dish of deep-fried pork meat locally called Bagnet! Aside from this dish, iBagnet is one of the two bars in the Metro that offers the world famous BEER BELOW ZERO! BBZ is an original Pinoy concoction that turns ordinary beer into the most seductive thirst quenching liquid.


I remembered Shernan and I ordered for 2 BBZ SML to kick off the reunion. When we parted ways around 12 midnight, we didn’t really recall how many BBZs we consumed. Truth is, we stopped counting after the first order and we almost (to be safe) forgot the road back home. Until next time.