The ladies who brunch gathered to welcome the yuletide season with the arrival of early birds Gina Aboitiz and Susie Quiros before the rest of the stylish set arrived in full force punctually at 11:30 a.m. Also spotted enjoying the festivities were sisters-in-law Sofia Zobel-Elizalde and Kit Zobel, who, together with Mia Borromeo, coincidentally all sported colorful floral lace appliqué tops of designer Joel Escober.
The holiday brunch paid tribute to the Philippine Tatler Homes lavish Luxe Issue featuring Dr. Aivee Teo and her family’s urban oasis of exceptional style and design. In partnership with Proscenium at Rockwell, the event was held at the exclusive Edades Tower and Garden Villas Function Room that was decked out in gorgeous red and gold accents.
Bubbly and red wine accompanied the delightful grazing table featuring an array of cheeses, crudités and charcuterie before everyone partook of the sumptuous brunch menu prepared by the country’s most beautiful chef, Happy Ongpauco-Tiu. Festively decorated food stations served up everything from a succulent roast porchetta to baked salmon, osso bucco stew, a selection of pasta and salads plus a unique hot chocolate with Smores dessert with a Luxe Coffee Bar by Nespresso.
As dessert was served, excitement built up for the much-awaited raffle following Philippine Tatler managing director Irene Martel Francisco’s warm welcome message. Tatler Homes editor Mia Borromeo hosted the program with many wonderful luxury prizes that were up for grabs, including Home Fragrance and Bath Sets from Jo Malone; state-of-the-art USB chargers by Sony; a perfumed Phoenix Candle from the Holiday Collection of Diptyque from Rustan’s The Beauty Source; and overnight executive suite stays at Aruga by Rockwell. Applause, laughter and cheers filled the room as the ladies’ names were called to claim their prizes.
Suspense continued before the last three major prizes were drawn to the delightful shrieks of the lucky winners:
Gemma Gemayel, who won a luxurious throw pillow from the Faubourg home collection by Hermès Maison; Frannie Jacinto, who took home a Nespresso Inissia coffee machine in festive red equipped with an ergonomic handle. Last but not least was Edna Chua, who was the happy winner of a Reflectology side table from the Caracole Classic Collection. This decorative table is one of the designs personally selected by LA-based interior designer Butch Valdez for Proscenium at Rockwell. On hand to present this beautiful prize was Linn Backman of Dexterton, exclusive distributor of Caracole in the Philippines.
The intimate and elegant Philippine Tatler Homes Holiday Brunch, now in its third year, proved to be one for the books. What a lovely way to celebrate this merry and bright season in style.
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