It Was Hot, Wet and So Sweaty

CEBU, Philippines - The second semester is certainly ablaze with the summer season at its height. Heat blankets not just days but nights, as well. And the month of April opened the sizzling season with all the hot and steamy string of events that seemed to run twenty-four-seven.

Whilst the entire country was on a holiday mood for the holy weekend, as always, I stayed at home to shy away from all travel frenzy—airports are crowded, piers are in chaos and every island destination is practically dense with people. Not my idea of a perfect getaway! Instead, I was on a nightly romp around the city’s watering holes and when Easter Sunday came, lounged by the beach in hometown Liloan along with my friends—rum and coke. Yes, I was with my human buddies, too!

And just when we thought it was going to be sunshine all the way, mid-summer rainshowers certainly wet and sweat things up—in a good way. Still, no bad weather could dampen Ipanema to launch its Sandalias Festival at the Terraces. The international sandal brand unveiled its newest collection for the season in an evening of cocktails and some Rio Carnaval entertainment.

Then, an electronic invitation read “come in your psychedelic selves”, restaurateur Alexis Yap sent out days before his big day. True enough a very eclectic group of friends convened at Alejandro’s Native Restaurant for his birthday bash. Dubbed as Sexy Lexy’s Big 3-0, the TV host made sure that all of his lovely guests had to have non-stop booze and yes, you got that right—servings of the best crispy pata in town! On a similar occasion, Formo’s resident “drama queen” April Rama also celebrated her natal day surrounded only by the fabulous, the beautiful—and the talented. It was a Formo Sunday to remember.

Finally, ending the month was the birthday celebration of all celebrations, my grandpa Amador Pilapil Sr. had his 96th natal celebration with all the family and friends for dinner at our ancestral home. Imagine that, 96! In a video documentary, our beloved “Tatay” revealed that he’s aiming for a hundred. I guess longevity runs in the family. That means, I might probably be around for a while to keep an eye on all your events and happenings. Here’s to life everyone—and all its parties!