31 on the 30th
It rained on my birthday. It always rains! When I was 11, I remember being so bummed out about my rainy birthday. I wanted to go out and play, but instead I was sulking at home. Then my Dad went up to me and said, “Rain signifies blessings. Be glad it’s raining on your birthday!” Since then I’ve viewed rain on special occasions in a positive light. Thank you Daddy!
July 30, 2008 was no different. It started out sunny then it rained in the late afternoon. No worries for me. I had to go to work, but I didn’t mind. Aside from not having any official vacation leaves yet (I’m new in the company), it was also our company’s anniversary! Not only was there no work, but we had a morning Mass, a fantastic lunch at Gloria Maris, and lots more food in the office pantry when we walked back to the office. It was a double celebration for me! 
The highlight came in the afternoon when H picked me up from work early. Off we went to Serendra despite the rains. First stop was a shoe store, where he bought me kickass shoes. I loved them! They’re strappy brown heels that are oh-so-lovely. Will post a pic soon! I haven’t worn them yet because it would suck to get them wet. Then H asked me to pick a place for dinner, and I chose Conti’s. Foodie pictures after the jump!
We hung out at Fully Booked afterwards. Then we trooped home and I played my favorite video game till I fell asleep. It was a quiet celebration for my 31st, punctuated by calls and text messages from dear friends. Thanks again to all those who celebrated with me in this blog, through calls, e-mail and in person. Hugs!
Dinner pics!
I’ve always wanted to eat here. It was my first time! How apt to have finally gotten a table on my birthday.
This appetizer of garlic mushrooms was delicious! H & I devoured them.
These chicken fingers were yummy too.
So-so Caesar’s salad.
Cream of Spinach was more creamy than spinach-y, but still good.
My frothy iced tea looks like a mug of beer ‘no? 
I order Conti’s Baked Salmon. It was good. The salmon was moist and delicious, and it had a parmesan crust which made it even more flavorful.
The salmon was served with rice. Paella-like.
H ordered the Tanguige with lemon butter sauce. He said it was also good.
Hola chicas! Where’s my birthday cake?
Oh there it is! One of Conti’s specials — Mango Bravo! Frozen mangoes with cream on a sans-rival like body. Light and rich at the same time. The only thing missing was a birthday candle.
♥
August 1st, 2008 at 11:34 am
i love mango bravo! almost devoured the whole cake when it was served in one of my colleagues’ celebration last month. the sweetness is just right
hazels last blog post..Worries, et al
August 1st, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Happy bithday again Toni.
I love the mango bravo too. One more thing though, go back and try the Prawn Thermidore. Yummy!
August 1st, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Happy Birthday Toni!
I love Conti’s cakes! I love Mango Bravo and their Mango tart.
Jens last blog post..Dining Out
August 1st, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Happy Birthday again, Toni! Gave you a piece of this cake on Twitter
If you missed it, help yourself to another piece. There’s still plenty left.
August 1st, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I’m not sure if you’re catching the local version of My Girl. The main star there doesn’t know when is her actual natal day. Been a landslide victim. All she remembers is that it rains when it’s her birthday. Hence, whenever it rains she’s happy.
Your post made me hungrier! It’s a weekend here (fridays & saturdays are UAE’s weekend) and now I want my garlic mushrooms and a dessert like yours after we hear the mass. I’m wishing hard to find Mango Bravo, yum-yum. Ey, I noticed the pix are not linked to Flickr, that I can view them now. And saw your new hairstyle finally! Big thanks for that.
witsandnutss last blog post..Musically chopsuey-ed
August 1st, 2008 at 5:32 pm
happy birthday toni! my birthday is july 13–so it almost always rains on my birthday too
oh, and i get that friday-the-thirteenth thing every so often ;p glad you had a fab day. makes me want to eat at contis too!
rees last blog post..Biker Chicks–The Prequel
August 1st, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Hi Toni, we have the same birthday! I celebrated it with my family and a long distance phone call from my hubby…yes it rained in the afternoon. Well, it’s a blessing!
Oh by the way, I just turned 26 and a 6months preggy!
God Bless!
August 1st, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Happy bday Toni! It’s always difficult to get a table at the Serendra branch especially during meal times. You have to wait to be seated. I love their food, yet for me, it’s a hit-and-miss. But I enjoy eating their Mango Bravo!
ayens last blog post..Litratong Pinoy: Dalampasigan
August 2nd, 2008 at 12:28 am
I love the mango bravo too!
happy bday again tonigirl!
dyanies last blog post..Food trip in Tagaytay
August 2nd, 2008 at 3:54 am
happy happy birthday dear toni!!!
elas last blog post..in preparation for kiko’s coming
August 2nd, 2008 at 5:43 pm
everything looks delicious! i’m happy for you, what a memorable 31st birthday!
i have bookmarked conti’s by the way, your review just made me do it!
odettes last blog post..my day, at the moment
August 3rd, 2008 at 11:32 am
I’m glad you had a wonderful celebration. The food looks delicious especially that mouth watering dessert. I got to try that one soon.
Rach (Heart of Rachel)s last blog post..Camera Critters #16
August 3rd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
What a nice celebration! We also believe in that saying about rains bringing blessings on a birthday. Pareho tayo. My birthday was the day Typhoon Frank hit.
Have a great 31st year, Toni. May all your birthday wishes come true
Cookies last blog post..Honeymoon #5
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
food pics look super yummy. it looked like you had a great birthday celebration afterall.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Conti’s is one of my favorites as well! Their first resto was in BF Homes (where I live). You should try the Chicken Roulade on your next visit – it’s so good!
August 5th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
yummy! what a big birthday celebration.
JOs last blog post..Her birthday wish