Yes, the Manila TBs met up again!

And we will continue to do so as the TB community continues to grow.

I went to the TB meet-up yesterday with less expectations. While on the way to SM Megamall last night, I was just thinking that I would go there to help welcome the new TBs, and talk with the others I haven't met yet in person. When I got to the venue and interacted with everyone present, I was totally amazed with the spontaneous warmth, fun, excitement, and heartwarming camaraderie. 

I arrived at SM Megamall in Ortigas Center, Pasig City at 8:30pm. Bryan, Fei Min, Dara, Karen, Fo Yan and I met at the entrance of DENCIO'S RESTAURANT. When we got inside the restaurant, Josh, Elaine, Leah, Chris, Sarj, Jenneth, Ar, and Angelo were already there.

Isabelle and Andrei followed later.

I was happy to see Ar. We seldom see her online and she never confirms if she'd go to the meet-ups but she would just pop up during the meet-ups and be right there. She's excited about her upcoming Macau trip and I told her to ride the gondola and be serenaded at The Venetian, take shots and post pics at TB.

I hoped that Elaine would come to the meet-up and she did. I miss this sweet girl with the smiling face. This 18-year-old student at the DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY is a Culinary Arts major. She also studied Language at Cambridge. I was kidding her to ask her parents to put up a restaurant to be the venue for future TB meet-ups and she said, "Why not?" Elaine's travelling to the U.

S. on her coming school break.

Sitting beside Elaine is Leah, the perky and pretty Canadian gal with Pinoy ethnicity. She is Pinoy. She knows how to say 'kuya' and she eats sinigang, sisig, crispy pata, kangkong, & inihaw bangus. And she watches Wowowee! Together with Josh, Sarj, and Jenneth, they were part of the active live audience on that TV noon time show that day,seen nationwide and in North America via TFC channel. Leah, now I know what sketchy means after we brought you home to PASAY that night. :) And thanks for the token you gave to everyone.

Sarj and Jenneth, TB best buddies, always sit together during meet-ups. Sarj, the official meet-up photographer is ever ready to shoot while talking and laughing with everybody.

Jenneth would definitely get my vouch for her after tonight. (long overdue) Finally, she's not wearing boys shoes. She was wearing sandals. And she had nail polish! Real lady now, huh. :)

Josh and I were heaving great sighs of relief that everybody was having a blast and the meet-up was once again a success! Josh took the extra effort in contacting every potential target attendees to come to the meet-up. And he gave each of us a Philippine TB pin which we immediately wore proudly. With Josh around, I would always be confident that the meet-ups wouln't end up a loser.

I asked Bryan if he was having fun that night and he said yes but  he will definitely miss the group. He is leaving for Barcelona in two weeks for a study program.

Bryan, we wish you all the best of luck and see you in Spain. Continue to spread goodwill to all TBs you meet in Europe.

I moved over to the opposite edge of the long table to chat with TB newbie guys Angelo and Andrei. I learned that Angelo is a Nursing student and he is the older brother of Sarj. Just a few weeks member yet and he is now saying with great conviction that TB rocks! I moved next to shake hands and introduce myself to  Andrei, the latest new Manila TB member. Wooh man, a lawyer at the Supreme Court! We have a TB member from the Supreme Court! I wouldn't be surprised if TBs from the senate and the congress would join later. I would invite Attorney Andre later for coffee so that I could listen to his legal travel stories.

:)

I went back to talk with Fei Min and Dara. Fei is a fun and lovable person to be with. She never runs out of smile, laughter and stories to share. The first time I met her for coffee in Makati, we spent more than two hours talking non-stop about funny travel experiences and I laugh each time I recall her stories about China. Dara and Fei used to be officemates at SAN MIGUEL CORP., until Fei moved to another company. Dara, after listening to all the fun stories on blogs, photos, and profiles; swore that she would be more active on TB as it seems she's missing a lot of fun.

Fun and excitement increased soon as Isabelle arrived. This 'kikay' or 'kalog girl (fun girl) was much awaited to arrive because she was tagging TABO along. TABO is The Travel Dipper.

Yes, he has a profile complete with blogs and photos. Check out his profile: TABO. Isabelle gave out clones of TABO to everyone. It was so funny to see myself walking around the Megamall with a dipper on hand. The guard at the parking building entrance was staring at my Tabo probably puzzled. And Josh was following me behind with what else but also a Tabo in his hands. I was tempted to ask the guard 'Do we look weird?' Isabel, you rocked at meet-up night! Hope to see you again so I could listen to more stories of your THE POLICE rock concert trip to Singapore.

We were all so very glad and happy to be joined by the Pinoy TBs from Singapore. To Fo Yan, Chris, Kayanne : You guys are sooo coool and a big big thanks for joining us. We love you guys and we hope to meet you again.

They all travelled from Singapore that day and didn't mind being tired from the trip just to be with us until past 12 midnight. After dinner at DENCIO's, we convoyed to THE FORT for drinks and dance. Fo Yan, the Coffeefairy, proved that she was indeed a coffee fairy. See the photos. 

 

Wow, so far I can say that last night's meet-up was one of the greatest night in my TB life to date. To all who came, thanks a lot! If life on TB is like this, what else would I ask for. :)

The attendees:

fayemin - Fei Min/Fei       coffee fairy- Florianne/ Fo Yan     IamKaren - Kayanne     Princessleah - Leah        laineeey - Elaine   dara_smc - Dara  jennethm- Jenneth          kickastunner- Sarj       Isabetlog - Isabelle     ryan_84 - Bryan        sunstroke - Angelo    The_bloodsucker - Josh    abub - Chris      ted332 - TED   & TABO