MANILA, Philippines - Everything was indubitably impressive when Hayden Kho Jr. launched the 13 scents of his eponymous line of cologne collection. The celebrity-studded party, held at Nuvo in Greenbelt, Makati, saw an interesting mix of guests — from high society VIPs to showbiz celebrities and media personalities.
Much to the surprise of many, Hayden recently shifted gears — from modeling and medicine — and reinvented himself as a businessman. He turned into a budding fragrance creator with his signature scents called “Hayden.”
The new business enterprise captures Hayden’s deep passion for fragrances, which is unknown perhaps even to those who are close to him. “I have always loved fragrances and I’m very intrigued by their enigmatic effect on people,” said Hayden, thrilled to be finally pursuing this interest.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Vicki Belo once again showed her all-out support to Hayden by being his business partner in his cologne line. Meanwhile, Hayden’s mentor is marketing consultant Greg Banzon, who helped him out in this business endeavor.
The French-themed party was conceptualized by events specialist Jojie Dingcong, with Jackie Aquino as show director. Florist Robert Blancaflor adorned the venue with fresh blooms.
Corporate PR maven Leah Salterio helped spread the buzz to the print and broadcast media.
Hayden, dashing in his off-white tux by Randy Ortiz, made a jaw-dropping entrance in a makeshift floral canopy that slowly inched its way toward the center of the stage. Sea Princess Tessa Prieto-Valdes hosted the event.
French perfume creator Arnaud Roche of the Takasago Creation Center in Paris flew in from France for the launch. He and fellow international perfumer Yves Tanguy of the Osmotheque International Conservatory of Perfumes in Versailles developed the “Hayden” scents.
Hayden insists his cologne is not a celebrity brand. With 13 different scents for male and female, the collection is sure to have a particular fragrance that will suit every individual, making it different from the growing number of perfumes launched by stars and designers.
Young actor Matteo Guidicelli performed his rendition of Josh Groban’s signature hit You Raise Me Up. Meanwhile, the men were all agog over the performance of Solenn Heussaff and her interpretation of the French classics Quelqu’un M’a Dit by Carla Bruni and Mon Mec a Moi by Patricia Kaas.
As the French would say, “Magnifique,” to describe both singers.
At the launch, Nuvo owner Louie Ysmael made sure the guests were comfortable in his resto-bar. Everyone enjoyed the yummy pass-around hors ’oeuvres and overflowing champagne throughout the night.
Spotted in the party were French Ambassador Thierry Borja de Mozota, Don Anton Roxas, Conchita Toda, Maricris and Iñigo Zobel, business executive Louis Paul Heussaff, interior designer sisters Ivy and Cynthia Almario, Andrew Gan, Dr. Glenn Carandang, and advertising’s power couple Luigi and Lorna Tabuena.
Also in attendance were businessman Atom Henares, Magic 89.9’s DJ Angelika Cruz, designer Frederick Peralta, Flawless owner Rubby Sy, immigration lawyer Michael Gurfinkel and wife Millie, feng shui expert Jeffrey Ventura, creative business gals Glenna Guidicelli and Iris Arcenas, Lianne Bautista, Laly Etroit, Miss USA Lynette Cole, Mons Romulo-Tantoco, Anton San Diego, news personalities Dyan Castillejo and Cito Beltran, actress Anne Curtis with boyfriend Erwan Heussaff, Dingdong Dantes, Matteo Guidicelli, Paolo Paraiso, TV hosts Pia Guanio, Phoemela Barranda, Toni Rose Gayda, movie mogul Lily Monteverde, talent manager Girlie Rodis, Eddie Gutierrez, Annabelle Rama and sons Richard and Raymond Gutierrez, Flawless endorser and Magkaribal actor Edward Mendez, theater actors Marco Manalac and JM Rodriguez, singer Chris Cayzer, and music couple Raul and Cacai Mitra. Hayden’s immediate family was also present to extend their moral support to his first business salvo.
Guests went home with their own bottle of “Hayden” cologne, elegantly boxed and wrapped, making it a perfect gift to anyone who loves a great scent.
The 13 colognes are available in shops and kiosks at SM Makati, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, Bacoor, Bicutan, and at Glorietta 3, TriNoma Mall, soon to open at SM Manila, Marquee Mall in Pampanga, SM Fairview and SM Marikina.
For orders and inquiries, call 570-7798, e-mail info@haydentm.com or visit the website at www.haydenfragrances.com, Twitter at hayden_paris or Facebook account.