Enter the Dragon

Enter the Dragon, the launch of jewelry designer Wynn Wynn Ong’s Naga line and FIRMA’s renowned Tibetan antique furniture and fine art, dahlings, was a highly-anticipated and most exciting happening– if the entrance of one-of-a-kind Tessa Prieto-Valdes as a Tibetan princess and her daughter Annika and entourage in full Tibetan gear was any indication!

Hosted by two popular personas with excellent taste for the best, Ricky Toledo and Chito Vijandre at their eye-catching FIRMA Greenbelt 3 store, the launch, palanggas, was attended by a tres select group of the owners’ pals and clientele. This was a special night for Wynn Wynn, whose very first pieces were displayed by FIRMA at its Malate boutique over two years ago. Guess what? The pieces were worn by some invitees who could not wait to acquire more from Wynn Wynn’s new collection.

Wynn Wynn’s jewelry now has a distinctive Naga-clasp, a mark of authenticity for all the pieces she creates. "Naga" is "dragon" in Wynn Wynn’s native Burma, the home of exquisite gemstones as it is of a rich culture and fine arts and crafts. Early childhood years in Burma, Austria and the Philippines (she was the only Buddhist at the Assumption, would you believe?), and her travels around the world have shaped Wynn Wynn’s aesthetic. She has produced superb individual jewelry pieces coveted by Manille’s alta chi-chi set.

Socialite Josephine Knox, fresh from Milan, arrived ala Anita Ekberg sans bijoux, but left wearing the most prized necklace of rare, polished Italian coral and Baltic amber. This made her look even more stunning in her black strapless gown avec des gants.

Mons Romulo-Tantoco was regal in the polished ametrine and purple quartz necklace she chose. Lizette Cojuangco had her heart set on a sculptural cuff of exceptional tourmalines which she purchased. Leica Carpo and Malu Gamboa contemplated the earrings of faceted Brazilian aquamarine. Tats Manahan evaluated pieces with Maricris Olbes and daughter Nicole Fandiño and decided on the cross with tiny gold branches, the only one of its kind in the collection.

Margarita Fores, a frequent buyer of Wynn Wynn’s jewelry, could not contain her amazement over the exquisite pieces. Interior designer Rina Pertierra Ortiz, who like Margarita is one of Manille’s women of style and substance, was a great looker in the amber necklace that she fitted. Rachy Cuna, torn between two cross lariate of topaz and pearls, did the wisest thing, palanggas–he bought both!

Rosemari Lancos was late for her favorite piece but her husband Paul came to the rescue by commissioning an even more magnificent piece from Wynn Wynn. Karla Delgado heeded moi’s advice and took the gorgeous fused keishi pearl bracelet. Lourdes Montinola bought the only other gold sculptural cuff delicately studded with faceted Brazilian aquamarines and pearls. Marietta Cuyegkeng tried on–and later bought–several pieces as well as a rare candelabra and antique lacquer bowl.

Troubled for days that he could not find the perfect pasalubong, German designer and CITEM consultant Detlef Klatt heaved a sigh of relief when he beheld a beautiful faceted labradorite necklace to make his perspicacious Mutti happy. Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Queen of Whimsical Style, donned a tiara of Sri Lankan garnets, tourmalines and purple sand stone and looked fit to rule all fashionistas in sight.

In the home section, palanggas, Bobby Cuenca evaluated a Tibetan antique chest for his houses but only apres choosing a Naga piece for wife Chingbee. Raul Francisco, designer of those sleek bags at neighbor Carbon, admired the thangkhas. Another neighbor, retail wiz Ben Chan and architect par excellance Miguel Pastor of Celio also came to lend support, as did Anton Barretto and Eds Genuino of Pineapple. Monique Ignacio who arrived with friend Cathy Escaño could not resist a Chito Vijandre couture lamp of ostrich egg, steel and semi-precious stones. Angeline Cockrell wanted some lamps too but was sending her collection of prehistoric beads for a personalized version.

Ces Drilon, another client of Wynn Wynn’s, chose gifts and some accoutrements for an exhibit of table settings at nearby Glorietta. Philippine Tatler editor Anton San Diego, also featured in the same exhibit, was contemplated his tableau as well.

Editors and writers from leading lifestyle magazines were also there to check out FIRMA’s new arrivals: Freida Dario and Ingrid Chua of Metro; Mela de Luna, Binky Ilusorio and Rachel Medina of Mega; Vicky de Leon of Lifestyle Asia; and Pauline Suaco-Juan and Rorie Carlos of Preview. Bambi Sy Gobio of Fidel, who prepared the delectable hors d’oeuvres that night, talked about another new arrival: her pastry and coffee shop, Luscious in Ortigas.

All in all, dahlings, it was a memorable night with great company and spenders who know what a good buy is when they see one.

The dragon certainly made quite an entrance that night, palanggas, and it definitely did not disappoint!

FIRMA is located at ground floor of Greenbelt 3, Makati Ave. cor. Esperanza St., Ayala Center, Makati. For inquiries, do call 757-4009, fax no. 757-4010, or e-mail firma2vasia.com.

Palanggas, if it’s from FIRMA, you know you have one of the best!

FCCP’s home concert series II

Members of the FCCP audience development committee gathered at the sprawling, well-manicured garden of FCCP founding chairman and chairman emeritus, philanthropist and author Chito Madrigal-Collantes, dahlings, to finalize plans for their second home concert series. It will, as usual, be held at Chito’s residence. This cultural event chaired by one of Cosmo Manille’s top hostesses Letty Syquia, directed by oh so professional Tessie Luz, FCCP’s director for audience development, and well-loved, Southern lady, FCCP president Chloe Romulo-Periquet, ushered in another super happening.

Renowned Filipino pianist, Dean Raul Sunico was the featured artist. Other performers were Chinggoy Alonzo and Vienna-based Camille Lopez. Fr. James Reuter’s Ateneo Glee Club and the FCCP Ladies Choral combined their talents and voices to the delight of the chi-chi pack, palanggas.

The members, belonging to Cosmo Manille’s civic-oriented socialites, palanggas, included Mellie Ablaza; Pilie Aquino; Fanny Blanco; Nena Casimiro; Lulu Castañeda; Chit Gohu; Consul of Monaco Fortune Ledesma; Nene Leonor; Lin Liboro; Consul of Belize Helen Ong; and Boysie Villavicencio.

Now that Valentine’s is just a couple sleeps away, it’s the best time to check out FIRMA and choose something for your special one, palanggas.

Smile and see you.