Last Thursday was a day filled with surprises, starting with the incredible news that my dad's boss had invited our entire family to a Thanksgiving dinner! It was a huge deal – the first time we'd ever met the Ceo aka my dad's boss, despite of our frequent visits or check into the hotel. The dinner was to be held in the elegant restaurant of the hotel we'd stayed at during a previous trip (documented in my first vlog – and no, this isn't part two of that quick getaway!).
We left home around 3:00 PM, arriving at the hotel around 4:00 PM. Our reservation wasn't until 6:00 PM, giving us time to relax in the parking lot.
Mom and my younger sister prepped while I listened to music and caught up with my older sister, who'd spent the morning at SM Seaside. She hadn't joined us because of her early start, and she was quite stressed; a long day of shopping had left her sweaty and wishing for a change of clothes. Mom, on the phone, suggested she head straight to the hotel to freshen up. She arrived about 30-40 minutes later.
In the hotel lounge, we waited for my dad and my other sister. Dad was still at work, so we settled in for a wait. About 30 minutes passed, and I found myself acutely aware of the other guests, many of whom appeared to be Korean.
Dressed in our best, we felt a bit out of place in the sophisticated hotel environment. Finally, Dad arrived, asking about my missing sister. A minute later, she appeared, and Dad ushered us down to the restaurant.
My sisters and mom were hesitant as we approached the restaurant entrance; it was undeniably fancy, and the sheer opulence was intimidating. I felt a wave of anxiety – a feeling of not quite belonging. We waited patiently while Dad secured our entry. The hotel itself felt grand, and my nervousness intensified. Even though I speak English, I always feel a slight apprehension in formal settings.
Dad finally emerged, and we were ushered in. The hotel staff seemed to be watching us as the CEO and his wife (a lovely Filipina!) greeted us personally and led us to our table.
It was clear we were being treated as special guests. The CEO's wife, with her warm smile and gracious demeanor, immediately put us at ease. She explained the buffet setup, which was quite extensive. Six different stations showcased a variety of cuisines: Asian, Western, Italian, and more – a culinary journey around the world! Everything looked absolutely stunning.
The dining experience itself was quite unique. At the pasta station, for instance, the chefs prepared our dishes right in front of us, customizing the sauces to our preferences. The table setting was impeccably formal: a bread plate, butter, knife, fork, and spoon. I tried to maintain a composed demeanor, but inside, I was a nervous wreck! It was strangely exhilarating, though – a unique family experience.
The food itself was a mixed bag. While visually stunning, the intense tomato flavor (I suspect they used only the freshest, natural tomatoes) was a bit too much for me; it was intensely tart. Even simple things were elevated; our Coca-Cola arrived in elegant glasses with ice, lemon, and a straw.
They also offered a selection of cheeses and hams, similar to what we'd experienced at my cousin's wedding, but this time, the quality was exceptional.
As the evening progressed, we laughed, shared stories, and connected as a family. The CEO and his wife engaged us in conversation, asking about my studies and future plans. The CEO shared the wonderful news of my dad's promotion and mentioned the possibility of a move to Manila in the near future. They even invited us to visit! Mom was hesitant – she's attached to our home in Cebu and our grandparents – but she was thrilled about Dad's promotion.
The evening ended on a high note, as delightful as the finest aged cheese. It was a night filled with unexpected delights, wonderful food, and the warm embrace of new friendships.