Happy birthday, Cybs!

As far as I am concerned, the best time to be in the Philippines is in December. Christmas and the new year are just about the most important events for most Filipinos. It is the time to celebrate... to be happy... and to be thankful for everything (in my case, mostly good and some not so good) that happened in the past year. It is when we make time for family and friends.

From childhood, I remember that one of the first things that my family celebrates in December is my cousin Cybel Espejo-Po's birthday on the 11th. We celebrated this important occasion, in advance, last Saturday over dinner in Cyma at the Greenbelt.

L-R Geri Serrano, the birthday girl, and me

Clockwise from top: Rita and Alvin Geli, Cybel and husband Jack Po, and my Dad Gon Jurado L-R Young guests Rei Geli and Liv Po L-R Maan Capuli, Gwen Gorniak, Bianca and Geri Serrano, me, Aunt Bebot Capuli L-R Isa Po and mom Cybel L-R Bea Po and Rei
L-R Carlos Geli, Brian Serrano & Justin Perez

L-R Cybel, Tintin Florendo, and Ria

The food was pretty good. I would recommend the ribs and the moussaka. The greek salad was alright though I found the sauce too sweet (I am guessing that it has been adjusted to the Filipino pallette). The servings were quite generous and the service people were helpful and eager to please. There were a couple of misunderstandings with the orders but we were just as much at fault. We were a big group and some of our instructions may had been confusing.

It was a very nice evening. Quite cool and dry. We had a long table outside. The kids could play. They particularly enjoyed the little wishing pond -- we had to stop them from collecting the coins!

Happy birthday, Cybs!!! We wish you another year of good health and good vibes! Cheers!!!!!!!!!