Mitch Bautista’s 20 Something Bash

September 2nd is his real birthday, but due to scheduling reasons, we decided to celebrate it this weekend. Actually, the “we” in this part didn’t come into play yet. Mitch, being ever busy and highly bulked with priorities, cannot afford to plan to celebrate his own birthday. His simplicity and practicality weighed on him and he just decided to host it at one of his reliable SV friends’ houses. There’s nothing really wrong with that, except that, it’s been done over and over again; and the “essence” of celebration will not be maximized. I wanted to make “bida-bida” and so I proposed to him a real birthday party that’s not only limited to getting everyone drunk at someone’s backyard. And besides, I wanted to have a party wherein we don’t have to worry about who’s going to stay and clean up the place after everyone’s been affected by the booze drive. I wanted to give SV people a break, and give Mitch a party he really deserves.

The plan was initially to surprise him, but he has always had many surprises in his schedule so I eventually let him find out about it. Although he was fishing for specific details, I’d like to think I didn’t supply him of anything. In lieu of the Sunday text scam, I was able to book a place for 20ish people at Tiananmen Bar for the event, picked good North Park dinner food selections and had a number of beers ordered. I texted people within the week, did what I could to find that perfect Sugarfree Ube Birthday Cake and released the event at the hands of the very capable Tiananmen staff and wonderful DT and SV people.

The dinner party turned into a feast as we didn’t consume all the food that was served. In fact we had too many take outs. The drinks were just right and no “Jellyness” was exhibited. The company was great. The food and service were even better. And who could ever forget the “Happy Birthday” song that is so old school and that made Mitch a star while he was blowing the recurring candles. The moment was priceless. Everyone invited was there, except for AJ, who has a valid excuse since he was sick. Kuy SR was there “checking up on him” and brought him take out. How sweet!

Thanks to the early birds, photographers and late shifters! You guys are the best!

Mission accomplished, everyone. Happy Birthday, Mitch!

Random Pics:

Happy Birthday, Mitch. At this point, kinabahan sya..na-stress…lahat na! But he did his part well! The whole bar (i’m sure) wished him a happy birthday. Nawala ang tugtog! haha

That’s a sugarfree Ube cake by the way…haha..”sweet but with no sugar!” haha - Carl

Mitch and SV People

Mitch with DT Photography

“Mitch, what were you doing?” Mitch and the Boys

What can I say? The stress was worth it.

AJ, magpakita ka! haha

 

AJ-SR-KAYE Text Scam

Fine. I admit that it was my fault. I was stupefied to say the least that I have mismatched, yet again, the two Serna brothers. I did my best to justify my actions and defend the unnecessary accounts that “forced” SR to accompany me to Makati. Before you think of whatever scam it was, it wasn’t detrimental to their beings. It was a classic case of miscommunication and “mis-reading” for my part. I’m sure SR would love to laugh and spread the news, but before further ripples of miscommunication occur, I would gladly justify point by point.

CASE 1:

I texted the SV group around lunch about the planned “surprise” party for Mitch this coming Saturday. Some people replied, some didn’t. AJ Serna replied on time and around lunch SR didnt, which is quite acceptable as the guy might still be asleep or already at work since he has a shift every Sundays.

Then at around 6:30 PM I texted AJ if he could accompany me to Makati to check a few things out. He replied and told me that he would have to inform me by 7 if he wouldn’t push through with his plans to go to BF. It was perfectly fine, and I waited. While I was fixing my bag, someone texted me at 7:02 and I automatically assumed it was AJ. What I saw in my INBOX was SERNA, __. You see, I didn’t bother to look at the two other remaining letters after the sir name. I immediately thought it was AJ. The text says.

SERNA, SR: I’m in (referring to the party)

I replied, knowing it was AJ.

ME: I’m out! Just kidding, sige, will pick you up in a few. Please think of the possible routes on how to get there because I don’t know exactly where it’s located. You’ll be my navigator.

SERNA, SR: Huh? E naliligo pa ko e. (He might be confused by now)

ME: I’ll pick you up in a few. Bilisan mo, Tara na. There’s no time to waste. (Still knowing it was AJ)

Then after a few minutes, I got to my car and drove towards the SERNA house.

ME: I’m palabas na ng gate. I’m on my way there na.

No reply. (SR Is probably still taking a bath)

When I got to their street I got a text.

SERNA, AJ: Sorry Kaye, I’m out pala tonight.

ME: HUH? (Really weirded out, is he HIGH??) Eh I’m outside your house na e!
Then someone texted. (Knowing it was still AJ)

SERNA, SR: Yan….mag mamass pa naman sana ako!

I was REALLY CONFUSED freaking confused and irritated. Who ever said someone’s going to go to mass? And why would AJ, whom I thought I was talking to all along, tell me instantly that he’s out, when he perfectly knows that I’m on my way to pick him up since HE said yes.

I parked and went to their house. I gritted my teeth and asked their maid.

“Andyan po ba si AJ?”

The maid entered the house and out came SR, with his hair still wet. And it was when I found out about the text scam.

ME: (Surprised) Oh, SR! Anong ginagawa mo dito? (oops, he’s kind of sensitive to these lines). I mean, walang kang work?

SR: Wala. (Looking confused and gets a yosi) Teka san ba tayo? Sino-Sino ba tayo? Magmamass pako e.

ME: Wala, kami ni AJ tapos kung gusto mong sumama.

