A black night

Samsung Electronics Philippines, Inc. launched its latest phone, the Samsung D500.  The "Black Night" party at Club Embassy saw an all-black setup to celebrate the sleek phone that was awarded Best Mobile Handset of 2005 by GSM Association Awards.

Samsung vice president for marketing Maeng Dal Bae says, "The D500 phone is a cut above the rest because we studied the basic needs of a business person and incorporated all features possible to satisfy these needs, paired with an ultra chic exterior. The D500 is your secretary away from the office"

The launch party was the first function of the newly- appointed Samsung Electronics Philippines president and CEO Hyuck Jae Shim who was joined by head of Samsung Mobile Annaise Fragante, Pen Roque, corporate communications head Angie Limbaco and country manager of First Asia Mobile (distributor of Samsung Electronics) Kenny Khoo.

Hosts Shaan Bermudez-Hizon and Lexi Schulze briefed guests on cutting-edge features of the newest cellphone. A video presentation followed and the party continued with casino games, food, overflowing champagne, and a performance from the Brown Beat All Stars band.  People then tinkered with the tiny black phone and stayed on for more drinks.

Also seen were siblings Chi Chi and Jojo Silverio, Mandy and Neny Eduque, Raymond Rufino, Anna Palabyab, Allure columnist Johnny Litton, Bianca Salonga, mother and daughter team of Susan Joven and Ginggay Joven-de la Merced, Jose and Tin Moreno, Vince and Anna Bitong, Katrina Goulbourn, Joey Carpo, Amanda Carpo and Aimee Marcos. 

Wining and dining in style

Some people still don’t agree that Japanese food (or Asian food for that matter) would go well with wine (with the exception of sake).  Sugi Japanese Restaurant in Makati, in cooperation with Philippine Wine Merchants, held its first Japanese food and wine pairing dinner. The purpose of the dinner was to expose the public to the growing trend of matching New World wines with traditional Japanese food. Guests included the young and trendy, restaurant owners and valued Sugi customers. Upon arrival, they were given a taste of Angus Brut, an Australian sparkling wine, accompanied by sweet and spicy Japanese crackers.

The menu included Salmon, Tuna and Red Snapper Sashimi paired with Montes Sauvignon Blanc Fume Reserve ’03 from Chile, Crispy Oysters on mixed greens paired with a US Wente Rive Ranch Reserve Chardonnay ’02, two types of Unagi Sushi and another Chilean wine, Montes Pinot Noir Limited selection ’02.  As that didn’t sound heavy enough, a sea food and mushroom soup was served next with a South African Cathedral Cellar Pinotage.  Everyone’s favorite Gindara was served with a Wente Zinfandel followed by a Mushroom Steak with a Chilean Montes Alpha Merlot ’02.

The dinner was organized by Sugi operations manager Ines Cabarrus and Patricia Tiongson and Ray Joseph of Philippine Wine Merchants. After the very hearty dinner, Sugi’s chefs Yamazaki and Nakamura still managed to make guests savor the dessert, banana tempura. The pairing worked well. Try pairing wine with Japanese food.

A slice of Boracay in Makati

People got to experience something they had never experienced before in Makati: A beach party. Sand covered the cement to create a beach at the pool of the Mandarin Oriental Manila.  Skyy Vodka bean bags were everywhere and hammocks hanging from the palm trees for people to lounge around. People played volleyball, swam, got massaged and marked with those temporary henna tattoos, just like Boracay.

This exclusive Dunhill and Skyy party really started heating up as guests came in their hottest beachwear, complete with slippers and sarongs.  The party started late afternoon of Saturday and ended late afternoon of Sunday. It was really a 24-hour party as Adrian Cuenca started a sunset session which was followed by "beach house" sets from an excellent line-up Stevie Tambunting, Wendell Garcia, Mark Jentes and Chip de la Calzada, and Lounge resident DJ Elian Habayeb.  Canadian DJ Grant Stetski from Vancouver also joined in the chant and played an excellent house set, then DJ Kevin Ruiz played a sunrise session that had people jumping in the pool at 8 a.m. He was followed by DJ Steven Lovina who played an eclectic morning chill set. 

Throughout the night and the next morning, over a thousand people filled the pool area. This was truly a unique party experience with an innovative setting.

Watch out for more Paseo Uno Lounge exclusive events.

Ja Rule live in Manila!

Smart Buddy Prepaid, in cooperation with PLDT My Music, PLDT Vibe and Nescafe Classic, presents one of the biggest R&B/Hip-Hop artists Ja Rule. The one- night-only concert is on April 23 at the Araneta Coliseum.  Ja Rule’s hits include Ain’t It Funny, New York, Furious, Livin It Up and Clap Back. The concert will also feature Hip Hop Sensations 7 Shots of Wisdom, Sun Valley Crew, Aryana and The Manila Dance Force. 

Ja Rule (Jeffrey Atkins in real life) remixed and rapped on Jennifer Lopez’s songs I’m Real and Ain’t It Funny in 2001. He also did a collaboration with rock band Metallica called We Did It Again. The rapper has an on-going feud with rappers 50 Cent and Eminem.

Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets in all SM Department Stores, Podium Mall and the Araneta ticketing office. You may also call 911-5555 or 913-8684 or 912-1976 or visit ticketnet.com.ph. Prices are P500, P800, P1,500, P2,250 and P2,750 and are subject to a 4.4-percent ticketnet surcharge.