Dunhill recently launched a more stylish packaging for its cigarettes: Full Flavour, Lights and Menthol Lights. The Philippine launch was held at the RCBC Plaza where the place had a New York warehouse club feel, complemented by the drum beat performances of local groove masters Pinikpikan and Radha, and the music of DJ Anton Ramos. Drinks overflowed in a night that saw the place packed with party goers. Ramon Orlina’s Dunhill sculpture was also unveiled that night.
The eclectic and fun crowd included Raymond Gutierrez; Iza Calzado; Extra Challenge’s extra pretty host Phoemela Baranda; Borgy Manotoc; party man Louie Ysmael; Angelette Calero; Leah Puyat; Anton Barretto; Eds Genuino; Smart’s big boss Boy Martirez; Karen Santos; Nina Romualdez; Romain and Clare Barberis; Karen Romualdez; Trish Cu-Unjieng; makeup man Patrick Rosas; party couple Domini Primero and Joanne Quintas; mega manager Joji Dingcong; Luz Siguion-Reyna; Rina Aguilar; photographer Paolo Pineda; Bebeth Timbol; Minelli Bautista; and Ria Francisco. From British American Tobacco came commercial director Dennis Belgira; group brand manager Miko Pascual; corporate and regulatory affairs manager John Bola; Dunhill brand executive Carlo Zaldarriaga; and Lucky Strike executive Kathy Bacosa. From 141 Worldwide were managing director Pascal Duriez; group account director Paul Perez; executive creative director Cats Guerrero; and senior account manager Rachel Ang.
Linkin Park’s vocalists Mike Shinoda and Chester Bennington, turntablist Joe Hahn, drummer Rob Bourdon, guitarist Brad Delson, and bassist David Farell had as much fun with the crowd’s reaction and knowledge of the lyrics of most of their songs.
Seen at the concert were local musicians such as Rivermaya’s Rico Blanco, Mike Elgar and Mark Escueta; Andrew Sergio of Teeth; Buddy Trinidad of Betrayed; and Junji Arias of Velcro. Also watching were visual artist Kawayan de Guia with brother and filmmaker Kidlat; Robby Herrera; ADB’s Jim Lynch; MTV VJs Sarah Meier and KC Montero; singer Geneva Cruz; NU 107’s Atom Henares; movie director Chito Roño; corporate bigwigs Wicky Siy of Jag Jeans, Veng Taningco, Ricky Ilacad, Jim Baluyut and Anne Poblador of Warner Music, and MTV’s Francis Lumen.
A special advance screening of her new movie was held for Judy Ann’s close friends and colleagues at the My Cinema in Greenbelt. The event was hosted by Bianca Valerio with food catered by Casa Armas. Among those who attended were Judy Ann’s co-star in the film, Wendell Ramos; the movie’s screenwriter Ricky Lee; and director Joel Lamangan. Her best friends Beth Tamayo and Gladys Reyes; and actors Piolo Pascual, Dominic Ochoa and Luke Jickain were also present. Others who watched the movie were Elbert and Liza Ilarde-Cuenca; Bench’s Ben Chan and Miguel Pastor; Paul Cabral; Juan Sarte; models Paolo Paraiso and Ton Lao; DJ Jon Herrera; and Jinggoy Estrada.
The place was cozy enough for everyone, even those in the upper bleachers, to notice how much detail was put into the production of this wonderful concert. The Sarah Brightman show will be a tough act to follow.
Enjoying Sarah’s music were Louie Ocampo; Gift Gate’s Virgie Ramos; Rowell Santiago; Randy and Irene Martel-Francisco; Shangri-La Hotel general managers Jarlath Lynch and Wolfgang Krueger; Julie Yap-Daza; Arthur Young; Mons and Sander Tantoco; Mark and Barni Alunan-Escaler; Alexi Alunan; ADB’s Lise Weidner; Dennis and Tessa Prieto-Valdes; and Julius Babao.
The show was presented by Globe Platinum, Rado Watches of Switzerland, and Montré Watch Shop at The Podium. Co-presenters were Miele Premium German Appliances, Siematic German Kitchens, and Petron Blaze. Media partners were MTV, ABS-CBN, Lifestyle Network and Metro Magazine. Sarah’s official residence was the Shangri-La Hotel Makati.