A brief intro on our barkada. “Prex” or “Expressionista” is the official brand name of our barkadahan. It was formed and founded way back in our college days by ourselves. Expressionista simply means “individual expressions“, the different expressions one particular individual in the group reveal. It is an assortment of unique expressive attitudes combined into one entity. A group who usually rants about anything and anyone, direct and indirect. It is a group who thinks as one, and acts as one. I don’t know if these definitions of the word “Prex” is the appropriate one to describe. We don’t have a solid meaning nor come up with the definition about the name of our group. Hence, I provided these based on my experiences and observations.
One of our friends Ruth and Mon arrived a week ago from Singapore. They have issued a one week work leave for them to spend time with their families here in the Philippines. One of the planned events was the despedida along with the Prex in Tagaytay that happened last Saturday.

August 11, 2007, I woke up early and went to Pacita to meet with Richmond. I’ll go along with him with his 6 month old Ford Escape to fetch Ruth in Pasig and Galvin and Jerome in Shell Buendia. We then proceeded to the planned meeting place in Festival Mall Alabang. We first stopped over at Jollibee Alabang to wait for Abby, Joan, Mae and Anna. We went on the parking lot outside Festival Mall and waited for Ted and Perc who carried their cars with them.

With 3 vehicles, the gang started the trip to Tagaytay. Along the way, we shared loads of stories and happy moments. Joan at that time is troubled because she had this volleyball competition to attend to from her work. She insisted to part ways with us when we reach Tagaytay so she can arrive at Mandaluyong before 1 pm. But the convincing power of the group made her stay the whole time.

We arrived at Tagaytay an hour later. We parked outside Leslie’s Restaurant and went inside the establishment. The place was neat, it was like Bagaberde restaurant in Pasig when it comes to the atmosphere and the design. We looked for a table, found one right outside in the balcony type cottage. The view in the balcony was spectacular. Taal lake was vividly in view while we munch the food served to us. The delicious and sumptuous Bulalo, Sisig, Fried Chicken, Calamares and Iced Tea were among the foods served. A band quartet played in the background with their string instruments. They played their chosen love songs and went on table after table. The cool breeze from the mountainside brushed against my skin, soothing effect that makes me well relaxed and at the same time sleepy. Taking pictures was the norm afterwards.

We left Leslies’s and transferred at Starbucks Coffee, just 20 meters from the resto. There, we ordered frappuccino’s, took pictures and went up on the second floor terrace. Noticeable at that time were the number of Koreans present in the area. Since we arrive at Leslie’s, I saw numerous Koreans roaming the area. I guess this is a popular tourist destinations among Koreans.

5 pm, we decided it quits and we exchange hugs and farewells to Ruth and Mon who will part ways from us. The two will go back in Singapore the next day after a week’s vacation here in the Philippines. The rest will extend the happy hours in Abby’s house. Booze were served and we did a karaoke afterwards.

Here are some of the memorable shots of that day:

Prex @ Tagaytay

		solo pic with taal lake as the background.

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