Honoring in style

CEBU, Philippines - When my former student Anne Chan-Climaco sent me the e-invite, I promptly confirmed as it looked like a gourmet get-together with my long-time friends far and near in the travel trade. It sounded cozy and tony.  And indeed it turned out to be just so – in the cool cellar of The Tinder Box in Banilad.

A wine-pairing lunch awaited us with accompanying comments and teaching prompts from the in-house sommelier. Learning the color and aromas of a Cabernet Shiraz, as against the fruity flavors of the golden Chardonnay made the midday repast exciting and interesting.

Soup was Mild Cappucino with Parmesan Cinnamon Biscuit – a quaint Old World concoction, followed by the Crispy Spicy Calamari, Prawns & Watermelon Salad with Japanese Dressing – a fusion cuisine. Main course came with wine:  US Certified Premium Angus Beef Tenderloin w/a Trio of Mashed Potato in Chocolate Port Wine Sauce, paired with Taylor’s Promised Land Cabernet Shiraz. Quite a combination: a full bodied red for a generous chunk of well prepared steak. The other choice was Sea Bass with Purple Yam Maltaise and Shiitake Confit in Chablis Red Beets, accompanied by the mildly bracing citrus/nectarine flavors of the Tahuna Chardonnay.

We were as much buoyed up along with the wines by the banter among Delta Cebu staff – Anne, Jessica, Lani, Jji and Cora, and the Manila guests: Interpacific Transit, Inc. GM Gina Q. Campos (Delta General Sales Agent) and Delta Sales & Marketing Communications Manager for Australia, Micronesia & the Philippines Patricia Celis.

GM Gina shared in her short talk that there has been a 50% increase in volume of sales from 2011 to 2012.  This can be due to Delta’s sterling reputation as the airline “with the least cancellations among other carriers in the US.”  Ms. Campos also mentioned the staggering US$3 billion investment, which started in 2010 through to 2015, “enhancing passenger experience in the air and on the ground by upgrading airport facilities, products, services and technology.” Most important of all, Delta is teaming up with Philippine Airlines to come up with a seamless direct flight from Cebu through Narita/Tokyo to Mainland USA. Tie-up is also worked out with Korean Air for a direct Cebu to the US route. Bravo!  (FREEMAN)