Tasted & Tested

The -ber months have just begun and so we also started looking for a venue, conceptualizing the theme, and the best part is, the food-tasting for our annual year-end Christmas party.

We had a hard time finding a function area where all our employees can be accommodated and would also give in to our needs and demands. As per my boss, we were handling this too late as most companies book a reservation during the first quarter of the year. I was initially surprised by that thought but only then when I realized why we always find it hard to look for a party venue. It shall be set and done as soon as we welcome the brand new year!

Luckily, New Horizon Hotel in Boni, Mandaluyong was still open for reservation on December 16, 2013. All weekends were already marked off and so we have no choice but to grab the deal. Besides, it is the only hotel that approves most of our demands.

Fast-forward, skipping the series of discussions and meetings, we got invited for a food-tasting session. We were informed that the food they will serve is good for 3 people -- Ms Criz, Ms Des, and myself. For this I thank my bosses for letting me be part of the committee. 

For appetizer, these were served:

                               Ham Croquette Balls

                             Chicken Liver Mousse

                           Shrimp & Vegetable Aspic

The soup was a bit salty, but their house bread and unsalted butter taste good.

                                  Spinach Veloute

Two salads were on our table as well. Both were sooo yummy that we left nothing but an empty plates.

                               Belgian Potato Salad

                                      Waldorf Salad

The main dishes consist of the following:

                                Irish Beef Casserole

                 Stewed Pork Loin with Tarragon Sauce

                                      Coq Au Vin

                         Fish Fillet Meuniere au Beure

                               Batonnet Vegetables

Our sweet tooth was managed by these yummy desserts:

                          Belgian Chocolate Mousse; 

                      Vanilla and Chocolate Log Cakes

                        Strawberry & Ube Log Cakes

All these were served at Picasso's Place, located also at New Horizon Hotel. The food were perfectly good though there were some that we requested the chef to adjust its flavor and sugar content a little. I'm sure our executives & employees will definitely enjoy the buffet stretch on our party. 

I would like to end this entry with me feasting on the sinfully delicious dessert. 

Advanced Merry Christmas and a Happy Tummy! 

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Secret Santa

It’s that time of the year when it isn’t our birthday, yet, we receive surprise gifts and wonderful presents. Sure, it’s Christmastime!

In the spirit of gift-giving, my officemates and I organized our very first Kris Kringle. We did not plan to make it extravagant. Just simple enough to celebrate the season.

The categories per week were the following, with the gifts I received from my Secret Santa:

Week 1: something that describes your Santa Baby -- a dark chocolate bar (am i bittersweet?)
Week 2: something boxed-up -- a box of Nesvita
Week 3: something random & weird -- a concealer
Week 4: something annoying yet funny -- an eyeliner
Week 5: something Christmassy -- candy cane
Grand: something your Santa Baby likes -- to unwrap on Christmas Day + the gifts I got from
my workmates

Too bad my Secret Santa revealed that I was her Santa Baby the day before the first gift-giving. Supposedly, revelation is done at the end or during the last gift-giving day. I admit, it reduced the amount of excitement, but the enthusiasm never faded away. Each week, I was looking forward to the gifts my “Secret Santa” prepared and wrapped for me.

As a token of appreciation for all the gifts that Secret Santa gave, Santa Baby then returns the generosity of Secret Santa by giving a "thank you gift."

I know that this was our practice long before when we were still studying. But no matter how many times we do it, it is still fun and exciting -- from overthinking who's our Secret Santa, to what gift to buy, to how to wrap it. It's always fun! At the end of the whole gift-giving thingy, we learned that it feels good to give, whether it's small or big, expensive or cheap. It's the thought that matters! Now we know why Santa Claus loves giving presents!

Speaking of him, thanks to the real-life Santa Claus (officemates) for coming early to town! These gifts make me feel like a kiddo guessing what's inside!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas!

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