With love from Austria

“The best proof of love is trust.” – Joyce Brothers

A love made to last forever best describes the story of beautiful couple Ela Payumo and Max Stricker as they exchanged wedding vows twice amidst the picturesque Austrian Alps.

The couple, dressed in traditional Austrian costumes, had an intimate civil wedding in the scenic village of Filzmoos. The momentous event was attended by their families. A Medieval chapel in the enchanting town of Schladming was the venue for the church wedding, with the handsome groom dressed in a finely made barong Tagalog and the radiant bride in an exquisitely designed gown made by Lusan Mandongus. Sharing this joyous occasion with the pair were their families led by parents Felicito “Tong” and Daisy Payumo and Ewald and Helga Stricker and closest friends who flew in from London and Manila.

Congratulations Max and Ela! Here’s to more blissful wedded years!

A guide to dining

All the elements for a delightful evening fell into place as the Philippine Tatler’s Best Restaurants Guide (BRG) for 2013 was launched at Solaire Resort & Casino’s beautiful Italian restaurant, Finestra. 

Now on its 10th year, the BRG is the most prestigious and comprehensive guide to fine dining in the country. The magazine’s managing director Irene Martel-Francisco, editor-in-chief Anton San Diego and editor-at-large Mia Borromeo welcomed over 200 A-list guests that included restaurant owners, chefs, gourmets and gourmands.

Major partners for the BRG Charity Week were present — Visa, represented by its country manager, Iain Jamieson and marketing director Agnes Padilla and San Miguel Brewery led by vice president and national sales manager Debbie Namalata and her team.

Solaire management led by its COO Michael French, vice president for operations and general manager Adrian Ort and communications and public relations director Joy Wassmer prepared an impressive spread: a buffet laden with 20 different cheeses with condiments as well as sumptuous canapés and superb wines plus an array of Italian digestifs and liqueurs. 

The BRG Charity Week, an annual fund-raising event of the magazine, listed the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines as this year’s beneficiary. 

Congratulations!