IT WAS long overdue -- a relaxing gathering with chit-chat over dinner that would go way past midnight, wine and more wine until it's all about crawling to get home having one drink too many and waking up to a hang-over the next day and probably miss whatever appointment you positively RSVPed to. That was what Carmina had in mind and no better plan can match this one.

The replies from the six would be guests were a resounding YES! No one in their right mind would decline an invitation to such a well-planned evening. This long-overdue dinner gathering is finally happening.

I am not making everyone you see on this page appear as alcoholics. Call it the appreciation of Bacchus' offerings and everyone in the group is in agreement.

Finalization came over Tamarind Martinis and Mojito at Bangkok Wok just after a fashion event. Gracious hostess and owner Carmina hosted the gathering and it came out as if the runway extended all the way to this establishment.

Have you ever noticed how organizing comes easier with ideas flowing more smoothly after having a couple of shots? It worked well for us. Another mojito for me please.

Tossing aside his hotel GM hat, Nigel offered to don a new head gear, a Chef's one, and whip up one of his specialties- baked salmon with fresh vegetables and mashed potatoes. A staple dish in his home Down Under, he says. Perfect.

Since we are in the company of non-Pinoy, I had the ideal dessert to bring- pastry chef Booboo Maramba's delectable creation- Latik Cake. A new addition to her list of superb pastries and I can't wait for everyone to try it. I would be the self-proclaimed dessert connoisseur.

Carmina would toss her refreshing summer salad and prepare hor d'evers, cream cheese and caviar and after dinner nibbles cheese variety, grapes and chocolates to go with wine.

On the topic of wine, a brainstorm came flowing about on what wine would go best for the night from start to wishing-that-there-is- no end. Nigel, himself, is very knowledgeable with wine and the rest are adept in this skill as well, Carmina, Kenneth and Karen. Quiet on the side on his fourth mojito was the dessert monster, happily agreeing and will be content on whatever alcohol would land on his lips on the coming night.

And so we arrive at Raffy and Camina's pad. The place is a dream. If I had my own home, this would be the perfect size, tastefully decorated and totally devoid of unnecessary ornamental clutter.

More than the great food and fabulous wine was the company. How much idyllic can it get? Sharing laughs, relating stories, discussing topics, getting to know more of friends. Time was flying. Too swiftly.

I knew this was an evening that shouldn't break up early. It took a while for this to happen and I am so glad it did. Rather than be the cause of the night's early end, I did a French exit, with Raffy's as abettor. You see I have to catch an early flight to renew my residence visa in the island I call home.

A few minutes of absence, my phone rings and everyone was asking where I was. I was in the restroom I told them and asked them not to bother me please.

Well, what do you know, when I came out, I was in Boracay. Nice. Very Chronicles of Narnia. Try it sometime, of course, you have to be invited in Carmina's pad first.