New Year 2011: Carousel

In anticipation of a bountiful year, we celebrate the first day of the year by having a buffet. It has become a sort of tradition to go to Carousel.

Here we are with Joy, January 2009:





With a bigger group, January 2010:





This year, we weren't able to make a reservation on new year's day so we had no choice but to go on the 2nd. It turned out to be a blessing since most of us were dead tired on the first.





As usual, selections were wide and varied. We were just a bit disappointed since the waffles that we were most looking forward to have been replaced with pita and wraps. Also, the carving station only had lamb and turkey, no roast beef! Nevertheless, the food was still delicious. My only other beef (forgive the pun) is that the slipper lobsters were not replenished so I was able to have just one serving.







As with any buffet, the highlight of my meal are the desserts.











Service was a lot better this time around, our plates were cleared in no time and the chefs were very friendly and accommodating. If only the same can be said about a staff in the lobby.

Here's our customary group shot:

An Exciting 2011 Ahead!

2011, like the previous year should prove to be exciting.

True, the 24 movie script has been initially rejected which means that it would take longer for 24 fans to see Jack Bauer and Chloe on the big screen, but when it comes to movies for 2011, there are already a few that I'm very excited to watch but then again this post is not about upcoming movies so I'll skip this.

For 2011, I'm excited about:

1. My brother's wedding. I think nothing can be more exciting than us joining our brother on his special day as the year opens.



2. Our trip to Bangkok.This will actually be my first time to go there and I can't wait.



3. The Rocky Horror Show, The Lion King, Closer, Next to Normal, AIDA, and The Little Mermaid - the theatre scene in  Manila  and here in Singapore couldn't be more vibrant.



4. Our brand new savings plan. This will at least ensure that a portion of our earnings is protected.


photo credit: http://www.wordsaboutthings.co.uk/saving-money-study/

5. The BlackBerry Playbook.



6. Micah visiting Singapore this summer.



As early as now, I'm already looking forward to a lot of things that this year will bring. Happy 2011 everyone!

2011

Our New Year celebration was much like how we celebrated Christmas. It was simple but memorable. We started preparations quite late since we all had to go to work. Noel and Clarice who were tasked to prepare the Kare-Kare and Pancit Bihon arrived way past dinner time. Noel had to change his Kare-Kare to a simple adobo dish just to finish before midnight.



Here are our other dishes:

Crispy Pata and the very delicious embotido from Abby and Eco.





Clarice's most requested Pancit.



Eli's crispy fried chicken.



My contribution, soft tacos.



and a chocolate cake from Gan.



After setting the table, it was already exactly midnight so we armed ourselves with small torotots and made do with the fireworks from afar.









We then had a few group shots before having our media noche.













All of us actually headed straight to bed after eating. We must've all been really tired from all the preparations.