J. Bond's birthday

Last week was J. Bond's birthday week.

On the day of his birthday, we had a mini-feast of paella and cake.

 

He worked just like on his previous birthdays. A deep embedded and solid mark of martyrdom and true dedication.  Nothing new.  At the very least, he thinks the cake was great.  I think so too.  I drooled, even if this newly discovered chocolate cake swimming in caramel sauce bought from Aggy's bakeshop is a no-no.   Health related, folks. Nothing to do with diet.  Ok fine, maybe that too.

Then came a relaxing celebration a few days after.  But first, a nostalgic story of not so long ago.

Before this blog came to life, I have long enjoyed documenting photos, memorabilias and short snippets of life's little pleasures in scrapbooks.  I prefer working with recycled paper, use multi-colored pentel pens and hand write every single page.  A  personalized approach that shares more, including striked out mistakes in grammar and spelling.

In 2004, I made this scrapbook after J. Bond and I's first visit to Antonio's in Tagaytay.  We were living in single bliss yet.  Married life happened two years after.

Luck was on our side.  This was when Antonio's was keenly strict on  their "Prior Reservations" policy.  But as fate would have brought it, we were meant to dine without any prior reservation, much more interact with the man behind Antonio's.  Here's their website.

J. Bond in a nearby pond, playing with kois.

Then, the bill.

We seriously considered Antonios as  first venue for our wedding reception.  Back in 2006, a maximum of 50 people can only be accommodated, and that included us and Bernie's string quartet. So, we opted for our 2nd choice, Sonya's Garden. Then, the story continues to this day.  My bead works, as most of you know, have been housed by Sonya's Garden's gift shop (The Country Story) for 4 years now...side-by-side with artworks of national artists.  The last I saw was an original painting by Fernando Amorsolo, safely tucked in a secret room.  

Last Friday, we celebrated J. Bond's birthday in Antonios.  Once again and like the first time, luck was on our side even with no prior reservations.  Having revived the long forgotten memory of our first visit, I must say how inspired I am with Antonio's lovelier and spacious transformation. Truly, I have fallen in love with the place for the 2nd time around.

In 2004, pavements and its parking lot were covered only by stones.  Now, it looks this way.

1) Us by the foyer. 2) Me against a beaded artwork. 3) A collage of family photos.

   

Where the koi pond used to be.

A play of prints.

Our nook by the window.

We craved and gorged on burgers instead of going for  their fine dining cuisine.   

Absolutely a feast!

My birthday is arriving pretty soon, and so is a repeat of Antonio's. Thanks J. Bond for the delightful burger and a happy relaxing day.  Happy Birthday!

P.S.  A trip to Tagaytay ain't complete without dropping off new stocks of bead necklaces. Check them out at the Country Store of Sonya's Garden.  Cheers!