The flavorful treasures of Spain

“Nothing limits achievement like small thinking; nothing expands possibilities like unleashed imagination.”  — William Arthur Ward

Cebu’s high society and prominent personalities from different sectors recently experienced the best offerings of Spain with the grand Sabores de España festival at the five-star Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (MPPC) in Cebu City led by the brilliant GM Hans Hauri. The much-loved culinary journey was held simultaneously at the hotel’s topnotch dining outlets — the Lobby Lounge, El Viento Restaurant and BLU Bar & Grill and the award-winning Café Marco. The festival officially opened with the ceremonial slicing of the Jamon Serrano led by Spanish Ambassador Jorge Domecq, Cebu’s foremost authority on Spanish culinary tradition guest chef Gema Luisa Pido, MPPC resident manager Julie Najar and executive chef Luke Gagnon. The splendid affair had guests enjoying the bountiful Spanish feast, scintillating wines and superb musical entertainment!

Salud!

A magical celebration

Anna Sobrepeña (left) with Metrobank chairman George Ty and wife Mary.

They could have chosen to see the magical Varekai performance on any other night but Manila’s A-listers recently braved the strong rains to take part in a milestone event — the 24th anniversary celebration of Lifestyle Asia, a publication of the Mega Publishing Group. Lovely and hardworking editor-in-chief Anna Sobrepeña graciously treated prominent personalities to delectable cocktails and good company at the VIP area adjoining the performance venue. The affair also kicked off the countdown to the magazine’s 25th anniversary. For every month leading to the occasion, the publication will support and contribute to different charitable, environmental and education development efforts.

Happy anniversary, Lifestyle Asia and more power!

GREETINGS

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, the energetic and dynamic CCA Philippines president Arthur Lopez, Teresita Briones, Marixi Prieto and Isabela’s Sid del Rosario.

Advance birthday greetings to George Yang, Ding Marcelo and Marge Francia, Sept. 12; Letty Jimenez Magsanoc, Dr. Amelou Benitez Reyes, Pam Litton, Consul Mina Gabor, Old Asia’s Pachot Mapa, Sonia Mathay, Sen. Bongbong Marcos and Ces Gahuman, Sept. 13; former Sen. Santanina Rasul, Sept. 14; Marietta Santos and Marnee Santiago Litton, Sept. 15; FURNitalia managing director Florence Ko, golfer Bolo Tuason and Irene Marcos-Araneta. Sept. 16; singer and composer Aiza Seguerra, Toti Fernandez and People Asia’s Beth Mendoza, Sept. 17.

Belated birthday greetings to Ateneo basketball team manager Paolo Trillo, Sept. 8.

So, how was your week?

(For comments or inquiries,  please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)