During our recent High School reunion, we missed the presence of Jimmy L and Sandy S. both very popular figure in our campus.  A startling news circulated among the group that the duo are in hot water because the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is running after them and a  tax evasion case was already filed against them.   They are business partners of a  big cargo forwarding and export-import company and apparently they are also “partners” in crime.  The BIR is determined to send tax evaders to jail that has been cheating the government, resulting to massive revenue losses.   Unfair to us who religiously pay our taxes which a law abiding citizen of the country ought to be.  And really it disheartened us knowing there are a lot of  people who are tax cheaters and our friends happened to be among them.

Why do we have to pay taxes?  Paying taxes are what lets our country be as healthy as is and it help fund the government.   Simply put, because it is the LAW!   And if you don’t want to pay, then go to other countries where taxes law is  non-existent.  Since we are law abiding citizens, we see to it that we pay our taxes on time and in the event that we failed to do so, we avail of income tax extension form that would help us get extra time to finish filing our taxes minus the hassles and guilt.

Only if we could only get hold of the two,  they have to hear the good news that there are available Tax Preparation Software that will guide them through all the way to a guaranteed maximum refund and companies such as Turbo tax is a sure help for personal and business taxes.

So, what they did was an unacceptable act and we their batchmates are hunting them too!

Right after we had finished from the Embassy with our passport renewal, we headed to Outback Steakhouse to sample their meals.  I’ve been hearing about the restaurant from my colleague. Very timely indeed because the place is just few minutes drive from the embassy.  This is it it!

The ambiance is good,  the floor to wall to ceiling designs give the restaurant a unique look and feel of the place.  the waiters are very attentive and well trained.  The menu consists of beef and steak, chicken, ribs and pasta items.  It was a pleasant dining experience and we will come back for more.  This is definitely an alternative steakhouse restaurant because we already have outgrown other steak houses in the city.

One thing we’ve noticed is how this bread looked like and how it was presented.   Lol.  like a sword of Lancelot??? In fairness, though the color of the bread is a bit odd, it tasted good with butter as spread.

The salad is fresh with Thousand Island dressings but uses serving spoon (maybe to scoop the dressing)

Our soups are Creamy Onion soup (surprisingly, it tasted good) and zucchini soup (hmmm.. fine)

I ordered what they called Chicken Barbie (where’s Ken????) with mashed potato

Papa had a medium rare steak with mashed potato.  Notice the serving of their steak is just enough… small serving for my Papa’s big appetite!

Our overall impression!  Good because of bold flavors, moderate servings, affordable prices, good quality service…  Definitely we will come back for more!

Our big banner became a centerpiece for our parade.  It was conceptualized by a friend who had flair in designing logos and we beamed with pride as we displayed our Blue team banner.  It generated excitement and motivates our members to be livelier and enthusiastic about the parade.  It was almost 10 am when we lined up in the Philippine Embassy ground and the direct rays of the sun seemed to be piercing our skin but we continue on with our march with matching chants.  That was one rare chance that we were able to  gather a large crowd like that!

Advertising has come a long way… tarpaulin printing made a great impact in getting messages across.   Our logo was printed in vinyl material and it was durable since it is water resistant.  However, it was obviously oversized.  Anyway, the bigger the better, it can be seen from afar!

Everybody cooperated, they prepared their own “pom-poms and assorted cheering paraphernalia’s and potluck too!   The members gamely participated in the parlor games and supported their team members.   We had a great day last Friday!