“May Bukas Pa: parties, parties, parties, Part 2″

Last friday, 12 December 2009, was a hectic day for parties! The Social Security System where I work had its Christmas Party from 8:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. I do not know how the public viewed this long tradition here and I guess in most government offices where the Christmas party is being done while rendering public service. The rule of thumb is: there will be no interruption of delivery of public office as the party is on-going. Through these years, the public seems to be understanding of this set-up: anyway it happens only once a year. At the SSS, we celebrate it by Department: meaning, food preparation is at the Department level and same with the celebration (eating, parlor games for kids, videoke singing etc). After the SSS party, I felt so tired. The May Bukas Pa party was set at 7:00 p.m. But as I have experienced in the past events, people would start to come after an hour. I decided to recharge myself: I went to Soniari SPA on Tomas Morato Avenue. I had a good steam bath before a very relaxing massage. When I returned to my car at 8:00 p.m., I looked at my cell phone for new messages. Andre Tiangco one of my co-priest, texted if I was already at the party. Robin Tolentino, another co-priest was asking where the venue was! The venue of the party was the roofdeck of a building which is located along Timog Avenue, beside Mc Donald's. I found a vacant parking slot at the parking area of Mc Donald's. He, he, he, after parking I went inside Mc Do and bought a cup of coffee to give the impression on the guard that I am Mc Do's client and therefore should be allowed to park! I secretly walked to the next building where the party was! I saw Michael Conan with his friends carrying guitars, drums and other music instruments waiting for the elevator. Michael Conan's musician friends will be performing at the party! When the elevator door opened at 9:00 p.m., the roofdeck was already filled up with people! There was a covered portion which was air-conditioned and it was used as the stage/performance area. Almost everybody from the crew, lights men, cameramen to make-up artists, the three tsismosas, to the priests, Victor Basa, Ruben Gonzaga, Tony Manalo, David Chua,Jaime Fabregas, Lito Pimentel, Dominic Ochoa, Tonton Guiterrez, Albert Martinez, Desiree del Valle, Lara Quigaman, Zaijian Jaranilla, Direk Jerome Pobocan, Direk Jojo Saguin, Tita Mae Santos, Beegee Soldao, Hazel Parfan etc… etc…were there. Our bosses, Ms. Ethel Espiritu, Ms. Julie Ann Benitez and of course Sir Deo Endrinal were there! Noticeably absent was Ms.Dina Bonnevie. Ms. Lara Quigaman and Zaijian Jaranilla gave gifts to most of the cast! Lara gave choco pastries while Zaijian a.k.a. Santino gave Martini! There were production numbers participated in by the staff: lightsmen, make-up artists, etc… Drinks were aplenty: draft beer, red wine and a table with Sober Club, which is very attractive with its colored drinks in cupitas! There were dancing and singing till bout 3:00 am! Merry Christmas!Happy Birthday Bro!