The Pen’s lobby and upper lobby were eye-catchingly decked out with over 30,000 multicolored balloons and party-favors like hats and trumpets. The fun decor, however, did not diminish the hotel’s signature elegance, dahlings. The chairs and tables were dressed in white interspersed with luxurious fabrics in deep shades of blue, yellow, green and orange.
When the lights were turned on, voila! The resplendent colors reflected the pale marble, providing a truly festive scene for ushering in the Year of the Horse.
Cosmo Manille’s alta sociedad came in full hurricane force. They included hotshots from the world of politics, the chic diplomatic corps, culture and the arts, plus, plus.
Moi zoomed in on the beautiful Zubiri clan led by ultra glamorous Vicky Z., well-loved Bukidnon Gov. Joe Zubiri, their headturner daughters Stephanie and Bea who jetted in from San Francisco with her tall, handsome fiancé Scott Bannon, and one "Spice Boy" Rep. Miguel Zubiri. Other hot, hot social and economic pillars with solid reputations who were there were the Yuchengcos; Lopezes; Tiongsons; Arroyos; Tuasons; Iletos; Atienzas; Gavias; Villamayors; and Reyeses.
A constant fixture of the Pen, mega artist Marivic Rufino was smashing in her red outfit. Her husband, Central Bank Governor Rafael Buenaventura, accompanied her.
Clearly having a blast were Ambassador Theo Arnold of the Netherlands; former Gov. Eddie and Emy Rodriguez; former movie actress Maggie de la Riva and famille; Consul General of Dubai Conrad Coppell and his wife Lilo; the Ortegas; civic-oriented socialite Nini and businessman Abe Licaros; and Linea Italia’s Freddie Panicucci sporting his year-round golden tan.
The Pen’s new and already popular GM, tall and dashing David Batchelor and F&B director Larry Cowle, came with their nice wives, stunning Marilu B. and Eden C., respectively. They warmly welcomed the guests and made sure that everything went smoothly. It sure did, palanggas.
The dashing gentlemen and the women in their best ball gowns were such sights to behold. How refreshing to note that there wasn’t any "competition" over who could come up with the most blinding piece of jewelry. The ladies seemed to have almost unanimously chosen to complement their party looks with pearls of different soft shades. Red was the new black of the night (thank goodness!) although there were the usual loyalists in black numbers.
The partying crowd’s high energy on the constantly-packed dance floor proved that the excellently-prepared buffet dinner at The Lobby had satisfied everyone. Fresh oyster; marinated mussels; foie gras terrine; asparagus salad with walnuts and goats cheese; confit with sautéed mushrooms; Tandoori roast chicken; Thai crispy catfish with green mango; and peanuts were some of the appetizers. They were only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, palanggas.
One almost skipped the soup to try the main course of oven roast lamb rack; hot smoked salmon fillet; fricasseed shrimp; lobster and scallops; Goanese seafood curry; oven braised beef cheek on potato mash with roasted garlic; and shallors and pumpkin. These were just six of the 13 main course selections, dahlings. The guests feasted as well on the dessert, palanggas.
The Hotel’s Old Manila, Mi Piace, Spices and Nielsen’s restos were just as packed with guests.
The four swinging live bands played until the guests dropped from sheer exhaustion, or from too much booze. Nonoy Lopez and his band, Hyperbeat, Ilustra and the Hip 2 Soul kept all age brackets happy by belting out pieces from all musical eras.
Another New Year, another spectacular bash at The Peninsula Manila with guests hoping for another 12 months of health, safety and happiness while also giving thanks to the Lord for all His blessings.
The Peninsula Manila, palanggas, is managed by The Peninsula Group which operates luxury hotels in key gateways of Asia and the US. It is a division of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, Ltd. The Peninsula Group also includes The Peninsula Hong Kong; The Peninsula Bangkok; The Peninsula New York; The Peninsula Chicago; The Peninsula Beverly Hills; The Palace Hotel in Beijing; The Kowloon Hotel in Hong Kong; and Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club in Carmel, California, which together make The Peninsula one of the leading hotels of the world.
The grandioso Hyatt Hotel
The Grand Hyatt Hotel has even more to offer. Then, what meets the eye in this spread are the few amenities of the hotel. One can find and have all these during a vacation or a visit-trip in Hong Kong.
Enjoy your Chinese New Year, palanggas, with Grand Hyatt Hotel.
For inquiries or reservations, do call tel. nos. (852) 2588 1234; telefax (852) 2802 0677; or e-mail at info@grandhyatt.com.hk or www.hongkong.hyatt.com
Be happy, palanggas. See you.