Reckless Abandon

Chapter Twelve

Eureka's POV

It looked like the way I imagined it to be.

The huge garden is illuminated by lights that were hang by invisible strings from the trees that looked like floating stars, and every path walk made of patterned stones are lit by white lamps that guide the way to the main hall. The wide and spacious garden is occupied with tables and chairs covered in immaculate white linens and pale pink silk cloths. Every tables are decorated by candles inside a glass adorned with gold abstract patterns, gold utensils, and an iridescent vase filled with white tulips and pink roses placed in the corner. The whole place smelled like freshly mowed grass after the rain, of jasmine, and of fresh flowers.

Everyone stood up as the host called me on the platform stage. Tumayo ako sa gitna nun at halos mabulag ako sa silaw ng spotlight.

I discreetly cleared my throat and smiled as the applause slowly faded into the background.

"The success of The Frontier would not be possible without the hard work my great grandfathers have put through to every wall, space, and corner of every hotel they've built and owned. Its foundation is created and established through the passion they have for providing comfort and service to the Filipino people, including overseas. But we also owe it to you, our clients, as well as our customers even from across the globe, and the lives of the countless of persons who dedicated their lives in hospitality and management, making The Frontier still the leading chain of hotels in the country." I paused for a dramatic effect, listening to the loud applause coming from the audience.

"My family has always made it as a badge of honor in the fact that four generations ago, my Great great grand father was only a mere carpenter who have built a two-storey wooden building from scratch, by his own hands, and declared it as the first hotel; the First Frontier.

He made it a goal to provide stellar service, humility, and respect to every person who came in, as well as the people who helped him through the years. We believe that was kept us running, even until now that The Frontier is welcoming you all in its tenth chapter.

Thank you, everyone for being here with me tonight. I wish my parents were here, but unfortunately, due to my father's health condition, they are unable to be with us. But they are sending their regards, and may you all have fun and celebrate. For more years of success of The Frontier. Cheers!"

Isang masigabong palakpakan na naman ang umalingawngaw sa paligid. I tried to smile from all the blinding lights and camera flashes. Pakiramdam ko mabubulag ako pagkatapos ng gabing ito.

Bumaba ako sa stage at sinalubong ako ni Ashton, who is dressed in his all black ensemble, kahit na mahigpit na bilin ko sa kanya eh magsuot ng white or pale pink, para umayon siya sa motif ng launch. I am kinda pissed at him, but whatever, sanay na ako sa ugali ni Ashton na palaging gusto magpaka-renegade.

"Oh, Ashton!" I greeted him with a tight bear hug, as my knees feel really woobly. Unang beses akong nag-deliver ng speech ng ganun kaharap ang iba-ibang sektor ng ekonomiya at pulitika. This event is packed with my parents' jet-setter friends, politician friends, business partners, different kinds of business owners, possible client investors, media men at kung anu-ano pa. Hindi naman kasi ako ang nagdesisyon sa guest list, kundi ang mga magulang ko. Ngayong yakap ko na ang kaisa-isa kong kaibigan dito sa Pilipinas, pakiramdam ko natunaw na lahat ng aking nerbyos at takot.

"Congratulations, you brat." rinig kong bulong niya sa tenga ko. "You did great!"

"I know right?! Thanks! So, ano? Nagustuhan mo ba ang speech ko?"

"Hindi. Mukha ka ngang constipated dun sa stage eh."

Sinapak ko siya sa dibdib. "Shut up! Hindi kaya."