Cuisine, Kisses and Insanity!

February was literally feverish when the El Niño's obvious shift of season characterized the 28-day month with hideously eccentric weather! But scattered rains and week-long showers proved no obstacle for the busy body. Not even a fever or flu could keep this writer from witnessing an annual kiss-fest, which raked in even more crowd amidst an all-day drizzle, hosted the grand opening of a new restaurant inspite of the heavenly drops and one absolutely crazy evening that proved the second month of the year is more than just ordinary, after all.

WELCOME TO NAM. Though already opened in December, Hai Phong Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine formally opened its doors on a very rainy Sunday afternoon. But that did not hamper guests and loyal diners to grace the very grand event to enjoy the rich tastes and culture of that historical country.

The evening formally began with the ceremonial ribbon cutting graced by no less the city's Vice-Mayor Michael Rama and the elegant Marguerite Lhuillier. The revelry commenced with the traditional toss of prosperity coins then a dance number pumped the mood as the Abyss performed traditional Viet moves with a mix of contemporary choreography to the music of one the country's famous pop star. Guests' appetites were teased with a unique fashion show. The restaurant's attractive staff, donning traditional Vietnamese garb, strutted into the dining area, showcasing the delectable menu-absolutely mouthwatering!

A popular dining district outside of Hanoi (formerly Saigon), Hai Phong is brought to Cebu by the same family responsible for Krua Thai restaurants. In fact, the restaurant's location is the exact same spot of the original Krua Thai. With the continuing commitment of the Hiranprucks and the Ballreichs to serve Cebuanos Asia's best cuisines, they brought the best of Vietnam to the Crossroads neighborhood along Banilad Street. Congratulations and more power!

SMACKS AND RAIN. With Valentines Day falling on a Tuesday, friends, family and lovers moved the day of hearts three days earlier. That Saturday, the entire city was on a party-love mood as malls and dining establishments were packed with frenzied denizens celebrating cupid's day. The always-awaited Lovapalooza, was another smacking-hit when Cebu Business Park hosted the popular toothpaste kiss fest. Celebrities from Manila, local artists and a love struck audience braved that day's non-stop rain just to be in-love for a day. Mwah!

JUST WACKY. They say that if you are born on February, you are expected to be eccentric. Well, regardless of which month, I guess somehow we are bound to turn wacko at any given time. This "lunar" phenomenon was flamboyantly proven by the employees of Etelecare Global Solutions on the last Sunday of the month.

Program Cerebro, the Call Center's newest project, was welcomed with a bang and loads of insanity as the pilot team converged at the Camp Z in crazy costumes and hysterical energy. Crazy Nights was the theme and crazy they were, indeed. They came in drag, gender-bending outfits, gothic and country western. But one team certainly made a statement when its eleven members were dressed as Gaisano Metro sales ladies!

The program's working slogan: Brain, Body and Bash came into play as the young agents came to let their hair down for some fun and camaraderie. It was a much-needed break for the 121 young staff after (it's also their first quarter celebration of being part of 2005's Employer of the Year) all the panic and stress on the floor for the past three months. The evening was a medley of games, music and dance, wacky numbers and a recognition that lifted everyone's spirit as they face new challenges in the next months to come. Cheers and good luck, guys!