STARS COME TO LIFE

Our childhood crazy dream of getting close to stars became an astounding reality.

When we were just kids, we had our bedroom ceiling painted in black then filled it with glow-in-the-dark stars patterned from the constellation we saw in the encyclopedia. Our bedroom was our most comfortable place back then. Our evening was never complete without staring at our imaginary outer space right before we close our eyes. We count the stars in the ceiling rather than count sheep like other kids used to do. Star gazing became our siblings’ simple joy. Before, we used to spend most of our summer nights on tents we setup at the backyard pretending we were real astronauts exploring the space. It was not too late when we realized that becoming an astronaut was just a wishful thinking.

After more than a decade, I and my co-astronaut-wanna-be siblings made their paths far from what we imagined when we were kids. All our dreams changed and going outer space became far beyond our dreams than they were before.

Indeed, it was a blessing-in-disguise when one of our relatives invited our family on their engagement party at the Seven Suites. The event location is said to be the first and only Hotel Observatory in the Philippines. Standing proud at the suburban heights of Antipolo, we are stunned by the astonishing view of the metropolitan’s city lights and night sky.

We couldn’t wait our turn to see the stellar view that night. Thanks to their in-house astronomer and that 12”diameter telescope (almost same as what we’ve seen in PAG-ASA back when we were kids), it brought back the old memories of our childhood when star gazing was our siblings’ best bonding moment.

The occasion made more intimate because of its elegant ambience and spacious accommodation. The couple looked very attractive on their gown and suit, complimenting the nostalgia brought about by the evening.

The place is very accessible that even we came all the way from Quezon City, getting there on time is not a problem at all. The vicinity is very calm and relaxing, indeed a perfect place for bride and groom who wants to experience a piece of heaven above earth.

As I went back to my condo, I can’t help but stare at my bedroom ceiling that night, remembering the details of our imaginary outer space and the beauty of the stellar view at the Seven Suites.

Stars established our curiosity and bubbliness when we were young and as I grew older, I realized that these celestial bodies revealed an entirely different perspective. I was captivated by its prevailing significance of romance and serenity. We may not have a bloodline who is an astronaut by profession, but I know those little stargazers will definitely dwell inside us.

REMINISCING THOSE GOOD OLD DAYS

Raised with the presence of seven male cousins during childhood years, I was used to helping my grandmother in the kitchen instead of playing bull fight with the bunch of rude boys. I grew up seeing Sundays to be all about food and Lola was the regular Master Chef of our clan’s hungry vultures. It was a fulfillment for me having tasted the food before they were served in the buffet table. Those days were pretty remarkable to me.

Due to everyone’s hectic and unparalleled schedules, it was hard for us to bring back those gatherings now that no one in the family inherited my grandmother’s passion in cooking. I must admit nobody from us can cook our family’s favorite dishes the way she does. While our family has lately been seeing more bonding moments with cousins and other relatives by eating out, we appreciate the pleasure of gathering in a homey atmosphere more. Thanks to our acquaintance from Nagoya Japan, he awakens our inquisitiveness by his compliments on different blogs and restaurant reviews. We had a chance to visit Casa Roces, an ancestral house now a full-service restaurant and café standing proud across Malacañan Palace. The ambience made us feel the comfort of home as if we travelled back in time for Lola’s good old home-cooked specialties…or even better. 

Casa Roces is from a 1930s pre-war ancestral home renovated into a full-service restaurant and cafe. It is now a white house surrounded with a spacious, warm and welcoming environment, and interior and decor that entice visitors to stay longer.

The restaurant has a spacious driveway ideal for families who finds travelling along with relatives and friends very heartening. The ground floor hallway reveals a casual and brighter space.  On the opposite side lays proud some of their antique chairs. The room is very comfortable, as if I travelled back in time when I was playing around with my siblings on our grandmother’s living area. There is also a bar in one corner, where you can have a sip of their cocktails, beer, and wine and an art gallery like nook with portraits of the Roces' ancestors.

At Casa Roces, one will definitely feel the warmth of being welcomed in a traditional Filipino home with an ambience and cuisine that brings family’s most cherished moments to life.

Casa Roces is located at 1153 J.P.Laurel cor. Aguado St., San Miguel, Manila and is open daily from 10:00am until 10:00pm.