stillwatersph (original) (raw)

After SHOUT last Monday, I learned that several people were going to stay overnight at the Baron house to prepare for Kuya Phil's birthday party. Having never been to the Baron house, the chance of finally getting to sleep over was a minor motive... but of course also I wanted to help with the decorations (no, really). So I tagged along.

The group met up at McDonald's Philcoa that evening. After some confusion, we bid goodnight to Eki, Rai and Goya, who we suddenly learned wouldn't be able to come. Then we boarded two separate taxis. The taxi containing Chaida, Lai, Ate Flo and myself arrived at the gate first, followed shortly by the one with Glenda, Danjay and Yam. As we milled into the living room, a dog trotted out to greet us, tongue lolling and tail wagging dangerously. (I soon learned to keep a safe distance from the tail, which, in moments of canine exuberance, can whip at one's thigh rather painfully.) Glenda held out her arms and boomed, "_Si_si! Sisi..."

Ate Mila was also there to greet us, as was Paul. He also, to our delight, offered us use of his room, 'air-conditioned' being the magic word. After a few more moments of settling in, the selection then printing of the photographs began. There were a few technical difficulties, but soon the printer began to churn out the photos in their proper colors. While waiting for sufficient material to begin working with, each person found ways to keep busy. Glenda pratised on Chris' bass guitar, a few watched TV (caught the second half of Queer Eye), and some checked their e-mail. I ogled the bookshelf.

Finally, we formed an assembly line of sorts. Yam and Chaida were assigned to cut out the photos. Glenda and I cut out various lengths of paper for the film strip (for the family pictures) and the black frames (for the other group pictures). Lai and Ate Flo were in charge of conceptualizing and gluing on varying frame designs. Danjay was in the study, typing a book report.

At one time we took a coffee break, but since there wasn't any available, we drank tea and hot chololate instead. Then we resumed work. I had to turn in earlier than the rest. When I woke up later on, everyone was still hard at work, yet still managing to have a friendly chat. Girls are, of course, biologically, amazing multi-taskers.

Having started late in the evening, production went on until the wee hours. Not surprisingly, most slept in, (and rather soundly. Sorry Glen for trying to kick-- um, nudge you awake) until nine or ten in the morning. Ate Flo was among the first to get up. I also woke up to find Danjay in front of the computer, watching LOST. Then in the middle of it, he suddenly remembered he had another assignment to do.

Late breakfast was pandesal and iced tea in front of the TV. Kuya Boy was then kind enough to ferry us back to UP. In the car, people were displaying obvious signs of lack of sleep: singing and mga sablay na hirit. I arrived a just a little bit late for my 11am class, but that's okay. There was a satisfaction in knowing that I had finally stayed over at the Baron house-- er, I mean, got to spend more time with my church family.

But, no, seriously, we-- oh, alright, they--- put a lotta lurv into those preparations. I really hoped Kuya Phil would like it.

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Glenda reports on the party itself (with lots of pictures) on her blog.