A celebration of beauty and style

Davines, an environment-inspired Italian hair care, color and styling line distributed in 55 countries, was recently launched at the Conservatory of The Peninsula Manila.

The cosmetic company’s international sales manager Sergio Cavazzana welcomed guests to the affair and explained the brand through a video presentation. 

Singer Agot Isidro’s hair was done by Basement Salon’s Stefan Wilcyznski. Wilcyznski’s favorite products from the Natural Tech range included the De-Stress Muesli and Yogurt Shampoo and Conditioner containing wheat proteins, hop and calendula extracts for cleansing and revitalizing.

Salon de Ken’s Kenti Tam did Culte Femme designer Hindy Tantoco’s hair. His favorites from the Defining System line included the Wonder Wax, which creates texture, body and control while giving hair exceptional shine; Carving Paste, a non-greasy paste that also gives effective protection against UV rays; and Relaxing Fluid, a straightening balm which protects hair from blow drying and humidity. 

Actress Nancy Castiglione’s hair was done by Salon de Manila’s Pin Antonio. Effortless and elegant, the look was without frills. Pin’s tools to create the look included products from hair coloring lines that tame the use of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia.

Davines international education coordinator Brian Suhr ended the show with a message emphasizing the importance of caring for health and the environment.

Davines is available in leading salons.

(For inquiries, call 687-1156.)

Power of two

A cocktail event dubbed, Power of Two: Partnership for World-Class Hospital Care, celebrated the Asian Hospital’s partnership with Bangkok-based healthcare expert Bumrungrad International.

The spotlight focused on the movers of Asian Hospital led by founding chairman Dr. Jorge Garcia, chairman Vicente Ayllon, Bumrungrad’s chairman Chai Sophonpanich and Group CEO Curtis Schroeder.

Guests present were former President Fidel Ramos, lawyer Estelito Mendoza, publisher Isagani Yambot, former Finance Secretary Jose Pardo, Filinvest Alabang chairman Andrew Gotianun Sr., Celia Diaz-Laurel, Francisco Duque III of PhilHealth, Manuel Collantes, Aquiles Lopez and twin pediatricians Romeo and Arnel Nuguid.

In his speech, Dr. Garcia said: "With combined technological and management expertise of the two respected institutions, local and international patients can experience the full technology benefits and first-class amenities of the Asian Hospital." The two new partners took time to share their grand vision of bringing world-class hospital care not only to the Philippines but to the Asian region as well.

Curtis Schroeder also gave a short speech reiterating the enormous potential of the hospital’s facility, saying: "We hope to attract patients not just from the Philippines but from the rest of the region, as we provide not just basic healthcare but also specialized care and facilities."

Looking back, looking ahead

Leading Japanese chain Tokyo Tokyo celebrated 20 years of success. It has been a crowd favorite since its first store opened on April 22, 1985 at the Quad Carpark, making its mark as a fun and affordable way to have great Japanese food. Forty stores later, crowds still flock to the restaurant to satisfy their craving for Japanese food. Its newest store along Ayala Avenue served as venue for an afternoon of reminiscing about Tokyo Tokyo.

Host JM Rodriguez had guests look back at menus of the past, having them take note on those dishes that were no longer in the present menu. Then waiters brought out those dishes just for the party.

Entertainment was provided by Nina and Rachel Alejandro who are also fans of the Japanese food chain. Lucky guests brought home Tokyo Tokyo gift certificates.

Judging from the smiles seen on the faces of those who attended the resto’s anniversary appreciation luncheon, it looks like Tokyo Tokyo is set for several more years of success!

Black makes a splash

Kenneth Cole’s new scent for men and women called "Black" made a splash at The Power Plant, Rockwell during its recent launch. Kenneth Cole released HIS "must-haves" for summer 2005: an urban collection of city dressing, Black for Him and Black for Her.  

Despite the fragrance name, the collection is premised on the concept of white with the typical wit and irony that have made Kenneth Cole equally famous as his designs. Big, white flowers of tuber rose, magnolia and lotus lie at the heart of Kenneth Cole’s Black for Her. White hyacinth and lemon, iris, sandalwood, amber and white musk make it a fresh scent. The Black for Him features black suede and was inspired by Kenneth Cole’s 20th anniversary collection which was predominantly black, gray and white. The scent cedar leaf warmed with nutmeg and splashes of cognac, cantaloupe, squash, butternut, stone, tangerine, jade and sea foam.

The event reeled off with a mini-fashion show featuring top models Alec Van Dierendonck, Bernie Guinto, Georgina Wilson and Nicolette Bell in Kenneth Cole’s latest collection. A dance performance by Lema Diaz and Nick Talia preceded the revelation of the new Kenneth Cole fragrance. Hosting the event were Luxasia’s general manager Mia Nolasco-Cuenca and brand manager Vicky Marchadesch.

Luxasia is the exclusive distributor of Kenneth Cole fragrances while Store Specialists is the exclusive carrier of the house’s fashion.

Playboy is here!

Picture this: A fashion show, an open bar, pumping music by Flavastreet, cool people, plus an iconic brand, then add them all up and you have a Playboy party!

This grand celebration will happen on Thursday at the Manila Polo Club as Playboy’s wide selection of merchandise will be launched in the Philippines.

Official licensees of Playboy in the country are Cinderella (men’s apparel), Dan & Jim (women’s apparel), Volvo Clothing (men’s underwear) and Sehwani (main license).

The party is strictly by invitation, so, hope you are cool enough to get an invitation and discover what’s behind a Playboy party.