Chapter 306: Planning a Trip
Michael, Bridget, and Juliet sat at a corner table in Wolfgang Steakhouse BGC. The soft lighting reflected off the polished wood and glass surfaces, casting a warm glow over the diners. Michael, feeling a sense of accomplishment, smiled as he looked at his companions. Tonight was a night to celebrate their recent achievements.
"Cheers to a successful media session and the promising future of our naval projects," Michael said, raising his glass of red wine.
"To success and the many more milestones we'll achieve together," Bridget added, clinking her glass against Michael's. Juliet joined in, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"To us," Juliet said simply, and they all took a sip.
As the waiter approached with their appetizers, Michael leaned back, feeling relaxed. "You know, now that we have a frigate, perhaps we should start constructing submarines, destroyers, or heck even aircraft carriers!"
"That's too ambitious," Bridget chuckled. "I don't think the Philippine could even afford maintaining and operating such advanced vessels at this stage, Michael. Let's focus on perfecting our current projects before diving into something that large-scale," Bridget added with a grin.
Michael nodded, acknowledging her point. "You're right, Bridget. One step at a time. Still, it's exciting to think about the possibilities."
Juliet chimed in, "Besides, we need to make sure we have the right infrastructure and trained personnel to handle such complex systems."
Michael smiled, appreciating their practical perspectives. "That's why I'm glad to have both of you by my side. You keep me grounded and help turn these big ideas into achievable goals."
The waiter arrived with a professional smile, handing each of them a menu. "Good evening, welcome to Wolfgang Steakhouse. May I start you off with some drinks?"
Michael glanced at his companions before answering, "We'll stick with the wine for now. The bottle we have is excellent."
"Very well, sir," the waiter replied, bowing slightly. "I'll give you a few minutes to look over the menu."
As the waiter walked away, Michael opened his menu, scanning the options. "Everything here looks amazing and expensive but definitely worth it for a celebration like this. What are you both thinking of getting?"
Bridget glanced over her menu. "I'm leaning towards the filet mignon. I've heard it's one of the best in town."
Juliet nodded. "I'm thinking of trying the New York strip. I've had it here before, and it was fantastic."
Michael smiled. "I think I'll go for the ribeye. It's always a good choice."
The waiter returned, ready to take their orders. "Have you decided?"
Michael nodded. "Yes, I'll have the ribeye, medium rare."
Bridget followed, "I'll have the filet mignon, also medium rare, please."
Juliet closed her menu and handed it to the waiter. "I'll go with the New York strip, medium."
"Excellent choices," the waiter said, jotting down their orders. "Would you like any sides or appetizers to start with?"
Michael looked at the others, then back at the waiter. "Let's start with the seafood platter and some roasted vegetables for the table."
"Very good, sir. I'll be back shortly with your appetizers," the waiter said before leaving them to their conversation.
As they waited, Bridget brought up a recent development. "I was reviewing the feedback from the media session, and it's overwhelmingly positive. People are really excited about our naval projects. Some are even preaching us for bringing naval modernity to the Philippine Navy.
Though there are already efforts from the Philippine government to modernize the navy such as the Jose Rizal-class frigates, our projects seem to have ignited a new level of enthusiasm."
Juliet nodded. "That's great to hear. It's important that we keep the momentum going. Positive public perception will help us gain more support for future initiatives."
The waiter soon returned with their appetizers, placing the seafood platter and roasted vegetables in the center of the table. The aroma of fresh seafood and roasted vegetables filled the air, making their mouths water.
"Enjoy your appetizers," the waiter said, smiling as he left them for their meal.
Michael took a bite of a shrimp cocktail, savoring the flavor. "This is good."
Bridget tried the calamari, nodding in approval. "This is really good. Definitely worth the wait."
Juliet reached for a crab cake, her face lighting up as she tasted it. "For its price, this is really worth it. Some said that this is an overprice place, but I think it's justified given the quality."
Michael smiled, enjoying the atmosphere and the company. "I agree. Sometimes, you have to splurge a little to celebrate your hard work and achievements."
As they continued to enjoy their appetizers, the conversation turned to their personal lives. Bridget mentioned she was planning a short getaway to the beach. "I think we all need a break after these intense weeks. A few days of sun and sea would do wonders."
"Where? Boracay?" Juliet asked, her eyes lighting up at the idea.
Bridget nodded. "Yes, Boracay sounds perfect. I've been dying to relax on the beach and just unwind."
"Boracay…well I have never been there before," Michael admitted, looking intrigued. "I've heard so much about it. Maybe it's time I finally experience it."
Juliet's eyes widened. "You've never been to Boracay? Oh, you're in for a treat. It's one of the best beach destinations in the world."
"Yeah I heard," Michael chuckled.
Bridget smiled. "Then it's settled. Let's plan a trip to Boracay. How about two days from now?"
Michael nodded enthusiastically. "Two days from now sounds perfect. We can finalize the details tomorrow and make sure everything is set for a great trip."
Juliet grinned. "I'll handle the travel arrangements. Flights, hotel reservations, and a fun itinerary. Leave it to me."
Bridget raised her glass. "To our upcoming trip to Boracay and to many more celebrations of our successes!"
"To Boracay!" Michael and Juliet echoed, clinking their glasses with Bridget's.
The waiter returned with their main courses, placing each steak in front of them.
Michael cut into his ribeye, savoring the tender, juicy meat. "Delicious!"
Bridget nodded in agreement, enjoying her filet mignon. "Definitely worth the wait."
Juliet took a bite of her New York strip, nodding appreciatively.
Thirty minutes later, they finished their meal and billed out. The waiter arrived with the bill and showed it to Michael.
Michael perused the receipt and his eyes widened. "Twenty five thousand pesos?"
The waiter simply nodded, confirming the price.
Michael whistled. Although the price was cheap for him, it's still a huge amount to many Filipinos as it is worth more than the average monthly salary.
"Wish Antoneitte was here," Bridget said. "Well it can't be helped, she was doing something after the event. We will invite her tomorrow."