Yes, Ito Curata celebrated his birthday a dozen times with parties and dinners hosted by his numerous friends and clients. This fashion designer must have been the most sought-after ho-noree of the month, which goes to show how well liked he is.
I was happy to have been present for an elegant birthday dinner that was hosted by Ann and Rene Puno at the Tivoli in Mandarin Hotel with an intimate guest list. Though we were small in number, it was a fun evening highlighted by amusing stories of Ito’s recent trip abroad.
Ito was formerly California-based with a clientele that included many San Francisco socialites and Hollywooditie Sharon Stone. But since there is no place like home, the Batangas-raised Ito is now back in the Philippines and very much in demand for couture ball gowns and bridal wear.
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Jojo Zabarte is one of the nicest ladies in town and her holiday dinner was a time to enjoy the festive spirit. Everyone has just been busy, busy, busy, and despite the heavy traffic, it was worth the drive to be able to get together and catch up on everyone’s latest doings. With a groaning table and amusing chatter, we had to remind ourselves that it was time to call it a night.
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I just love passing by Joanna Preysler’s beautiful boutique in Greenbelt 5, Makati. And so when she invited us for cocktail hour to view the exotic skinned bags and accessories, I found like-minded ladies who wanted to see the latest items that come in a range of colors and designs — from basic black and muted colors to vibrant hues. The hardest part was choosing which design and shade would be a better choice.
The best news for holiday shoppers is that these bags are not only well made but are also well-priced for the quality of the skins that include crocodile, ostrich, and python without breaking the bank; especially when you factor in the longevity of being able to use and enjoy them for decades to come.
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For comments and ideas, please e-mail, jacinto.fa@gmail.com