Book on Philippine gardens launched in New York

Lily Gamboa-O-Boyle, one of the most accomplished Filipinos in New York, a philanthropist and an advocate of environmental causes, recently held the successful launch of her book In the Gardens of the Philippines.

The coffeetable book is an invitation into more than 40 of the Philippines’ most breathtaking gardens, captured in richly colored photographs.

Lily presented In the Gardens of the Philippines to horticultural enthusiasts and garden book lovers in a series of launchings held in New York. The first was at a benefit event hosted by the Horticultural Society of New York. Over a hundred garden lovers listened to Lily’s knowledgeable lecture on exotic Philippine flora. Each of them went away with a copy of the book, plus a bottle of sampaguita oil for the women or patchouli for the men.

At the Asia Society in New York, a confident Lily, donned in an elegant Patis Tesoro baro’t saya, also delivered a lecture on the botanical treasures of the Philippines. Gracing the event were Asia Society president and former Ambassador to the Philippines Nicholas Platt with wife Sheila Platt, celebrated garden author Mary Jane Poole, members of the President’s Circle of the Asia Society and members of the Garden Patrons Council of the New York Botanical Garden.

* * * Landmarks Of Elegance

I don’t know about you, but there’s something about the fall and winter seasons that’s truly sensual and enticing. There’s no better way to keep warm than to kiss, hug and snuggle in bed!

So when news came that Escada and Laurel would introduce their fall/winter fashions, we simply tingled with anticipation. We had a vision of luxurious clothes that seemed to embrace the body and sensuous fabrics that tease a man’s curiosity.

That’s just what we saw and more. A throng of well-wishers, friends and Escada clients gathered at the newly renovated Escada shop and the first Philippine outlet of Laurel, both located at the third level of Shangri-la Plaza in Mandaluyong. Leading the ribbon-cutting of both stores were German Ambassador Herbert Jess, French Ambassador Renee Veyret, Escada sales director for Asia Monique Henrich, Tom Zita of Shangri-La Plaza, Johnlu Koa of The French Baker, Escada-Manila GM Marilou Peña-Koa, and Gloria Angara.

In their smartly tailored attire, guests then proceeded to the Atrium for a sample of the cocktail buffet. Cibo and The French Baker collaborated to produce a lavish feast of canapés, patisserie and roast suckling pig. As we sipped our wines, refreshing model Bianca Valerio (now there’s a girl any man would want to spend winter with) interviewed guests, among them Aurora Pijuan, Bea Lucero-Lhuillier, Cathay Pacific assistant country manager Susanna Lie, Resti Reyes of Carat Philippines and Philips Consumer electronics GM Philip Trapaga.

The show itself began soon enough, The runway almost trembled under the extravagant weight of the fur, lace and classy denim. The clothes themselves were elegantly chic without being dull or predictable. But guess what my favorite part was? When the models sat on one side of the stage in nothing but lacy, golden Escada undies and lingerie. It was simply the perfect bedroom attraction in mid-winter.

Our compliments to Escada and Laurel for a wonderful launch of their collections.