Sorry if I have to shout it from the rooftops but, with my shitty connection here in Siargao, it is a minor victory, especially since it’s taken a good part of my day to book a solitary ticket to Manila.

If you think about it, given that my internet connection here seems to have to go through a switchboard operator and fend off several party lines, the fact that I can sustain maximum damage to my credit card on a monthly basis is proof positive:

1. of my single mindedness of purpose; – That’s good. It shows drive.
2. that I may be developing this thing they call “patience”; – Never!
3. that I have way too much time on my hands. – I do spend an obscene amount of time hitting the “refresh” button…

Anyway, yes, I am going back to Manila for a few weeks. The impetus for this trip is the imminent closure of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

While the hotel has been in desperate need of a renovation for a long time, I never thought it would close. It was an institution, meant to last forever.

I have a lot of good memories here. There were a lot of parties, a lot of wild and crazy nights…

The White Party: Cloud, 22 June 2013 (Photo c/o Martinis)

The White Party, June 2012 (Photo c/o Eddie Boy Escudero)

And then there was the food. Even as its interiors faded, the Mandarin always kept up its standard for food.

And, now, it’s the food that’s calling me back. I have to have that one last meal at Tin Hau and Tivoli before their doors shut permanently (on July 13 and 27 respectively). Followed by drinks at Martinis, of course.

It’s going to be epic. Even Nicolas is flying in to join me for the dinners. Yes, I finally managed to book his tickets today too.

Yup, there goes the diet… My cousin just told me that we’re invited to a lechon lunch on the same weekend. I’m excited and scared for myself at the same time.