OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY

The highlight of our Christmas in the Philippines was Denny's office party at our house. Here is Denny with his office staff. They all came with their families. Because of the crazy holiday traffic in Manila (even worse than normal), all of his staff had to endure horrendous traffic jams to get to his house. Maria and her family were stuck in traffic for four hours. When everyone finally arrived, a great party ensued.

Filippinos love music. This Christmas, Denny had some very enthusiastic carolers. We played guitar until our fingers hurt and sang until we were hoarse. Unfortunately, there is no picture of the photographer playing guitar and singing.

And, of course, there was lots of food to eat. Olive did her usual sumptuous feast and all of Denny's staff brought special Filippino dishes. This picture includes all the adults, but Mac and JB (8) were playing video games in the other room and Jamie (15) was the photographer.

"No, Stacy!" Tino seems to be saying. "I will not put on the Santa suit and you cannot sit on my lap."

The kids (and a few of the adults) did a little dancing, too. Two year old Bryan was the star.

The less exuberant sat out the caroling portion of the evening and watched a classic Jackie Chan kung fu video that Tino brought. Commented one non-musical spouse, "At least we had something to do this year." To their credit, Mac and Maya occassionally slipped out of their video coma and joined the party.

The Magsisis were omnipresent. They seemed to catch all the best scenes of the video and yet were also a powerful voice presence during the singing.

Denny's Filippino staff have been working together for a long time. They really look like a team in this shot beside the Christmas tree.

Stacy explained to Cecile and Rose the proper technique for shaking Christmas presents to determine their contents. Apparently, the Louisianna technique is quite similar to the Filippino one.

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