Party Time in Manila

What a hell of a weekend! Sunday, Carrie and I were invited out to a Chinese New Year party by Paul Egger (Sr VP of TELUS Int'l). We joined him, his wife and about a half dozen expats in their beautiful house. After a delicious meal, a few beers and a lesson in how to lose at Crazy Rummy, we returned back to the hotel for a break before heading out to Pasig City for Fire & Ice.

Fire & Ice, the post-holiday party for TI's various technical support teams, was a blast. Viewed as clients rather than employees, Carrie and I were labelled VIPs and waited on endlessly by the staff at the hall where the party was held. Before I could finish a beer, a fresh one was waiting for me.

After a few awards (five of which were given to members of our team), we were treated to dance performances by two quasi dance squads made up of members from two different technical support teams as well as a song by last year's "Harte-Hanks Idol". Imagine if 5-6 members of your team decided to choreograph a dance routine to perform at your holiday party! Singing and dancing is very popular here and it isn't uncommon for employees to sing between calls.

Carrie left the party around 11 PM and I stuck around with some of the team. After a few more beers, they brought me out to karaoke where I had no choice but to sing, not wanting to be anymore of an "odd man out" than I already am. I was given Red Horse beer (the local strong beer) and I was fed pork sisig. Touted as the ultimate companion to beer, I ate and more-or-less enjoyed a small plate. I was soon told that pork sisig is essentially diced pig face! Snout, brain, cheek and ear is chopped up and fried with onions and chilis and topped with a fried egg. Interesting!

There's no last call in Manila and by 4 AM, I was falling asleep. In bed by 4:30 AM, I awoke at 7 AM to watch the All-Star Game. What a hell of game and a nice end to a long weekend.

Picasa: Fire & Ice Tech Support Party

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