THE GRAND FINALE AT THE ELLIS’ !!

After an avalanche of farewell dinners to dear Astrid and Melvyn, the ‘grand finale’ was graciously hosted by Maria n Eugene. I call it the grand finale because of a few reasons enlisted here..(of course the reasons are innumerable but could manage to post in just a few)

• The gracious and hospitable hosts , Maria, Eugene & Michael who took extra care to make us all feel at home and took personal care of each of us
• After a long time, almost the entire gang was there..Medora finally got a much needed break from her medical transcription course , and all of Astrid’s friends-Renu , Kanchan and Sirisha and their families were present to join in the cheer !
• A new addition to the group, Rev. Fr.Mark Mathias was present too. Although he resides and works at Cebu he made it a point to be there..(Well,now not only do we have 2 priests in the gang but 2 ‘Marks’ as well..)
• The ‘vada’s gave us a glimpse of the food fiesta that was to follow(or so I thought!)-light and very tasty..
• However, what followed was lavish gourmet cuisine all painstakingly prepared by Maria herself. From a variety of fusion of delicious Tangy Thai to Incredible India, complete with everything the Indian heart yearns for..a grand and incredibly tasty meal completed to perfection with our good old chappatis..(cant help using ‘ incredible’ all the while,the Indian tourism ad’s are making some impact!)
• Well,just as we thought that was the end to the buffets(veg and non veg),and the sumptuous meal,another meal was yet to follow..the meal of desserts..filipino,Indian,etc etc name it..and my,I think we actually licked our fingers clean with that mountain of a delicious cake not forgetting the aphrodisiacal brownies…!
• Of course, amidst all the grandeur of the great company and meal that we shared, Maria & Eugene’s beautiful home really ensured that this was truly a grand and befitting finale to Astrid n Melvyn’s stay in The Philippines and an affectionate farewell too.(Astrid ,we have declared you Chairperson of Our Club and no fears…all decisions taken will still need your approval.)

Thanks for a grand evening, Maria n Eugene..And to Astrid n Melvyn,a message from all of us here-To meet and part is a way of life , but to part and meet is the HOPE of life !! VIVA..(viva-to a great life –in Portuguese)