Birthday weekend! I love birthdays. Even though lately it’s been up and down because it coincides with Cinemalaya announcements. And burnt houses.
This year wasn’t much different as the day before my birthday I was summoned by the higher-ups of Cinemalaya for what I assume was going to be a pasting, as the next day (my birthday again) they are to announce the ten finalists for Cinemalaya ‘08. So I met Manila Christmas season traffic head on and drove for FOUR. HOURS. from Alabang to Horseshoe, where I was the last to arrive. Wasn’t so bad, it turned out; they had some minor issues about the first ten sequences and a bizarre fixation on a major prop that figures prominently in the story. This can be a good or bad thing for my project, depending on how you look at it.
In any case, it was off to Monster’s house for the Arkeo Christmas party, slash-birthday salubong. After your basic rigged raffle, mini-program, and copious amounts of alcohol, the night quickly turned into drunken debauchery and by the time it was midnight, everyone was far gone.
I woke up in bed next morning in my underwear and socks with no memory of how I got home, but strangely enough I had the presence of mind to remove my contacts. Had dinner afterwards with friends in Je Suis Gourmand – mainly for the best thing I’ve ever tasted in my life – pan-seared foie gras. Then drinks at Martini Bar. Despite the tacky glasses, it’s still a good bar. I highly recommend the Manileno – their own version of the Mojito, but with capirinha and ginger.
Presents! Cooking lessons at Heny Sison, a towel, a strange bag, a Swiss knife, a PostSecret book. Had one of those important father-son moments where Dad gave me a watch. Nice. Can’t stop looking at it.
Mario tells me that there’s such a thing called a Jesus Year – your 33rd – where big things are supposed to happen. Here’s to that.
