For the Love of Tolkien

After my shift yesterday, I slept for a couple of hours then woke up to attend The Philippine Tolkien Society's (TPTS) Christmas party. Our way there was an adventure in itself. I met a friend who lives near my place and we went to meet a few more in Shangri-La. Meeting in the mall is convenient because it's near EDSA and I can buy the food/drinks we had to bring for the potluck. We underestimated the crowd and the Christmas rush. So, it took us over an hour to catch a cab then later decided to take the train instead. One of us wasn't able to get in the train on time, so we had to wait for him to arrive at the station. We, then, caught a cab somewhere in Quezon Ave. Then somewhere in Tomas Morato, we got lost and had to ask for directions. If it weren't for the company I'm with, I would have called it quits and went home. But I did enjoy the company and we just made jokes and laughed off our situation. Besides, it's not as difficult as Frodo's journey from Hobbiton to Mount Doom, right? Haha!



me with my furry friend, Bownie
photo by Ulan


I planned to go back home at about 9 PM but left there almost midnight instead. Why? Because I realized, we seldom see each other. "We" means the members who are always there to support the group despite the growing number of newbies; people who make things happen; people who enjoy the company of other geeks; people who find fun and happiness in the simplest and shallowest of things; and people who bond not just because of our love for all things Tolkien, but also because we have learned to treasure each others' friendships despite our differences. It was the only Christmas party I've been to so far that is just as fun without inhaling other people's cigarette smoke. There were lots of food (coz we're hobbits in our own way), some of them vegetarian (feeling a bit Elvish here), and full of sweets, stories and smiles. If I had enough rest I could have stayed there later than I did. Now, I am just looking forward to another moot.



group shot at the table
photo by Ulan


You can view more pics at Ian's online album.


P.S.
The group is currently discussing J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" as our Book of the Month. For those who want to join the discussions, you're all welcome to sign up. :)





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