A taste of good life

CEBU, Philippines- Man's basic need today goes beyond the usual food, water, shelter and clothing. In this modern age, some gadgets retailers say cell phone load and internet connection to the social media have been included in the list of basic needs.

My Chinese friends in the past observed that when income had increased the quality and quantity their families' food consumption also increased. Filipinos spent more on clothing, followed by food and drinks.

As people's incomes have since increased exponentially, those who can afford tend to aspire having multiple residences - a new symbol of the good life.

I recently received an invitation to a cocktail party sponsored by the Filinvest Alabang Inc. at the Bellini Champagne Lounge and Bar to promote the Serulyan Seacapes Mactan, soon to rise at the Seascape Resort Town, home to Filinvest's Crimson Resort and Spa.

I met Sales Director Marivic Secretaria who ordered a glass of wine and some canapés like the Oatmeal Cookies, Freshly Baked Breads & Grissini (breadstick) with Mixed Pesto & Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Homemade Corn Chips with Salsa. Marivic gave inputs on the Serulyan project ("Serulyan" is Latin for "heaven" or "sky"). She said it focuses on high-end real estate development at the Seascape Resort Town, the vision being to have only six towers in the two hectare garden property.

More glasses of wine were offered and new canapés were served -  the Parmigiana Square with Parmesan, Mozarella & Pomodoro Tomatoes, Savory Tartlets with Bacon Bits, Melted Cheese & Freshly Sautéed Mushrooms, the Mini Chocolate Cake and a Freshly Baked Pizza. By the way, Pomodoro Tomatoes means "golden orb," the appearance of ripe tomatoes. In Italy, tomatoes are classified into "da salsa" and "insalataro" types. The former are made into sauce while the latter are eaten as salad.

Area Sales Head Amy Salgados did a multimedia presentation on the concept of garden resort-like living at the Serulyan Seacapes Mactan: that each floor will have only six residential units; that the serviced apartments in Tower One will be built first followed by Tower Two, which will house the residential units. I wondered - if I had the budget - where to buy a unit, whether at Tower One or Tower Two. But, excuse me, it was a big "if" and big "budget" too.

Then, the final "amuse-bouche" was served - the Panzerrotti with Spinach, Cream Cheese and Sweet Onions. In Italy, these are the small siblings of Calzone or close pizza, but to me it looks like our empanada, which is always a comfort food to me since it once contained my hunger as an impoverished UP student in Diliman a long time ago. Since then, with no exponential income growth, I am satisfied with whatever growth I get!