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First Born

I was really surprised to find Greek Salad as one of the food items at Heidi's Christening (Ricky's first born). You never really see that at Filipino gatherings. At least it is not one of the usual food items you'll find. It was kind of a hybrid salad though because it contained avocados which was odd i thought (this was later confirmed by Melissa, a self-proclaimed Salad connoisseur as an accepted practice. Thank you...). When Adrian and i arrived at the house, they were just setting up the buffet table. The one thing i noticed instantly was that no rice can be found on the table. Kind of unusual for a Filipino get together (although i was certain they just forgot to bring it out). I couldn't help myself and joked that they'd forgotten to make some. The lady of the house, however, assured me there was rice cookin' in the kitchen. She did look worried for a second. All is good, for now.

When i trotted back to the buffet table for seconds though, the rice was all but gone. Evidently, there was no more rice cooking in the kitchen either because they'd actually used both rice cookers as serving trays as well. Wait... Who owns only two Rice Cookers? lol. Needless to say, that was not very smart (i blame it on Sheryl). A big argument ensued as a result of this rice calamity. "Go buy some rice at the Chinese Restaurant!" Ricky barked at his younger brother, who seemed ambivalent. "What about Panda?", Adrian chimed, but no one seemed to care. I couldn't say anything, i suppose i was in shock. So instead of trying to help with the rice calamity, i went into the kitchen and scoured the fridge for leftover rice. Because any smart rice-loving Filipino knows, there's always leftover rice in the refrigerator of a Filipino Kitchen. "Hey, where did you get the rice" inquired Robert, surely perplexed. "In the fridge dude" i proudly proclaimed. He smiled and seemed very impressed by my rice inquisitiveness. I try, I try lol. Anyway, Ricky eventually deduced it would take longer to buy rice at the Chinese Restaurant than to actually cook it (took him a while to figure that one out though lol). Surely this was a hard and embarrassing lesson learned for Ricky's family. It was bad, like a bar full of degenerate alcoholics out of booze...

Rice calamities aside, i want to congratulate Ricky for his new baby and perhaps his bride to be. They look good together, even with Ricky's weird smirks (He always looks like he is up to no good, isn't he?). You gotta love Ricky though, he is one simple man. Okay he has one expensive hobby he is passionate about, one which perhaps he spends too much money on, but, when it comes to fashion, well, let's just say he's a bit behind the times. If i were him though, on the day my first born is to be baptized, heck i'm wearing a full-on suit (i might even buy a new one!). I would want to look good, or at least i would try my best to. Ricky doesn't seem to subscribe to that fashion philosophy or any kind of fashion trend. But you know, i really don't blame the guy. The man has got his own style. Maybe his own rules. Basically, he wore his signature going-out attire, white collared shirt and slacks (With the extra long belt wrapped around the hip). I was a bit disappointed i must say, i was kind of looking forward to seeing him in a suit and a tie on his back, somehow. But seriously, would it hurt him to dress up for his first born's christening? At least a long sleeve shirt? Banana Republic is always on sale man... LOL

I had like three shirts prepared for the occasion and i'm not even a Godfather. Variety is important when getting dressed (learned that from an ex). Ultimately i went with the seasonably correct. Meaning short-sleeved and thin, white over white, and a brownish chino pants over my Kenneth Cole casual shoes. Reasonably casual for my role in the occasion and comfortable enough for the summer heat. Adrian on the other hand was way too cool for school. Even Ricky said he looked like a celebrity (of course anyone would, next to Ricky... lol. Just kidding man!). He had on a blazer, cool Brad Pitt shades, half a beard, and an awesome transformers T-shirt. Yes, a Transformers T-shirt. Wait... Yes, a Transformers T-shirt... Cool as Fonzie i tell ya! My sister was a no show but we forgive her, new boyfriend and all (they went to Vegas). I guess she didn't realize the Christening was the same weekend. Come to think of it, it was kind of good in a way (lol just kidding Nols). My long time buddy Christian (and my right hand man to the mythical Jersey Girl) has developed that fatherly-figure of a body since working two jobs that is really diminishing his sense of style lol. He still looked good though, especially with Amber Chloe in his arms (My God daughter). Okay i'm starting to sound like Joan Rivers, aren't I? Its fun though haha.I don't remember what Don Modomo wore but i'm sure he was appropriately dressed. Ryan Limayo on the other hand wore a tie. Ricky aptly criticized him for doing so. It was a lovely moment...

All the girls were so so pretty in their bright dresses, and skinny! Like the girls of Desperate Housewives (only shorter...). You gotta love these gatherings. And it's a shame they don't occur often enough. The girls come out in their svelte summer dresses, the guys look smart and spiffy, children are happy as they scamper around while their parents keep a close watch, great food, great people, and most importantly, it is a sanctified celebration of Heidi's initiation into the Christian world...

Congratulations Ricky. She is a beautiful baby...

Posted by: Marc Gabay
Thursday, July 12, 2007