a friend's farewell

On the night of the 19th of August 2011, our planned dinner and hang-out with Reina pushed through. It's a night with her for one last time. I don't want to sound too melodramatic so let me get straight to the point. She's leaving for Dubai (actually, she already left as of present time) and we don't know when we'll be seeing her again. So for that night, we decided to make the best of everything and spend our last minutes with her having crazy, unadulterated fun.

Right after work, I did some crazy hurricane-like prepping for the night. Then, by taxi, Princess and I went to Margarita (Family Cuisine), and as usual, ahead of schedule. =D

Finally, we got the text that they (meaning the rest of the gang) are here. So, after a short stop at the balot and chicharon vendor (Tadz, Ewew, and Juvelle were like crazy for it!) stationed at the corner of the road, we then went straight to the restaurant.

The place was wide, with huge formal-dining-type tables all around and with a small platform acting as the stage containing several musical instruments stationed front and center. Of course, vain and hippy as we are, picture taking soon ensued (and with no regard for self dignity, I might add). 

Sadly, one of good friends, Mimi, couldn't come for reasons I can't really say here. So in memory of her, we took this pic:

Much talk was shared, lots of catching up done, and even more nonsense conversations made. Dinner was finally served and it was delicious (my favorite was the lemon chicken, Princess loved the beef and broccoli, Melvin delighted in the soup. haha)!

Finally, after a few hours of munching, talking, laughing and whatnot, we decided to call it quits with the food and head out for some more picture taking (at this time, Reina's other college buddies arrived so we decided to give her some alone time with them).

Some good pictures were taken...

for example, Tadz and Melvin's moment...

and a group picture at the reception area.

And then there were THESE pictures...

Ewew's moment on the balcony...

candid shots...

and scripted shots a-la teleserye coverpic.

And then, when all was done, there was Melvin's to-die-for picture...

=D

So you get the picture. There's never enough time for picture taking. =D Lots more pictures here and here.

Moving on, we finally exhausted all nooks and crannies that are possibly worth taking a picture in so we drove on to our next destination (thanks for the ride Melvin. =D)...MO2. This, apparently is the newest hang-out place for drinkers, non-drinkers, dancers, and watchamacallits.

After sharing a strawberry-something drink, we danced for an hour and talked the rest of the night away (of course, this all happened in between picture-sessions, yet again.).

Finally, the night was getting to long, too dark, and too cold. Everyone, one by one, decided to call it a night... Everyone but three crazy ladies who just couldn't get enough...Me, Reina, and Princess.

We just couldn't let go so for yet another bonding session, we stopped by McDonald's near Reina's place for some Hot Fudge + Hot Caramel Sundae and Fries (now everytime I pass by it, I think of Reina...I miss you Rein!) over some really emo songs (which we absolutely despised, by the way).

No pictures were taken here but the memory will always remain.

And then the clock struck 3 and we had to go back to reality and on to our own homes.

Twas one great night.

One bittersweet night.

One night for Reina.

We'll see you soon love. We miss you.

XOXO

~hny~