Glam & glitz at Lifestyle Network launch

MANILA, Philippines - The glamour set of Los Angeles gathered last June 23 at the legendary Park Plaza Hotel in downtown L.A. for the grand launch of the newest television channel under the ABS-CBN International umbrella in the US West Coast.

The new channel, which went on air in April this year, is called Lifestyle Network and it promises to be the definitive channel for many viewers whose interests revolve around the four pillars of a well-balanced lifestyle — self, food, home and travel.

The party started with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. held at the hotel’s vast garden. The food was a fusion of Filipino-American cuisine prepared by Lem Balagot of the famous landmark LA Rose Café Hollywood and Chef Rudy Janeo Jr. of the Vegas-based Ventano Italian Grill. Guests had their fill of bottom mushroom adobo, acho pork tenderloin and smoked salmon pastrami rolls.

By 8 p.m., guests were ushered into a huge ballroom where the centerpiece attraction of the event, the official launch of the Lifestyle Network was heralded by a fashion show featuring the works of two L.A.-based designers: Jay Nicolas-Sario of Project Runway fame and Alexis Monsanto, whose opulent collection recalled the decadent ’20s. The signature dresses by famous designers Michael Cinco and Furne One were exhibited in an elaborate installation featuring live mannequins before the main fashion show.

KTLA news anchor Cher Calvin, who recalled that she started her career in media as one of the hosts of the defunct lifestyle show F on ABS-CBN in Manila, hosted the hour-long extravaganza which also featured powerhouse performances by The Voice finalist Cheesa and YouTube sensation Crywolffs!

Celebrities spotted at the event included apl.de.ap of the Black-Eyed Peas, Fritz Freidman of Sony Pictures, TV host and model Vanessa Minnillo, Chef Cecilia De Castro, Kaya Jones of the burlesque group Pussycat Dolls, actor Bernardo Bernardo, Fox News anchors Maria Quiban and Bob de Castro, former beauty queen Anjanette Abayari and Consul General Maria Hellen Barber de la Vega.

“The programs that you will find in Lifestyle Network are very much aligned to the passions of Filipinos living in America,” said Olivia De Jesus, the managing director of ABS-CBN North America. “We’re out to fulfill your passions and make you realize your dreams. This is a major milestone in our 20 years of service to the Filipinos here in the US.”

Lifestyle Network is available on Channel 683 in Los Angeles, Channel 691 in San Diego and Channel 683 in Hawaii for all Time Warner Cable customers with existing subscriptions to The Filipino Channel.