Pearl of the Orient Restaurant
Manila, Philippines
August 2016
Today, Thirdy is incredibly busy because the owner of the restaurant invited his friends and family for a gathering. Thirdy is the head chef of the famous restaurant in Manila, Pearl of the Orient. Kagaya ng lahat, he's dreaming of having his own restaurant, pero kapos pa sa budget.
His whole family is abroad, successful in their own career paths. Siya lang yung may gustong manatili sa Pilipinas, pero kahit ganun, they supported Thirdy sa lahat ng plans niya.
Everyone in the kitchen is now dead tired. They're eating the staff food that they also worked on the whole night.
"Guys, thank you for all the hard work. See you tomorrow," Thirdy shouted for everyone to hear.
Palabas na dapat si Thirdy ng kitchen to change clothes noong biglang hinanap siya nung owner.
"Where's Chef Thirdy?"
Napalingon naman si Thirdy and asked, "Sir, I'm here. Is there a problem?" Thirdy asked, walking towards his boss. Inakbayan siya ng boss niya and naglakad sila papunta sa party.
"My friend right here wants to meet you."
"This is Elmer De Leon, and here's my head chef, Thirdy Ravena."
Elmer smiled at him.
"Nice to meet you, sir," Thirdy said, offering his hand.
"Drop the formality, Chef Thirdy!"
"I like the food. Your menu is so great. Hindi na ako magpapaligoy-ligoy, my eldest wants to learn from the best. Sakto, I only heard good things about you at this event alone. Do you have time to train him? I'll cover all the expenses of you going to NYC."
Nagulat si Thirdy sa offer at napatingin sa boss niya. Na para bang sa kabilang kanto lang ang New York.
"I'm sure you can leave Pearl of the Orient for a while, Thirdy, and you know, have fun. Do you mind teaching my godson Loel?" gatong ng boss niya.
Naguluhan si Thirdy; bakit parang ang random ng mga nangyayari. "Ah, sir, let me think about it first."
But Thirdy's boss interrupted, "Don't worry about us, Thirdy! I'm sure you trained everyone in the kitchen already, and you'll stay in New York for a month lang naman. Mr. De Leon is willing to pay you double."
"That's right, Chef Thirdy. I really like you and the food, so money is not a problem. Think about it and call me," sabay abot ng calling card ni Mr. De Leon.
"Thank you, sir, for the offer. I will call after I make a decision." He smiled and nagpaalam na sa boss niya.
Totoong paalis na sana siya kaso nakita niya ang best friend niyang si Van, ang anak ng owner ng restaurant.
"Bro, I heard that Tito Elmer likes you. He has a beautiful daughter," pang-aasar nito.
"Gago ka talaga, Van. Eh lalaking anak daw yung gustong i-train ko." Pero rinig na rinig ni Van ang doubts ni Thirdy.
"Bro, let's be honest. Hindi ko sasabihin kay Dad, pero I think yung income na makukuha mo sa NY magiging good start for your own restaurant. Tito Elmer and his family are really generous; baka mag-invest pa nga sila."
"I'll think about it, bro." Thirdy smiled and let his best friend enjoy the party.
