Design marvels

The temple of Italian style in the Philippines, Furnitalia, brings the latest furniture trend forecast straight from the Milan Furniture Fair 2006. This year’s fair, the Salone Internazi-onale del Mobile, was larger than ever with 2,550 exhibitors. A slew of fresh new talent and forward-thinking technology from big names such as Siemens, and inventive experiments by famous designers who usually work in non-furniture arenas, like Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake, were only few of the very exciting developments in the fair.

Furnitalia, through its managing director Florence Ko, announces the availability of the freshest design marvels from the exposition at its vast Furnitalia showroom at The Fort. Now, Filipinos can be up-to-date with international styles and concepts in home and office furnishings. One of Furnitalia’s well-loved brands, Molteni & C, bares the same improved lines and new products shown at the Salon del Mobile. Molteni’s Pass Storage System, an advanced system of shelves, now has hi-fi accessorized bases, adjustable TV panels and more compartments to store cables and electrical connections. Exciting new sofa and storage models speak of the same ingenuity and innovativeness which Molteni & C is known for.

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Get a sampling of Salone Internazionale del Mobile’s hottest design trends at Furnitalia at The Fort, 30th St. corner Rizal Drive, Crescent Park, West Bonifacio Global City or call 819-1887.)

A birthday dinner at the Mandarin

It was another fruitful year for hardworking and dapper Mandarin oriental, Manila general Manager Helmut Gaisberger, as he recently celebrated his birthday at his much-loved hotel, the Mandarin Oriental, Manila. A small and intimate dinner in a private room with his close friends marked the occasion, as new chef Estefan served sumptuous cuisine to the delight of everyone’s taste buds. Happy, happy birthday, Helmut!

A birthday ‘Sayaw’

It was a memorable birthday celebration for hardworking Sayaw Foundation, Inc. president Sol Tangatue at the Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig when more than 50 Sayaw scholars from the Highway Hills Elementary School performed ballet and hip-hop dance numbers for the guests. The Sayaw board of directors, led by the lovely founding president Consul Helen Ong, were all smiles at the spectacular performances of the scholars. Also spotted in the crowd were Rep. Cynthia Villar, a fervent Sayaw Foundation supporter, as well as many other friends and associates. Happy birthday, Sol! More power to the Sayaw Foundation!