We are talking about the Magical Colours of Charriol World, the gala dinner fashion show held at the Makati Shangri-La to launch a new line of leather handbags designed by Coralie Charriol, and also the 2002 collection of Charriol watches and jewelry.
The Rizal ballroom featured a billowy white canopy straight out of the Arabian Nights. Venetian carnival figures dangling from the ceiling added an Italian touch. It was joyous, near-theatrical event with magicians, mime artists, stilt-walkers and acrobats all doing their thing.
Cleverly woven into all the fun and gaiety was the presentation of the six leather handbags. And Charriol would not be Charriol if they did not have bags in exuberant colors.
As the models brandished the handbags on the catwalk, it was quickly obvious—judging by the looks of the high-society set present—that the bags had easily become must-have accessories if one wanted to be noticed at Rockwell, Glorietta or Greenbelt.
Praises were heaped on Makati Shangri-La’s newly installed American executive chef Chris Romine for the sumptuous food. Many of the discerning guests extolled the fare as the best they’ve ever partaken of in a Philippine hotel ballroom.
Attending to the guests with a characteristic twinkle in his eyes was Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco, chairman of the Rustan Group of Companies. At 81, Ambassador Tantoco shows no signs of giving up his fast-paced lifestyle. Having just arrived back from Morocco, he was off soon after the affair for business trips, first to LA and then to Finland.
One of the night’s pleasant surprises was the presence of guests of honor, First Brother Arthur Macapagal and his charming wife Mariter. This was a rare sighting of the low-key couple at a social event, and their presence certainly added even more spirit to the occasion.
Senate President Frank Drilon welcomed a break from the stress and strain of being the number three official in the land. With him was Senate Majority Leader Loren Legarda-Leviste, inarguably the most stylish lawmaker in the land, and the extremely sociable Sen. Jun Magsaysay.
Speaker Joe de Venecia was waylaid by affairs of state, but his bubbly wife Gina, on a break from her own busy program of civic projects, more than compensated with her presence.
Other guests included glamorous Rose Marie "Baby" Arenas who was bombarded with questions if she was bringing hot Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli for a September date in Manila.
Baby coyly diverted the queries to Italy’s engaging Ambassador Umberto Colesanti and his charming wife Clara.
As we left after a night when all the senses had been amply nourished and satisfied, we couldn’t help marvelling about the new Charriol handbags being the new ensemble de jour.
Top jeweler Helen Ong, meanwhile, hosted a spectacular luncheon for her friends at the Club’s Taipan restaurant. Among those who partook of Helen’s specially prepared feast were the graceful Imelda Cojuangco; Mellie Ablaza; and Nene Leonor, among others.
Taipan chef Cheong Kwan Leong prepared a grand selection of dimsum delicacies and other mouth-watering dishes that went beyond Helen’s and the guests’ expectations.
The Tower Club shifts into high gear on Saturdays with incomparable treats.
For starters, the Baron’s Bar offers Happy Hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., practically a whole happy day for Club members! Buy one cocktail or any non-alcoholic beverage and you get another drink free with complimentary canapés.
At lunch, the Taipan restaurant serves excellent Chinese cuisine and the tastiest dimsums in town.
And for dinner, there’s an offer that’s hard to resist at the Continental. A Tower Club member who hosts a Saturday dinner group of at least four persons here will get his or her own dinner free! Come with a group of eight and two meals are on the Club. Come with a group of 12 and you get three dinners free (and so on).
Make your reservations now by calling tel. no. (02) 8857085 and enjoy this Saturday night special only at the Tower Club.
Advanced birthday greetings to Placido Mapa, June 24; Mandy Ledesma and Yvette Lopez, June 25; Mel Mathay, Edwin Feist and Beth Cristobal, June 26; Luisito Perez, James Litton, Jojo Gallego, Patrick Galves and Zeny Cabral, June 27; Carmela Ledesma and Anna Palabyab, June 28; ABS-CBN’s Pat Daza-Planas, June 29.
Congratulations to newlyweds Dingdong and Lea (nee Gallardo) del Rosario, June 22.
So, how was your week?
(For comments and suggestions e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)