Fiesta at the Philippine Embassy, Bangkok 6/17/2007





















































































































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Dear Corette,
I am sorry I still have not been able to post your letter where you went diving somewhere in Mauritius. I promise to post it after I finish all the posting on this batch of pics as these just can't wait. First of all I hope you are getting settled in Penang! I am sure you are finding the old houses in Georgetown a feast to the eyes. But then I am now digressing. Remember a few weeks ago, I told you of the big Fiesta being planned at the Philippine Embassy to celebrate the Philippine Independence Day this year? It turned out to be a very big party with over a thousand Pinoys and their friends attending. Everyone had a lot of fun! The embassy grounds itself was festooned with garlands and pahiyas that was put together by Lois. The ambassador said, she was very meticulous in having each and every piece of paper cut to the exact shape otherwise she will throw a big fit. Of course I could not imagine that because she is actually a very sweet person. Artistic she really is because I when the girls from the embassy visited me at my home she helped me pose them so I could make their portraits special. I really think you should invite her when we have another portrait session when you return to Bangkok. Anyway back to the party.

San Miguel was a major presence in the Fiesta, not that you are a big beer drinker, but then most Filipinos are except perhaps you and me. Many many people were selling different types of things and most importantly food from dinuguan, pancit, lumpia, halo halo. There was even lechon, lugaw and many many other things that I could no longer enumerate. Did I mention that entrance was free and each person coming in was given a voucher worth THB100.00 so spend on the different booths around. With this alone you can have a satisfying merienda and dinner already. And of course nothing could stop you from buying more things.

I arrived a bit earlier and saw Bernie Kongswasdi who headed the executive committee that organized this whole affair, together with Nancy Pacag milling about making sure that everything is going smoothly and are properly organized. They were even making announcement on moving cars out of the way so that the Ambassador's car can get out and pick him up. Otherwise it would have been a big disaster if the car could not leave and Ambassador Rodriguez and Madame Janet were stuck at home. At 3 pm the car park at the back of the embassy was already getting full. I was going to park there but I missed the entrance and parked in front of Ceres' former apartment. Security was strict when coming in but friendly. I was asked to fill up a form and at the door I already met Mang Dennis and Dolly. I also saw Alice promoting a new face cream that was supposed to do wonders on any type of skin. And her sales pitch was " Would you believe that I am already a Lola?" On the way in, I was given my raffle ticket and my hand was stamped. Just like when you go inside a disco di bala?

I saw some friend who came in early because they were helping with the arrangements. Cecille was there with her mother who just arrived from the US the night before complete with a full fledged jet lag! Soon I saw Ceres with a new do. I saw Lois, Grace and Cherry. Pretty soon I started taking pictures. I am glad to say that I was not alone this time. Jose Maria Lim, Zane and Anton and their children came equipped with cameras and flashes galore that between us we were able to cover every square inch of the event with pictures. Before we even got started, the rain started to rain. Of course the optimist in me said that this was Heaven blessing us and in not time at all the place was packed with Pinoys from different places in Bangkok, everyone in groups and exchanging notes, stories and what have you just like what I am trying to do with you now. Everyone had the time to catch up with everyone. In one of the tents I saw ate Sally and ate Lita catching up with each other while enjoying a meal. Many brought their whole family and there were so many children milling around and playing about. As the afternoon went, the Ambassador arrived and the celebrations went full swing. I am amazed that everyone seem to know everyone. At least most everyone. Ambassador Rodriguez and Madame Janet went around to greet the many Pinoys that dropped by to join the celebrations.

I was actually waiting for you to arrive soon at the party as you had promised. You told me that you would not miss it in the world even if you have to ride a broom. Probably Harry Potter's broom was not available that day. At any rate, I took so many many pictures and the afternoon culminated with the celebration of the Holy Mass for those who still did not hear the service during that day. But that was not the end of the celebrations for it was just starting. I promise to write you all the details in my next letter to you. Try not to stretch yourself too much in Penang and enjoy the place. I was wondering if you had started diving again. Talking about the sea, Cocoy missed the whole thing because they spent their time staying in their beach house in Rayong. That is just too bad because my pictures could really not replace the experience of the big Fiesta and it was just starting. Better things were in store during the evening! I promise to write this to you in the next couple of days.

Meantime, take care and my regards to Ian!
regards,
Chito