Birthday blues-bring it on!

Each January brings to the fore a whole new breeze (aside from the Siberian breeze we are experiencing at the moment) of excitement — of course there’s the freshness of a new year, there’s the Chinese New year that is looming in the background, then there’s a whole slew of birthdays, mine and friends included.

How did I prepare for this post-holiday holidaze season? Well, I for one I turned off my phone the whole of the holiday season. As soon as the calendar hit Dec. 23, I hied off to another location and only turned my phone on when the calendar hit 2010. Who says you can’t live without your phone? Or your lousy mobile phone service?

Call me a late bloomer, but I am slowly feeling the spirit of 2010. Amid the drama of the Jason Ivler saga and more hysterics at the Senate floor, there is a refreshing whiff of optimism at the Year of the Ox’s tail end to segue to the Tiger’s jungle. Manila is pumped up for the action, what with a slew of new restos, bars and clubs up for all the grab smackin’ interaction. There’s Spasso at the Fort, owned by the lady behind Mati and Zuzuni, Geni Psinakis, and business partner Nikos Gitsis. For a speakeasy vibe, plus the yummiest sake cocktails in town, check out Izakaya at Greenbelt and you’ll know that the city is taking it a few notches higher. If you want some good chomps, try out Lulu (or just Lu, short cut of owner Luis de Terry’s name) and ask for their pink porkchops or their Mexican steak frites — that should give you enough energy to last the whole night.

All things new, bright and beautiful — that last the whole night! That was exactly the scenario at the joint birthday party of glitzbiz’ favorite twins Chard and Mond Gutierrez. Tinseltown and fashion’s hottest were in full attendance at the Mini Cooper showroom (another sparkling new addition to the Fort’s chamber of luxe car showrooms). Comeback queen Georgina Wilson played eventologist with showbiz and lifestyle set’s favorite Marilen Nuñez jazzing up the Mini Cooper showroom to fit an entire bar, band and buffet set up just for the party! To think a few days back, Mond was in panic mode planning for his big day.

Team Gutierrez surely knows how to throw a knock-out party, what with the whole family in perfect swagger — with sister Ruffa, dad Eddie and mom Annabelle as in demand with the guests as the celebrants themselves. Later on, after Marcus Maguigad’s percussions set, Chris Cayzer went up the stage and crooned. The ladies then swooned and I found it the perfect time to go up onstage and call Mond to sing! Those close to him know this as his hidden talent. So, well-loved Mond went up and “Wonderwalled” the crowd, after which Chard thanked all their friends and fam for being with them through and through.

The night went on and so did the revelers, each one raising their (shot) glass to Mond and Chard — for a year worth looking forward to.

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Let’s have a shot! I’m giving away 30 phones in 30 days! Follow me at twitter.com/iamtimyap.