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A rainbow lunch

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For my last celebration of Pride 2021, I organized a rainbow-themed lunch and swim for my social bubble.

The rainbow parade started with New Yorker Chita Reyes arriving first in a cool haltered tent dress with all the colors of the rainbow and matching tinsel hair bunting that glimmered in the noon day sun. Next to arrive were happy couple Teddy and Marivic Lacson in their own version of multi-colored print outfits. The last to arrive were professors Rene Hinojales and Ethan Argonez, sporting tie-dyed rainbow sarongs over their swimwear. In my rush to greet them (I wake up around 10:30 nowadays), I forgot to wear my sequined multi-colored shorts!

We decided to have lunch before swimming this time for a change. Starting with sourdough crusted pizzas by Paulyne Genson accompanied by chilled Pinot Grigio, everyone started preparing the table with their home cooked dishes since this time was a pot luck affaire. We started with Teddy’s Penne pasta dish followed by Rene and Ethan’s joint contribution of rosemary infused chicken braised in white wine and simmered in tomato sauce, and caramelized onions accompanied with sinful buttered rice. I, of course, contributed the wine while Chita Reyes served dessert of Indian Gulab Jamun balls in syrup. To finish the meal, I served a delightful chocolate treat sent by Gus Ferrer from the US of A of cherries drenched in alcohol and French wild cherry liquor of Cointreau’s Guignolet.

Rainbow colored masks and get-ups for Pride 2021 (seated, l-r) Chita Reyes and Marivic Lacson; (standing, l-r) Teddy Lacson, Rene Hinojales, ELG, and Ethan Argonez*

Since she was dressed in rainbow colors from head to toe and brought us our rainbow face masks, Chita Reyes won Best Pride Costume hands down. It took us awhile to jump into the pool with our full tummies, so we planned on future get-togethers and reminisced on our fun Genesius Guild theatre days always obsessed with ghost hunting and sightings in the Gallaga Theatre. When we finally decided to dive in, I had my staff pick fresh mangoes from the tree hanging abundantly over the pool to serve in Drambuie-spiked mango shakes. Freshly picked mango slices were served with homemade guinamos or dipped in rock salt and soy sauce. Yum!

Life will never be the same again with this pandemic. We must learn how to live with it forever and make the most of our daily existence. We are still blessed, til now, that the Covid variant D has not yet entered our city. Or…has it?!! En garde, mes cheries. Life is precious enough, let’s not risk it.

Mango shake laced with Drambuie; right, Indian mango slices for poolside snacks*
The last of my Indian mangoes; middle, Cella’s cherry-filled chocolates for dessert sent by Gus Ferrer from California; right, Chita Reyes won Best Rainbow outfit*

BTW, how come I’m having trouble with my Netflix and YouTube connection, nowadays? Just when it’s almost the ending of a series or a reportage, it disappears and restarts but only ends on 25 percent reloading. I either have to reboot my Wi-Fi or turn off my TV set. Calling PLDT services!

My prayer: My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Psalm 84:2-4, NIV*

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