The Celebration At Grande Island

Days have passed since we came back from the three day celebration of Matt’s birthday in Grande Island, Subic, Zambales. Matt is the loving hubby of my caring niece Raquel. We are honored to be among their guests of different nationalities who came from the different parts of the world. Among them were Matt’s brother, George with wife Solvig, Swedish. There is Herbie an American with his wife Kristel, a German. There is also Bob, an American with his wife, Sonia, a Pinay. Rita, a Swiss, Vicky, a Pinay living in the U.S., Bob an American and Jun with his children, their friend here in the Philippines. All of them are business tycoons on their own right.

Raquel’s family was present of course, my big sister was there too, together with her daughter, Raquel’s aunt on mother side came too, and my family, who seems to be forever present on every party that Matt has. It is perhaps because Matt is Batman and Tom, my hubby is Robin.  (Lol... Batman and Robin are always together. ... and so they joked.)

The first two days in the island was a wet one. The weather was a killjoy but it didn’t stop us from merry making. The breakfasts were buffet and lunches and dinners were lauriat style. The food, oh well, all are my favorites! It’s lauriat, so it’s Chinese. There were too many of them that impeccably suit my gigantic appetite for such cuisine. Ho ho ho…I felt I was Santa Clause with my bloated belly after every meal. ..which puts me in the mood to sing on videoke just like the other guests.

The purpose of the island getaway was to celebrate. And when Matt celebrates, booze won't be out of sight. His cheery guests were all game in boozing it up. And how I admire them for being dignified and distinguished despite having a lot of intoxicating drinks.

Our third and final day in the island was a bright, sunny one. The foreign friends trekked out to the woods and beaches. The local guests took pleasure in the banana boat ride and swimming. ‘Twas my first time for the ride (who cares if I’m ”young once” among the young ones!). The banana boat toppled many times that made me experience the deep waters to the highest level. (That’s borrowing my grand niece’s expression.)

Before lunch, we all had our stuff ready for check out. We had our last strolls around the beautiful island which we found more picturesque on that bright sunny day. After lunch, we were ready to embark on the boat for Subic mainland, where our cars were parked for days and tourist bus was waiting for the foreign guests.

It was a grand celebration that fits a grand man. He has lots to celebrate indeed, not only his birthday. He is truly a blessed man in every aspect of life.

And for Matt's many, many more birthdays ahead and for celebrating the 20th Wedding Anniversary with Raquel this year . . . I say "Cheers!"

Here are some photos taken: