CHRISTMAS PARTY 2003
We had our annual Christmas Party on Sunday, December 14, 2003. As usual, it was potluck. Everybody brought something -- fruit salad, leche flan, ham, pansit malabon, pansit bihon, chicken, hipon rebusado, vegetable salad, kikiam, embutido, stuffed mushroom. The baked salmon prepared by Annie, our hostess, was a hit.
When I came and opened the bag where I put the fruit salad that I brought, they thought that there were chocolates inside the bag. They thought that I was selling chocolates again for my kid's fundraising at school. This was the same bag that I used to put the chocolates that I sold when I went to Weng's house blessing in September.
Cathy: Nagka-phobia na ba kayo sa akin? No, I'm not selling chocolates today. Heh heh heh heh.
Chat: Gumaganda ka yata, Cathy.
Cathy: Ikaw naman, Chat, nagsasabi ng tutuo. Heh heh heh heh.
Chat: Ito'ng si Cathy, lagi na lang nakabungisngis.
Marie: Pa'no sa bahay walang kausap iyan. Kinakausap nya lang yung litrato ni Tom Cruise ba iyon?
Cathy: No, si Ricky Martin iyon. Lagi nga siyang nakangiti sa akin. (I have a photo of Ricky in front of my workstation.) But the truth is, masaya lang ako kapag nakikita ko kayo.
We all gathered around the sala. People came and were introduced. We kept teasing newly-wed Elaine whose husband Mike just migrated here from the Philippines. We were looking for Benny, who was a no-show. Benny, on Elaine's bridal shower, wouldn't give up the microphone during karaoke time.
At first we were just watching CNN on TV about Saddam's capture. Later on, the boys pushed the sofa towards the wall to make room for dancing. Cecile started dancing and then Marie joined. Marietta, Chato, myself, and then, Raquel joined the line dancing. We danced to "Girl, I feel like a Woman" and picherico. (Did I spell it right, Ate Cecile?) Fatima danced (with gusto) with Cecile and Marietta to "Livin' La Vida Loca". Nestor had to pull his wife Fatima away, as if she was embarrassing him.
Then there was karaoke singing. Marie, Chato, Reina, and Annie sang. The boys drank beer. Nestor wouldn't sing. We all knew that he has a good voice. Nahihiya siguro. Later on, Weng danced with Cecile. Weng then danced teasingly in front of husband, Mel, and gave him a smack (or was it two) on the lips and everybody applauded.
We then picked numbers and exchanged gifts. Susana, who was pregnant with twins, got mine. It was a snack tray with matching mug and some chocolate bars. I got an aluminum thermos and mug combo. I was not able to find out whom it came from.
I left the party earlier than the others. Chat and her husband Mando were very kind to give me a lift home. They also gave Elaine and Mike a ride. I had a great time at the party and met some new people. I look forward to our next gathering.
