Hardworking Century Park Hotel General Manager Paul Gill looked sharp in black suit and red tie, as was Cigar Club President Barry Barker in a blue shirt. Barry displayed his usual warmth and wit to the delight of the guests. Also spotted rubbing shoulders with everyone was Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.
Thanks to the magnificent chefs of the Century Park Hotel, led by Sous Chef Rudy Velasco, the dinner was truly a scrumptious feast for all. Everyone enjoyed the wide assortment of Deluxe Cold Canapes, Open-faced Sandwiches of Smoked Salmon, Pastrami, Turkey Ham and Roast Beef, a mouthwatering variety of imported cheese to match the assorted bread and rolls served with Giant Sausages, Boiled Pork Knuckle with Sauerkraut, Whole Beef Tenderloin in Black Peppercorn Crust, Penne Al Pesto with Roquefort Cheese, and the Vegetable Medley.
The Tabacalera Cigars made by La Flora De La Isabela were very much appreciated by the cigar lovers of the group — Century Park Hotel corporate sales manager Mico Galo, International Food & Beverage Management President Ramon Pimentel, City Legal Officer Atty. Popoy Monsod, Manila Councilor Miles Roces, Jacqueline Castel and Bill "the Chief" McElligott of the US Defense Attache Office, Manila Tourism Director Dino Nable and the always charming Cheri Mercado of ABS-CBN.
Beauties also graced the event: Ms. Manila 2003 April Tanhueco and Ms. Chinatown 2003 Grace Lee, both of whom made the men break out into wide grins whenever they were near. There were some new faces to appear at the event: media friends such as Danny Ocampo of BusinessWorld, Atty. Rudy Romero of the Tribune, Dulce Saret of V Magazine and Frank Evaristo of Newsmakers. Bobby Joseph, one of the founding members of the US Embassy Cigar Club, made sure that everyone left the event satisfied.
Kudos to the US Embassy Cigar Club and the Century Park Hotel for a fantastic evening!
SOS organized this mammoth event along with the 2003 French Spring in Manila. Other associate sponsors included the French Embassy, Department of Tourism, Air France, Axantis Productions, Globe Telecom and Columbia Sales Corporation.
The contest, which ran for four months, received more than 1,571 entries from the world over. Fifty entries were shortlisted and given prizes for the sheer poetry they had captured on film. The contest was divided in two categories: the jury’s choice, in which 25 photos were chosen and ranked; and the project committee’s choice, aptly called the "coup de coer" as the photographs were especially heartrending.
The judges were an illustrious and distinguished panel. Heading it was the charming Ambassador of France Renee Veyret along with Frank Herbert, Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Fairs, Embassy of France, Cynthia Heussaff, director SOS Inc.; Jazmin Esguerra, officer in charge of the Bureau of International Tourism Promotions, DOT; Gemma Cruz Araneta, President of the Heritage Conservation Society; Mayenne Carmona, a well-known columnist for Philippine Star; George Tapan, acclaimed photographer; Jeremy Cliff, managing director of Shell Philippines; among others.
A coffee table book on the same theme and title is next on the cards. Selected photos of eminent photographers as well as some winning entries will be part of the book. The book is scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of 2004 coinciding with SOS Inc.’s 25th anniversary. All proceeds from the books will go to foundations focusing on health and education issues of women and children.
Indeed, a fitting tribute to the women of the Philippines!
Valspar Paints is America’s No. 1 paint brand, according to Consumer Reports Magazine’s July 2002 issue. This top-of-the-line paint is quality guaranteed and is lead-free, leaving homes beautifully protected and safe. ClosetMaid, the authority in America’s homes for storage solutions, offers products such as shelves, racks, and organizers for homemakers who want to maximize their space and keep their homes clutter-free. The Con-tact brand of shelf liners offers surface protection for shelves and drawers with its shelf and grip liners while adding creativity and style with a number of designs to choose from. In plumbing, the Harvey brand has been one of America’s trusted names since 1944. Founded by a professional plumber, William H. Harvey Sr., the brand offers a wide range of quality plumbing materials that are reasonably priced.
Since its establishment in 1847, Orgill Inc. has introduced ingenious ideas to the industry, such as putting up the first single story warehouses and a B2B Web site featuring the E-Dropship ordering system. Orgill products are sourced from prime manufacturers worldwide and are available at prices up to 30 percent lower than US national brands. Orgill carries more than 70,000 products in hand and power tools, hardware, paint, home improvement, plumbing, electrical, houseware, home furnishings, lumber, building materials, sporting goods, and automotive and office supplies.
Federal Hardware offers comforts and conveniences to shoppers unavailable from other hardware outlets: a wide array of top-of-the-line products suited for various construction needs. The store also offers fully air-conditioned facilities, ample parking, a friendly and knowledgeable sales staff, and an organized and convenient store layout.
Federal Hardware’s flagship store is located along Chino Roces Ave. (formerly Pasong Tamo), Makati. There are also branches in Taytay and Cainta, Rizal; E. Rodriguez, Commonwealth and Cubao, Quezon City; Las Piñas; Bacoor, Dasmariñas, and Imus, Cavite; Calamba and San Pablo, Laguna; Bocaue, Bulacan; Sucat; Angeles City and soon in the Alabang Town Center.