Mamarazzi Meets Melatonin Bear

There goes the diet, I thought, as our waiter handed me their special Mother's Day menu.

Snapped a quick portrait of the evening's honoree, which got me thinking that if I started taking photos of moms around the restaurant, that would technically make me a Mamarazzi. LOL!

Not quite sure how we ended up talking about sleep disorders, but within seconds, my mom and Anthony started fishing around their bags to compare natural sleeping aids.

I didn't know whether I was more excited by the dramatic pouring of my mom's bisque, or by the fact that our waiter was perfectly color-coordinated with her outfit for this photo.

My dad reached out for the pepper shaker, but I told him, Not before I take a couple of conceptual Madonna-and-child shots!

Never mind if the soup gets cold, for as long as we have the picture. Right, Cristina? Lol!

My dad ordered an appetizer of Mac and Cheese, which came topped with a delightfully crunchy and sharp cheese wafer.

I thought our waiter was bringing a festive noisemaker to the table until he started grating cheese against it.

My mom ordered the risotto, which was deliciously peppery and came with perfectly cooked medallions of duck.

We had the privilege of meeting the bubbly Chef Robby Cimmino, who shared his fascination for our local calamansi, or Philippine lemon, which he says has more flavor than the usual lime.

After dinner, I was feeling playful and asked everyone to choose their favorite paparazzi shot from the wall behind us. Here, my mom takes a closer look.

I would have easily chosen this photo as my favorite — I adore Sofia Loren — but my mom beat me to it!

My dad chose this shot of Gina Lollobrigida, whom he got to meet (and if I'm not mistaken, dance with) during her visit to Manila in the mid-70's.

Cristina boldly chose this lovely portrait, which I think made things a little awkward at the table. Hahaha!

Anthony went for Pavarotti, which continues to baffle me because he isn't a fan of either opera or facial hair.

And this was mine… I love a photo that tells a story, though I admit I'm also a sucker for full bangs.

Did I mention that I love taking self-portraits too? Hahaha! See if you can find me.

For dessert, the strawberry balsamic ice cream was a little odd for me…

… So I sought much-needed comfort from the tiramisu instead. Hahaha!

And finally… Gift-giving time!

We got my mom a book written by a four-year old boy who slipped into a coma during emergency surgery and entered heaven. The book has sold over five million copies worldwide.

My parents gave Anthony a mass card for his mom, Janice, whom we also remembered and celebrated during this special day.

Chef Robby treated us to chocolate hazelnut flavored grappa, which was the perfect ending to the exceptional meal. Oh, and that's Cristina "ruining" my shot. Thanks A LOT, sis.

Here, Cristina and my dad toast glasses purely for the photo op, as my dad does not drink any alcohol. Hahaha!

Judging from our coincidental choice to wear floral tops this evening, here I prove that I am truly (and proudly) my mother's son.

On the way out, we were admiring a row of stuffed bears, which apparently comes complimentary each time you order their drink of the month. The kind manager ended up giving one to my mom as an added Mother's Day treat.

It was just a matter of time before Anthony started calling our new friend Melatonin Bear.

There was a lot of love radiating from the room that evening.

One for the road… A parting gift of white orchids for my mom's garden at home.