The ever glamorous and effervescent Zita Feliciano has been one of my favorite titas since we were neighbors in Dasmariñas Village during the early ‘70s. There were probably just a dozen houses in this brand-new subdivision since the Ayalas were just promoting the location after sucessfully putting up Forbes Park, Urdaneta Village, San Lorenzo and Bel Air. The few families who had built homes became fast friends since we considered ourselves the pioneers in this Makati area.
I’m lucky to be one of Zita’s friends and therefore be included in her birthday celebrations since she usually serves her homecooked specialties that everyone enjoys.
This year, however, Zita opted to celebrate at Terry’s Selection’s new location on Pasong Tamo, Makati. A Spanish menu was offered that included all-time favorites — tortilla, paella and the crisp cochinillo. The ice-cold sangria was the best way to cool us during this long, hot summer season that never seems to end.
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Low-key and unassuming Bettina Osmeña turned a year older and one of her childhood friends, Camille Samson, thought it would be a great time to get together. Bettina shared her latest business venture by bringing delicious Italian salami, pasta and cream sauce that all contained delicious bits of truffle and kept us in tartufo heaven. I am sure this negocio will be a success because of the high quality and reasonable prices since she gets them directly from the manufacturer — there are no middlemen involved.
The birthday lunch was tastefully done in Camille’s lovely European-style home that surprisingly was at least 10 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. Since everything was homecooked, we didn’t feel too guilty about indulging but the cuentos that accompanied our meal was definitely sizzling.
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