Our Leather Collection Afternoon

August 27th, 2005. We had been looking forward to this day - the day Yoling Capistrano Sevilla invited us to THE LEATHER COLLECTION office, factory, and showroom.

I arrived at Emi's house before 11 a.m., parked there, and rode with her in her new Hyundai Starex. We passed for Liz, then proceeded to Paranaque to pick up Maggie Zialcita. To give you an idea of distance and traffic, plus getting lost on the way to Maggie's, it was almost 1 p.m. (two hours later) when we finally arrived in TLC.

There ahead of us, Ampy, Offie, Lelette, and Joan were already in the showroom, salivating at the beautiful merchandise. But this was rudely interrupted because our arrival signalled, "Time to eat."

There's a little dining area between Yoling's and Boy's offices, and the food laid out at the table was a feast to the eyes: Paella by Yoling's Boy, Salpicao and Garlic Button Mushrooms by Lelette, while the rest of us brought chorizo de bilbao, bottles of wine, four types of cheese, walnuts and raisins. The food was, of course, mouth watering, and we were all hoping that there would be left overs to bring home.

We had already started eating when Bing, then Dess, arrived. Dess brought with her homemade food for the gods, which we gobbled up, along with Chocolate Decadent Cake, for dessert. We thought Offie would put up a fight for the last piece. Soon Butch, honorary member of our class, joined us; his presence makes Lelette happy, and makes us feel complete. President Emi only had two short items on her agenda, so most of lunch was talk and laughter. Emi also brought her photo albums from way back. Time passed by so quickly, we almost forgot we were going to tour the plant.

When we remembered, it was 3 pm, and the factory workers were on their mid afternoon rest break. So we proceeded first to the showroom and delighted at the new and colorful designs. Yoling gave us 50% off, and gave the July, August and September birthday celebrants a special treat. Mine was a cosmetic case, large enough to house my camera. Yes, TLC's 2005 collection was a delight to the eyes, and many of us couldn't resist purchasing something.

Was it truly 4 p.m. when we started our factory tour? (Not all of us went to the factory. Some of us chose to remain behind to shop some more). We marvelled at Yoling's knowledge about all things leather and were impressed at the quality of leather they used, all imported from the best leather makers in Italy and around the world, from where brands like Louie Vuitton and Gucci import. We felt a sense of pride at the output that well trained and motivated Filipino craftsmen can come up with. How we wish we were able to take the US Belles to this place when they were here for our Coral Jubilee.

It was past 5 pm and time to go home. As we leave, a girl standing at the factory's gate hands us a box - a gift from The Leather Collection. The whole afternoon, in fact, was a gift - a pleasant day to remember. Some of us had other obligations that afternoon that we just put aside. Emi forgot to take home everything she brought, including the albums, and we completely forgot to take home leftovers. We never even got to taste the pasta that Boy had prepared, which we planned to eat for merienda.

Thank you Yoling, and Boy (even if you didn't appear) for this unforgettable afternoon. We'll be with you in spirit next week when you go to Dubai to present The 2005 Leather Collection at an International Trade Fair. We pray for your success and give you our whole hearted support!