Brilliance at its Best

Sparkling, delicate, a sight to behold. At Cartier’s private viewing of its high jewelry creations, all of the guests – even those who are jewelry connoisseurs – were bewildered at the enchanting charms and gems. Held at the magnificent home of stylish socialite Helen Ong with hosts Maxime Elgue, managing director of Cartier Far East and Rustan Commercial Corporation president Bienvenido Tantoco Jr., this glittering occasion at North Forbes was only for the select few.

The extraordinary collection of truly unique pieces was specially flown in to Manila for this event. Created in Cartier’s high jewelry workshop in Paris, these works of wearable high art reflects the true essence of creativity in design, stone selections and setting techniques inherent in all of the Cartier creations.

"Cartier is very pleased to bring to Manila a collection of such prestigious pieces. These divine creations reflect our 150-year heritage of extraordinary jewelry making and accentuate our reputation as the king of jewelers and the jeweler of kings," Maxime told us.

Also welcoming the privileged guests in the high-brow affair was Cartier public relations manager Carmen Gomez-Menor. Many of Manila’s elite were seen poring over the marvelous masterpieces, including Nena Tantoco, Rustan’s director for marketing Marilen Tantoco Valbuena, French Ambassador Renee Veyret, Jun and Nancy Tambunting, Louie and Mellie Ablaza and Paeng and Mellie Hechanova, among many others. The choice guest list was truly symbolic of Cartier’s distinctive taste.

Hope to see you at the next Cartier private viewing!

* * *

A Warm Welcome For Nene

When old friends share the good times that they have had with each other, an inexplicable, unique warmth comes over the gathering. This was the case when Nene Quimson, the Ascot-based jetsetter-philanthropist, recently came home to the Philippines for the holidays and was given a sit-down dinner by close friends.

Present at the exclusive Roxas Room of the Tivoli at the Mandarin Hotel were former Far East Bank president O.V. Espiritu and lovely wife Marilen, investment banker Guilly Luchangco and charming wife Maloy, demure Olivia Romulo, industrialist Ronnie Concepcion and sweet and beautiful wife Menchu, handsome couples Cesar and Bambina Buenaventura and Amb. Jesus and Marge Tambunting. As usual, the cuisine was superb and the service impeccable in the Mandarin.

Welcome home, Nene!

* * *

A Colorful Musicale

The spouses of the Heads of Missions gamely performed at the bienvenida musicale hosted by the Metro Manila Council of Women Balikatan Movement. The very talented group of women sang and danced, and their Filipino friends responded by doing their own renditions of Spanish, English and Filipino songs. Friendship truly is forever!