MANILA, Philippines - Just like a high-budget film, production design was well-done. Fe Rodriguez wowed them all when she organized a get-together bienvenida dinner for Dr. Elenita Binay, better half of Vice President Jejomar Binay. Aperitif was served in the main salon lit by candles tucked into flaming red Chinese lanterns with great Philippine art serving as backdrop. Adding more character to the Summer Palace ambience was the crimson embroidered Empress Dowager caftan in silk worn by the hostess. Friends nibbled on smoke salmon, olives done in the Provence manner and champagne.
Pachot Mapa came in the little black dress she wore with a three-kilometer single string of gray pearls while Monette Guevarra wore her favorite neckpiece — an Inno Sotto chain in gold propped-up by three oversized crosses. Monette’s daughter Monica opted for a simple top and trousers ensemble in black. Marieliese Evaristo wore an animal-zebra-print. Glery Sarmiento was in a Diane von Furstenberg wrap and copper flats by Louis Vuitton. Former model Wanda Louwallien was in fuchsia and navy. Monchito Locsin, Ricky Punzalan and Ramon Bilbao were the icing on the cake. Ces Rodriguez, Fe’s super-nice hubby, made sure all ate and drank well.
Dinner was royal Chinese crab cakes in tangy sauce, beef with spring onions and delicious chicken salad pekinoise. Dessert was continental-canonigo in sauce anglaise, chocolate cake and a variety of Dutch and French cheeses.