A stogy affair

Dunhill’s signed range cigar is a line of hand-made, long-filler cigars that provide the fuller flavor profile customers demand.

The combination of traditional methods and modern presentation did not happen by chance. To develop this unique offering, tastings and analysis with hundreds of regular cigar consumers and experts in the major cigar markets of the world were undertaken.

"We conducted a lot of research, a first in this industry, and interviewed consumers in the United States, Britain, Germany and France to find out what their cigar smoking requirements were," says Chris Boon, Premium Cigar brand manager for the Dunhill signed range. "We found that cigar smokers had become a lot more informed about the product. They were looking for something that guaranteed quality and consistency."

The filler is Dominican Piloto Cubano and South American Cubita leaf, picked from the fullest flavor leaves at the top and middle of the plants, and then aged for up to three years. North American grown binder and sun-grown Ecuadorian wrapper from Connecticut seed give a flawless, rich appearance and taste. This combination provides just the right balance of spice and mellowness.

The heft and firmness of the cigar is a tribute to the finest cigars of the past. It results in those qualities that made them great: an optimal draw, even burn and cohesive ash, with minimal bitterness and tongue bite.

Each box of the Dunhill signed range is personally signed and individually numbered by the master craftsmen who hand make them. Their signatures are an expression of the great pride they take in creating these fine cigars.

The House of Dunhill is passionate about quality and production is thoroughly monitored. In fact, a substantial portion of the workers are there solely to check for quality. This commitment means that every one of these cigars will be as enjoyable as the one before.

The result is a world-class smoke, richly flavorful with an exceptional smoothness. Most importantly, the new Dunhill signed range cigar delivers time after time.

It’s guaranteed!

(Contact British American Tobacco Philippines at 848-1688.)

The Charity Gala Of The Year

Asians remain incomparable in the area of generosity and kindness, especially when it has to do with the legend of Asian hospitality. The Peninsula Hong Kong, the chain of luxury hotels, led by chairman of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels and board of director Michael Kadoorie, recently celebrated its 75th anniversary with a magnificent charity gala at Hong Kong’s "Grand Dame." Raising $500,000 for five local charities, the fabulous party saw an attendance of Asia’s top movers and shakers.

The by-invitation-only benefit held live and silent auctions of amazing prizes by Sotheby’s, including a trip for eight to The Peninsula Palace Beijing in a Gulfstream private jet. Live performances throughout the hotel and stunning displays also made this affair the fund-raising occasion of the season. Many Asian personalities came to the party, including movie star Michelle Yeoh. Peninsula Manila heads were well represented as well, with chairman and CEO Manila Peninsula Hotel Inc. Patricio Lim, President and COO David Lim, directors Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Teresa Chan Sola and Helen Dee and general manager David Batchelor.

Cheers to more years!

The Bellevue Hotel’s Valentine Bliss

"Make it Alabang. Make it Bellevue."

So goes the catchphrase of Alabang’s definitive social and business hub, where unique events and special deals happen everyday. This coming Valentine’s Day, The Bellevue throws out an irresistible treat for inseparable sweethearts.

The Amore Dinner Buffet at Café D’ Asie available today, Feb. 14, offers a sumptuous spread of tasty dishes made by the hotel’s culinary geniuses. Dine in an air of romance and elegance at the hotel’s main dining area and set the mood for an unforgettable evening.

The Amore Package for P3,000++ can be availed until Feb. 16, where couples in love are entitled to breakfast for two, rose bath, sparkling wine, tempting chocolates and late check-out. With only an additional P2,000++, guests can avail a suite upgrade and experience the opulence and extravagance that is Bellevue.

Love-struck pairs can also head to Alabang’s hottest nightly rendezvous, the Bellevue’s 20/20 entertainment center on February 14 for a night of music and romance. The Amore Concert presents leading jazz and lounge acts for only P300 net entrance fee. Spend this special day with the most special person in your life, only at Alabang’s social and business destination of choice – The Bellevue Hotel.

CFBC Joins Gma In Lunar Year Celebration

Your columnist would like to congratulate the Chinese-Filipino Business Club for continuing to lead the way for Filipino and Chinese relations. CFBC officials recently joined President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in leading the members of the Chinese-Filipino community in welcoming the Lunar New Year of the Monkey. The celebrations, which were initiated for the goodwill and prosperity of the entire nations, were held inside the Sen Guan Temple on Ongpin Street, Manila.

The Vienna Opera Ball Presents 2004 Debutantes

Europe’s grandest annual ball once again unfolds in Manila on February 27, when the Johann Strauss Society Inc. stages its third debutantes’ ball, the "Vienna Opera Ball and the Presentation of Debutantes 2004" at the Le Pavilion Metropolitan Park on Roxas Boulevard.

Letty C. Syquia, overall chair of the debutantes’ ball, says that the 2004 ball is held for the benefit once again of the Alay Kapwa Kilusang Pangkalusugan (AKAP)’s hospice care program for terminally ill cancer patients.

The Johann Strauss Society Inc., is a non-stock, non-profit organization that was formed in 1999 (coinciding with the 100th year of Austrian composer Johann Strauss) by individuals whose common bond was their love for the music of Strauss and other Austrian composers. It aims to enhance and develop appreciation of music and dance, participate in fund campaign activities, help and assist the youth in developing civic, social and charitable awareness and conduct events as venues for cultural exchange. Founding chair and president is Kay Siazon.

For inquiries, call the Johann Strauss Secretariat at 750.88.88 extension 2222.

A Tough Team To Beat

Kudos to the hardworking management team of the world-renowned Camp John Hay Golf Club, headed by Chairman Bob Sobrepeña, who have successfully made Camp John Hay the premier mountain resort in the country. The chairman was recently honored with a golf tournament in celebration of his vision of developing the resort as a world-class ecotourism destination. Participating in the golf tournament were CJH DevCo COO Benigno Cabrieto Jr., CJH Hotel Corp. COO Frederico Alquiros, chairman (membership) CJH Golf Club Francisco Gonzales, CJH DevCo president Ferdinand Santos, Robert John Sobrepeña, chairman (sports and games) CJH Golf Club Freddie Mendoza, CJH DevCo director Rafael de Tagle and CJH Development Corp. SVP — Marketing and Sales Shean Bedi.