After the Luzon-wide blackout came the earthquake. But between them is the Millenium Christmas Party of Metropolitan Mountaineering Society last December 11, 1999 at Orient Express, Mandaluyong City.

Many firsts took place in the party. Food overflowed, tasted great, and was served in a chafing dish complete with warmers underneath. There were no food brigades because food was catered. There were no male guests. Instead, there were five women guests who attended the party. Three of which knew MMS through the book launching held in Quezon Circle a couple of months ago. The remaining two consisted of a constant habitue of MMS parties courtesy of Rommel and a would-be habitue in the future courtesy of Jaday. There were no plain lookers. Instead, almost all members sashayed a Matrix or a Hip -hop. There were no pocket calendars and address books. Instead, Friendship bands, booklets on outdoor tips, and MMS key chains were distributed by Merci, Dr. Edmund, and Jun & Yoko respectively. There were no Christmas carols. Instead, the membership greeted Rommel with a happy birthday song. There was no tequila. Instead, Erwin led donations for more beers. But as usual, all the beer was never enough.

Like many gatherings MMS had, dinner did not start as scheduled at 7:00pm. Instead, dinner was served at 8:00pm for people who arrived fairly early. For latecomers, they helped themselves as they came.

Kae and Boki hosted the program and deejay-ed the music. It kicked off with a prayer from one of the guests and the very brief welcome remarks of Mr. President, Jun Medrano. Parlor games started with charades and culminated with pera o bayong. J&J alcohol, Solonpas, and MMS utility kits provided the prizes. Sometimes, Nancy pitched in as game-master. Performances from all batches were rendered. The dirty dancing of Dr. Edmund and Nini and the vee-jaying of Merci were among the scene-stealers. Batch 98 won as best performers for their Livin’ La Vida Loca.

Millenium awards were given out. The best couple award went to Erwin and Myrtle. The best artist award went to Queenie. The best member award went to Jaday and Edwin. The best costume award went to Kae. A special citation went to Long as the Father of MMS. People danced all night long until it was time to close the party with a Kris Kringle.