For those sticklers who love to whip up dishes in the kitchen, Miele, Europe’s most prestigious and well-known manufacturer of domestic appliances, is that kitchen detail that is not to be missed.
The recent opening of its 180-sq. m. showroom at Pioneer was organized by distributor Focus Global, led by the alabaster-skinned beauty Lolita Sy and the low-profile businessman Stephen Sy. The well-attended party was truly as exclusive as the products showcased. A wide array of Miele’s award-winning appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances gave visitors a clear perspective of Miele’s 104-year history of continuous innovation and timeless designs.
The opening was graced by Miele managing director and co-proprietor Dr. Markus Miele, who flew in from Germany for the event. Also present were the dapper German Ambassador Herbert Jess and his lovely wife Micheline and Miele managing director for Southeast Asia Mario Miranda.
Prominent personalities in architecture and interior design led by Johnny Hubilla and architect Alfredo Weineke III were also aplenty. Other well-heeled guests included Charlie Rufino, Washington SyCip, Carlos and Melissa Elizalde, Marixi Prieto, James Go, Fred Borromeo, Evelyn Lim-Forbes, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Jose Mari and Mary Ann Chan. Guests were delighted with a whole leg of premium Iberico ham flown in by Stephen from Spain, and plenty of lip-smacking gourmet treats by Chef Jessie Sincioco of Le Soufflé. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening for all, as both Lolita and Stephen made sure that every little detail was in order!
Congratulations, Miele!
Store owner Alice Streegan-Cruz and Jana agreed that the latter’s masterpieces would glow even more when paired with various furniture sets at Borders. Guests and potential buyers had no difficulty trying to imagine their artwork behind their favorite couch at home.
Jana’s portraits of people, which are distinguished by haunting oval-shaped eyes, pursed unsmiling lips and serious expressions – which are sometimes uncertain and shy, other times wistful, and most of the time contemplative – reveal the depth of thought of the young artist and her keen awareness of human emotions. Her works Fire and Fingerpaint for instance, featured behind a contemporary bed made of Philippine mahogany and bamboo, unmasks an expression of helplessness in the faces of two boys who are both alone and contemplating about life – a kind of vulnerability we often show only amongst ourselves in the safety of our own bedrooms. Some bejeweled matrons were gushing over Blush, which is the epitome of feminine coquettishness right down to the arched brow and full red lips, and was given more character set above a cluster of heart-shaped candleholders and red candles. The impish grin of the first person in the Echoing Ego, among the young guests’ favorites, was teamed atop gold cones of metal-foiled Christmas trees of varying heights, revealing the lightheartedness, wit and retained childish humor of the artist who just turned 18 last Nov. 24. Meanwhile, the defined curlicues, colors and swirls of Whys placed on a plain white wall and partnered with a wooden chest of elegant drawers illustrates the discipline and sheer talent of Jana.
Congratulations, dear talented Jana!
Advance birthday greetings to megastar Sharon Cuneta Pangilinan and Cesar Gaupo, Jan. 6; Dish’s Tess Litton, Rose Teodoro, Celadon’s Thelina Nuval, Don Enrique Zobel, Apa Ongpin and Tootsie Eduque-Marco, Jan. 7; Dr. Jaime Laya and Benjamin Yap, Jan. 8.
Greetings to Dr. Floria David-Velasquez, former dean of the MCU College of Medicine, who celebrated recently her 90th birthday.
Her six children, Ernesto Velasquez, Erlinda Sto. Domingo, Patricia Ramos, Isidro Velasquez Jr., Marilen Versaggi and Maria Regina Espinosa were all present to help her welcome the guests.
Multi-awarded Dr. David-Velasquez holds the rare distinction of being the only woman in Asia to receive the Honorary Oblate Award of Mary Immaculate (OMI), a world-renowned religious congregation.
Happy wedding anniversary to Paing and Mely Hechanova, Jan. 9. May you both have many, many more years of wedded bliss.
So, how was your week?
(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)