Hello hivers!! After finishing our first prelim exams, my classmates and I decided to treat ourselves. It was a tiring week full of late night reviews, endless notes, and coffee cups. Our brains felt so full that we just needed a little break something to help us relax and enjoy after all the stress. So, we agreed to go to Mang Inasal right after our last exam.
We didn’t even wait long. As soon as we submitted our test papers, everyone was smiling again. Some of us were unsure if we did well, while others felt confident, but we all shared the same thought we deserve this break. So, we packed up our bags, left the school together, and headed straight to Mang Inasal.
When we arrived, the smell of grilled chicken welcomed us. It instantly made us feel hungry and excited. The place was busy but warm, filled with people chatting and laughing. We found a nice spot where we could all sit together, and we already felt relaxed the moment we sat down.
Most of us ordered the same thing the famous chicken inasal with unli rice! We were all so hungry that just waiting for our orders made our stomachs growl. While waiting, we talked about our exam experience. Some of us laughed about the questions we didn’t understand, while others shared funny moments that happened during the test. It felt nice to talk and laugh again after so many days of pressure.
When the food arrived, everyone’s faces lit up. The grilled chicken looked and smelled so delicious, and the rice was hot and fluffy. We poured some soy sauce, calamansi, and chili to make it taste even better. The first bite was heaven juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. We were all silent for a few seconds, just enjoying our meal.
It’s funny how food can make you feel better instantly. Every bite felt like a reward for all the sleepless nights and long study hours. We even joked that Mang Inasal should be our “official post-exam restaurant.” We laughed so hard that other customers nearby smiled at us too.
After finishing our first serving, some of my friends went for their second and third cups of rice. We teased each other, saying we were eating our stress away. The staff was friendly and quick, and they even smiled seeing how much fun we were having. The atmosphere was light and happy it was exactly what we needed.
Aside from the food, what made that moment special was the company. Sitting there with my classmates, I realized how lucky I was to have them. We’ve been through the same struggles reviewing, worrying, and supporting each other through the exams. It wasn’t just about eating together; it was about celebrating our efforts, no matter the results.
We talked about our answers again and tried to guess our grades, but we all agreed not to stress too much. We told ourselves that what’s done is done, and that we gave our best. We deserved to rest, smile, and enjoy the moment.
After finishing our meals, we stayed a bit longer just to talk and laugh. We took some pictures together to remember the day. Everyone looked happy and relaxed it felt like all the pressure from exams just disappeared. Some of my friends ordered halo-halo and drinks, while others were just content watching and chatting.
Before we left, we thanked the staff and cleaned up our table. It felt so nice to step out with full stomachs and light hearts. The sun was starting to set when we walked outside, and the weather was perfect warm but calm. We walked together for a bit, still laughing about random things and making plans for our next hangout.
That simple lunch at Mang Inasal became one of my favorite moments. It reminded me that no matter how busy or stressed we get, it’s important to take a break and enjoy small things with people who make us happy. Exams are part of student life, but so is celebrating and resting after them.
Even though we were not sure of our grades yet, we knew one thing for sure we earned that meal, and we deserved that little happiness. It was more than just food; it was a moment to breathe, laugh, and be thankful for surviving our first prelims together.
We may not know our scores yet, but we left Mang Inasal that day with full tummies and smiles on our faces. It was a simple but meaningful reminder that hard work always deserves a little reward even if it’s just chicken, rice, and laughter shared with good friends.