Marching in March

Alright, alright, it’s an understatement. It took more than just marching. Otherwise, I never would have kept up with all the goings-on of the 31 days of last month. Thus, for a gadabout like me, it was more of a prancing and jumping around just to be in the right places at the right time.

As the temperature rises, summer officially stepped in when we celebrated the holy days of Lent by mid-month. When the entire city practically packed up to flock to a resort island for the long weekend this writer stayed home to spend time with the family and vacationing friends. On a Black Saturday, good friends Hendri Go and Lui “O” Roldan came to my hometown to spend the latter’s birthday afternoon. Both already had an appetite set to taste what Liloan has to offer when it comes to local foods. And my, oh my, did we have more than a mouthful of lechon, chicken inasal, chicharon and all the kinilaws. For desert, I brought them to a local halo-halo place where the birthday guy had seconds. Then, we were off to the beach. Cheers O!

Of course, the weekend after Easter Sunday, the city’s night life was back in full swing. The Crossroads opened the city’s first Fashion Bar, Chic and Fab (formerly Hai Phong restaurant). Proprietors Jim and Jan Hiranpruck did a good job in reinventing the once diner into a modern Asian bistro cum café, which could might just be the newest hangout for, what can I say, the chic and fab.

Without failure, top-spot-to-party, Vudu Lounge, continued to pump up the clubbing scene with the best DJs in the country. Meanwhile sister club, Formo, hosted Y101 Roommates’ second installment to the Man Auction. Hunk pin-up star Diether Ocampo along with other gorgeous bachelors was for auction to the public for a good cause. Whew! The hormone levels went zoom in an instant that evening. Fashion royalty, Cary Santiago also showcased his latest collection that same night.

Earlier this month, I was lucky to grace an engagement party, a reunion and a couple of graduation celebrations. In fact, I am a proud uncle and godfather as my nephew and goddaughter (who also celebrated her 7th birthday) gained their diplomas for completing kinder school while La Consolacion College’s (formerly Holy Child School, Liloan) batch ’97 reunited after fifteen years.

Well, summer has just begun. And I’m sure you’ll agree that there’s gonna be more fun and sun in the next two months. So, for now, don’t forget to put on your sun block. See you at the parties!