SR: (Looking more confused) E mag bbf si AJ e.

ME: Oo nga, kanina, but I think he won’t go through with it na. He told me he’s in and that’s why I’m here on the last minute he told me he’s out.

SR: (Looks horrified) E…ako yung nag “in” e.

ME: What are you talking about?

SR: I’m in?

ME: Anong I’m in.

SR: Sa party ni Mitch. Ka-tetext ko lang sayo e.

ME: Huh? Anong pinagsasabi mo?

SR: (Laughs) Ako yun, stoop! Ako yung ka-text mo! Di ko nga alam kung san tayo pupunta!

AJ comes out on a perfect timing.

I was there confused at my wits and looked at my phone inbox for clarification.

But I’ve learned valuable lessons.

LESSON 1:

DO read your messages carefully. Do not always assume regardless of the perfect timing and confusing names. It would really get you into trouble.

LESSON 2:

Be mindful that a live person still exists within the realm of possibilities. Like for instance SR. He might be technically out of reach most of the times, but he is still there, a human being free to make changes and involve himself whenever he can. Do not forget about him or people like him.

LESSON 3:

Do not under any circumstances go to the last 7 o’clock mass without having dinner. It lasts for about 2 hours.

Apologies offered. Apologies accepted. Accomplished goal.

Texting Scam, all worth it. Long live, SR SERNA!

 

The PERSIAN afternoon

AJ and I, a couple of bums at that time didn’t have anything else to do. We only hoped to eat and relax, but we wanted to try something new…like Persian on a cheap note. So, I remembered the simple persian house-eatery Mitch, Nikkon and I visited a couple of weeks ago where Kebab Sticks cost 35 bucks, a combo meal (Rice+2 kebab sticks+soup+iced tea) costs 100 bucks and shawarma at around 50.
Bringing XSA along, we trudged down to Better Living, straight towards Dona Soledad, near Chateau Elysee. You wouldn’t miss the place (AHMED-something) because it has a huge white banner screaming “Authentic Persian Cuisine.” The exterior is just like a normal house, with green gates open for customers. Don’t be dismayed though when you enter. It’s not anything POSH or anything like a normal eatery. Sinangag Express seem more elegant. All you would see are a couple of tables, sufficient chairs and not much happening going on. But someone from the house would “Eventually” give you an informative menu and take your order. But it’s okay if you go actually barge inside the house, just to be sure.
AJ and I, at 4 PM, just got Shawarma. As we started to dig in with the simple treat, a few (2) customers entered. One got some take-out and one girl, ate two meals at the time, much to our amazement. AJ followed suit and ordered a kebab stick with rice. I gathered that although this restaurant is not famous for dine-ins, they usually take their orders in bulk or takeouts.
The food, aside from it’s cheap, is not entirely only in the “pantawid gutom” category. It is okay, except for “white” sauce, which AJ and I didn’t like at all. But in terms of kebabs and other Persian Dishes with the ice-cold Calamansi Juice, almost are a-okay.

IMPROVISE, my dear…improvise.

*Mind you, this is the first official photograph of Mr. Alvin Jan in Nerd Effect

*Nothing to be said here, but enjoying my kebab sticks.

This is another option aside from Little Tehran, which is a bit pricey.

 

Straight from Unwanted Hiatus

It has been a while since I’ve written a post here. It’s already been a month and I hate to ignore something that I’ve completely started with a goal (no matter how unnecessary it may seem), which is to build an online repository of sorts for Sun Valley Friends and community. I’ve had my hands pretty much filled and up with so many different things and I haven’t been exactly on the “community” loop to be able to share meaningful information and stories. I’m trying to regain everything slowly but surely.

Long live SUN VALLEY!

 

Angela’s Lunch

After the night that was, filled with so many stories of people’s shenanigans, Sun Valley people drove to Serendra in a sweltering dull Sunday Brunch. Angela Libas DMD invited us for a lunch-celebration at the posh One-Serendra last July 6.

Ambiance was great.

Food was Fantastic.

Cause was well known and applauded.

Records were straightened out. (Blind Items)

AJ: Ulitin na natin to, gawing na natin tong Sunday brunch habit

Bags: (Smiles and looks at AJ) Tara??

Kaye: Haha!!!! (Shucks…di kaya ng budget ko! Dinaan nalang sa tawa)

AJ: (Laughs) Stir!!

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Ian: Eto lang ang grupong mala-PG pero may Class parin

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AJ / KAYE: (Reaction to squeaking of the shoes sa One Serendra) May class naman tayo, sumasablay nga lang minsan. Haha

***

Syempre, may mga blind items parin:

1. Sino itong lokal ng Boracay na may trabaho rin dito sa Manila, pero sa sobrang init at kabusugan nag-half day sa opisinang pinapasukan.

2. Sino tong lokal ng Pasig na nagkaroon ng amnesia sa party ni Munding?

3. Sino itong lokal ng Sun valley na umaadictus sa Cupcakes na nakahain sa buffet.

4. Sino itong lokal ng Sun Valley na sa sobrang pagmamahal ng isa babaeng Lokal ng Moonville, Sunvalley , pilit syang itinataboy dahil sa kakulitan at kadaldalan?

5. Sino ang tumataboy sa Blind Item number 4?

6. Sino ang nagbigay ng linyang: “You’re not Mitch!”

7. Sino ang nagbigay ng linyang: “Are you cheating on me?!”