Celebrating the Festival of Lights in Cebu

Cebu’s A-listers gathered at the premier five-star hotel Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (MPPC) for a remarkable culinary journey to India in celebration of Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights.

One of the grandest holidays in India, Diwali is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year that signifies the victory of light over darkness.

The hotel’s colorful celebration was organized by its hardworking team headed by Marco Polo Hotels, Philippines area general manager Hans Hauri with the guidance of Diwali consultant Aditi Ahuja. Served at the hotel’s top-notch signature outlet Café Marco was an authentic Indian feast with delectable dishes such as chicken tikka masala, palak paneer with roti and naan bread, dal makhani and assorted Indian kebabs.

Meanwhile, traditional dances provided great entertainment for the guests while fun activities like rangoli coloring and diya painting were enjoyed by the kids.

Indeed, everyone was mesmerized with the splendid Festival of Lights celebration at Cebu City’s finest, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

All in the family

Japan-based global convenience store chain FamilyMart welcomed aspiring Pinoy entrepreneurs into its growing family with a franchise launch event held recently at the Grand Ballroom of the InterContinental Hotel in Makati City.

The world’s second largest convenience store chain introduced its family culture and unique brand of fun through speeches from its key executives and creative presentations that highlighted its franchise structure and mechanics. “The Philippines has a capacity for up to 10,000 convenience stores, which means that there is plenty of room for growth. This business is definitely a ‘sunrise’ business,” said Anton Huang, president of Philippine FamilyMart CVS Inc. The brand is planning to expand outside Metro Manila, targeting Cebu, Iloilo and Bacolod, by early 2015. 

Here’s a big welcome to FamilyMart!

Enjoying Minerva’s culinary expertise

Watching the members of the Catholic Women’s Club (CWC) rehearse for a lively dance number for the club’s annual ball was so exhilarating for the dancers and onlookers alike. On the last day of practice, Minerva Tanseco treated the CWC ladies and their professional dancing partners to her famous and seldom-done home cooking. 

The CWC Ball is a traditional annual fundraiser of the 93-year-old charitable organization.  Everyone had a satisfying and sumptuous breather with a taste of Minerva’s culinary expertise.

You’re such an angel, Minerva!

Double the joy

It’s true that friends make our lives a lot more fun. Aida Cobankiat and Linda Yu proved it when they had a joint birthday celebration at Tosca, Dusit Thani Manila’s elegant Italian restaurant.

An exquisite sit-down dinner plus a selection of fine wines helped perk — not that we needed it — everyone’s mood. Tosca is perfect for its chic ambiance, exceptional service, authentic Italian cuisine and premium spirits.

Thanks to Dusit Thani Manila’s general manager Alex Willats and communications director Shariza Relova for their personal touch!

Best regards always to Aida and Linda. These two lovely women really know how to throw a party!