the manila-based members of FPN are meeting again next saturday, august 23rd, 3 pm at jay ignacio's place in alabang. we've also put up an "FPN-philippines" yahoogroup, and we're inviting any manila- or philippines-based FPNer to join us on that yahoogroup and for the meeting.

we had a very successful meeting last july 5 (see the pics here), followed by a TV interview that gave fountain pen collecting and usage in the philippines a major boost (or at least we'd like to think!). if you're not on our yahoogroup yet but would like to be, or if you're interested in meeting up with us next saturday (and show/see/swap pens), send me a PM or email me at jdalisay@mac.com.

salamat at mabuhay!

just giving this a bump in case there are other pinoys (fellow filipinos) out there who haven't come across this yet

Manila?

Have a good meeting, FPN-Philippines! Wish I could be there.

we're gonna miss you, pep! and you'll miss out on the menu jay's preparing. here's his note to us:

I am preparing a salad of lettuce and grilled chicken with a special dressing taught to me by a Parisian friend. I still have no idea what to call that dressing so i will name it after her: "a la Fanny".

Then we'll have an Italian meatloaf with a nice creamy mushroom sauce, and then some penne (eh kasi nga naman, pen meet ito) with a simple vegetarian sauce.

I also have a bottle of Chianti and some sweets waiting for you all, but if you feel like bringing more spirits and whatnot, please feel free to do so. You are all welcome and should feel at home here.

See you tomorrow!

Jay

[quote name='Usui' date='Aug 21 2008, 04:43 AM' post='707815']
Manila?

Yes, in Metro-Manila. BTW, the manila paper fiber used in folders and envelopes was named after the particular yellowish hemp found in Manila, Philippines (in the olden days). It is not as strong as kraft paper but fountain pens write better on manila than on kraft…

August 23 came and went and the FPN-p, the Philippine Yahoo! Group of fountain pen enthusiasts met to celebrate the birthday of our member, Jay Ignacio in his lovely home in the tony southern suburbs of Metro-Manila. The huge spread of pens on display is a given in our meetings but the even more impressive spread is one of Italian gustatory pleasures that was lovingly prepared by the birthday boy himself, chef-cum-investment banker Jay Ignacio. Alongside occasional sips of Chianti and Spaetlese and food-pornish screams of delight as we chowed down on grilled chicken/arugula salad with a secret vinaigrette dressing, sides of parmiggiano, prosciutto and parma ham, vegetarian penne rigate and meatballs with mushroom sauce, our group of seven continued to fiddle with our pens, paper and inks.

As if that wasn't enough, Jay's family surprised him with a birthday cake made out like a presentation box with a very creditable replica of a Nakaya Rose as centerpiece. Jay's family thoughtfully prepared mini-versions of this lovely cake for us to take home.

Vintagepenster gave an enlightening discourse on Esterbrooks. He had a tray full of them to show the different iterations of this brilliant pen. Leigh R whipped out her micromesh sheets and we all queued up so she can do her magic with some of our 'troubled' pens.

And a good time was had by all.

"And a good time was had by all."

I agree! The food was terrific, the company warm and friendly, the pens and inks spread out like a feast.

A shame I'd only found this thread 4 days after. Well, not that it'd make any difference, given that I have no idea where to go and how to get there; my parents would've been furious too.