Town and Country launch at the Shangri-La Mactan

The Marquee of the Shangri-La’s Mactan  Resort and Spa, a magical haven for all reasons and seasons, was the place to be one magnificent evening.

The cocktail reception formally launched the latest must-read glossy magazine Town and Country for the Cebuano movers and shakers, trendsetters, and ladies of leisure.

The magazine’s likeable editor, Monique Villonco, together with editor at large Mia Borromeo, fashion and beauty director Rorie Carlos and associate publisher Tara Santos warmly welcomed guests as they arrived.

Cebu’s very own Mary Anne Arculli, a fifth generation Aboitiz, is the cover story. She candidly talks about family values, her work and business, that of property development, and her involvement in the family philanthropic work.

Also featured in a seven page spread is the beautiful seaside sanctuary of Jon Aboitiz and his wife Chary Vellguth Aboitiz in San Remegio.

The Marquee was artistically draped in white flowing fabric. Herve Lampert and Maritess Gonzalez exhibited their exquisite Dedon furniture while much sought after landscaper Jaime Chua brought in his nine feet high bamboo plants that were strategically placed. Popular florist Pinky Chang graciously lent her beautiful crystal chandeliers that softly illuminated the gourmet stations.

Event planner and interior decorator par excellance Teresin Mendezona once again masterfully put everything together.

Celebrating the event was Mary Anne’s proud parents, Annie Osmeña Aboitiz and Louis Aboitiz, and her ever supportive husband, Derek, who brought along their petite daughter Jasmine.

The evening’s celebration was hosted by Summit Media together with Landco’s Monterrazas de Cebu represented by senior vice president for sales and marketing Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, EVP and COO Francis Ceballos, and sales and marketing head for the Visayas and Mindanao Shella Sarmiento.  Judith Go and Babette Peña of Citibank and Shangri-La’s new GM Raymund Bragg and his wife Susan were also in attendance.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu City First Lady Margot Osmeña and Turkey’s Consul General Leontina Benedicto took time out from their busy schedules to grace the affair. Visible society people included Michel and Amparito Lhuillier, Carmen Campbell, Josephine Booth, Edna Diago Lhuillier who came with children Angie and Martin Miranda, fashion designers Arcy Gayatin and Philip Rodriguez, the simpatico Marco Protacio, GM of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, architect Tessie Javier, philanthropist Mariquita Yeung, Michael and Rose Hennessy, and businessman Efrain Pelaez.

The younger set of southern belles who attended the affair were Melanie Ediza, Jaja Chiongbian Rama, Bea Villegas, Christine Pelaez, Iris Arcenas, Candice Gotianuy and Alice Fernandez.

It was a wonderful gathering of beautiful party people who turned out en masse to welcome Town and Country into the community.