I have been away from my blog for weeks now and I am sorry, there were a string of parties and celebrations I needed to attend and of course my casual jobs got in the way as well (real estate, insurance, copywriting etc.)
December as you know is the final stretch for 2023 and everyone, just like me, has been pulled to a lot of events. It's a month where friends and family celebrate together to relive the past year, reflect on learnings, celebrate small wins and hope for a better 2024.
Going through my FB feeds, I am amazed how normal everything is for the past 2 years (December 2022 and 2023)! Bands playing are back, booze is once again flowing, partying and get togethers are in full swing, (inflation seems to be non existent) what a good way to invigorate the economy! So what have you been up to lately? Let me show you my December so far...
Team Cebu Dinner
Location: Tablo Kitchen x Cafe, BF Resort
For the past three years, my chosen friends from Cebu and I have dinner together during Christmas, what started as a group who wants to simply forget about work and go to the beautiful beaches of Cebu, now has become a close knit group, they will always be my "family" in Cebu. This year we decided to go to Tablo in BF Resort, where we spent a lot of time catching up on work and of course stories from the grapevine! (Who doesn't like this!?)
Lazurite Gold Life Insurance Agency - Prulife UK Christmas Party
Location: Skydeck Garden at Ramada Hotel, Makati
Having been in the insurance industry for 2 years (and still trying to carve a niche for myself there though haha!) this is the first time I have ever been to their Christmas party! 2021 was a virtual party, 2022 I was in Cebu, so this year I made sure I'll be attending! I was very happy to attend because I was treated to unlimited Korean barbecue, unlimited cocktails, raffles, a talent show, stunning views of the Makati skyline and unlimited catch up sessions with friends!
December Weddings
Location: Tagaytay and Quezon City
Witnessing the union of long time partners just brings the water works for me. Two people united under matrimony brings an overwhelming wave of joy and hope. After years of togetherness, having experienced ups and downs, and finally deciding to tie the knot to get our Lord's blessings, it amazes me how a love like this exists! A love that waits, forgives, supports, and nurtures. A wedding is not the end to a fairy tale but the start of a lifetime of unending partnership. I love attending weddings!
I am very fortunate to be invited to the wedding of our long time childhood friends, they flew back here in the Philippines from the US just to tie the knot here in Tagaytay, they have been together for thirty years! Dude that equates to a lifetime! Got really emotional seeing the bride walk down the aisle.
Reception soon followed in Blue Moon Ilustrados in Silang. A big tent was set up for us, al fresco was in order that night. A grazing table welcomed us just to replenish our energy, just enough to keep hunger at bay but keep our appetite intact for dinner.
The week after the latter wedding, I attended a colleague's wedding in Quezon City, I needed to brave the Manila traffic during the holiday season. The wedding took place in Manhattan Parkview's Pavilion Hall, a sky-lit events place in the middle of Araneta City.
Clubbing with Team Sangre x South Boys
Location: Revel Bar at BGC
It's been a decade since I last went out! Ivan has been asking me to come join his squad for quite some time now, so after a very lengthy video call with him, we decided to finally go out on a Sunday night. We took to Greenfield first then to Revel Bar in BGC. One thing I liked about Revel is how chill it is. The experience of clubbing is still the same, it's a chill night out with friends, we just discussed random stuff in the open with pop music blaring and the air-conditioner drowning us with cold air. But of course during my time, I remember dancing to Rhianna, now it's all about Taylor Swift, with an occasional blast of dance music from years ago. We took on the night with whisky and Coke, and left at 5AM, then stopping by at Jollibee for a quick breakfast. Ah it feels good to go clubbing again after so many years!
Going back a few years ago, I wouldn't have imagined me going out again, I was just a timid guy with just a few amounts of zest to live, but now I feel alive and ready to take on life again. That's my December, I hope you have a wonderful one too. Thank you for everyone who became a part of my journey this 2023, I can't believe in a few days it's coming to a close, but before that happens, I'd love to greet everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Cheers!
Tito Gary xxx
