Jay Liong-Gokongwei, , the lovely wife of Lance Gokongwei, led the opening ceremonies. Joining her were the hotel group’s F&B sales director Margie Ongshu and resident manager Estela Sanchez.
Guests enjoyed a shower of fragrant, colorful rose petals and bubbles under a lovely canopy of linens and red roses designed by Joyce Aguilar’s 2171 Floral Creations in the hotel’s Atrium.
The exhibit at the hotel’s Manansala Hall featured all bride and deb’s must-haves like cakes, gown designs, photo and video needs, souvenir and invitation services, and honeymoon destinations. A special display in the hotel driveway showed the latest BMW sedan decorated as a luxurious bridal car with fresh white roses.
Highlights of this affair were two unique fashion shows. The first was the first-of-a-kind Bed & Bath Fashion Show. This intimate, by-invitation event featured a complete home display by Interior Design Options, Crabtree & Evelyn and kasal.com. It showcased a bedroom, sala and bathroom complete with American Standard’s latest triangular bathtub model. Three beautiful ladies and three finely chiseled male models sashayed in the latest apparel from TopShop, sporting a fresh look compliments of David’s Salon. Instead of the usual catwalk, director Ricci Reyes-Ang opted to weave a 30-minute fashion-romance show that tells the tale of shower parties, despedida de solteras, and honeymoon night.
The second evening featured gowns, gowns and more gowns by the country’s leading designers. In a beautiful setup at the hotel’s Atrium and extending to Robinsons Galleria Mall, hotel guests and mall-goers enjoyed beautiful gowns of tulle, satin and lace.
Eliciting praises were designs by Frederick Peralta; Jojie Lloren; Randy Ortiz; Eddie Baddeo; Mel Vergel de Dios; H/T Brides and Grooms; Peter Lim; Fanny Serrano; and Edwin Uy. The crowd was pleased with Peralta’s unique version of a bridal bouquet–an adorable pet poodle, which drew many "ooohs" and "aaahs." Equally lovely designs also came from Joel Bautista; Cecilio Bertumen; Susie Bonaobra; Millet Guinto; and Ruel Rivera.
Adding to the intimate ambiance were two wedding songs impeccably rendered by acclaimed tenor Nolyn Cabahug.
Our cheers go to the Manila Galleria Suites for holding another successful bride and deb fair!
To lovers of wine, however, Xanadu does exist–in the southwest corner of Australia. The real Xanadu is the home not of a warring conqueror but of a region’s most respected vineyard.
Xanadu Wines were among the exciting features presented by Bacchus International in a wine dinner at Makati’s Aqua Restaurant. Aside from Xanadu, the wine lovers also tasted samples from two New World vineyards, Springfield Estate and Rupert & Rothschild, both from South Africa.
What made the dinner special was the presence of the vineyard owners themselves. Conor Lagan, owner of Xanadu Vineyards, graced the affair. Jeanette Bruwer, owner of Springfield Estate, and Jannik Von Freiesleben, export representative of Rupert & Rothschild flew in, too! Each of the distinguished vintners spoke passionately about their wines and their vineyards.
Aqua’s chef Marcus Gfeller prepared an impressive six-course menu that brought out the best in the wines. Springfield Estate’s 2002 Sauvignon Blanc and 2000 Wholeberry Cabernet Sauvignon blended perfectly with the Squid Salad and Duck Symphony, respectively. So did Xanadu’s 2001 Chardonnay with the Rock Lobster and Corn Emulsion. On the other hand, Rupert & Rothschild’s Baron Edmond, a Bordeaux-style blend, was paired with Two Angus Beef.
The guests were amazed at how elegant, balanced and arousing the wines were! We were pleasantly surprised to find that New World wines, although young and recently developed, possess as much finesse and sensuality as those from Bordeaux and other traditional wine making regions. These concoctions have their own style that reminds one of the idyll and dreaminess of paradise!
Happy birthday to our celebrators today, PLDT’s Marietta Santos, Irene Marcos Araneta, Judge Herminia Lucas and Marnie Santiago Litton.
Advanced birthday greetings to golfer Bolo Tuason, Sept. 16; singer and composer Aiza Seguerra, FCCP’s Toti Fernandez and restaurateur Larry Cruz, Sept. 17; Peping Cojuangco, Sept. 19; philanthropist and papal awardee Imelda "Meldyco" Cojuangco, Maridol Mabanta and Tony Carag, Sept. 20; Steve Psinakis, Marilou Guingona and Baby Paterno, Sept. 21.
Happy wedding anniversary to my son EJ and daughter-in-law Tess Aguado-Litton, Sept. 17. May you both have many, many more years of wedded bliss.
So, how was your week?