An evening of classic dining

Mandarin Oriental, Manila recently unveiled the new look of its classic fine-dining restaurant, The Tivoli, with the revival of classic tableside service. The restaurant’s formal cocktail launch had all the classic ingredients that brought distinguished personalities from the diplomatic, cultural and business communities, local society and media, altogether in one evening. Highlighting the evening was a ceremonial toast led by Mandarin GM Helmut Gaisberger.

The evening featured a showcase of classic tableside cooking on flambée carts as executed by the hotel’s food and beverage manager Ernani Castaño and a consultant from Bellagio in Las Vegas Peter Fischer. The Tivoli staff adroitly displayed mastery of the craft as they dazzled guests with classic flambée dishes such as Bourbon-flamed prawns and crepes Suzette, and other classic tableside preparations such as steak tartare, among others. A selection of classic martinis and café Diablo was served the entire evening to the delight of the illustrious guests.

See you at the classy, new Tivoli restaurant!

Celebrating Success

It was a pleasant and memorable evening at the Turf Room of the Manila Polo Club as the Bengzon Law Firm recently hosted a cocktail reception in celebration of its anniversary.

Welcoming the guests were managing partner Ma. Romela Bengzon, partners Agerico Ungson, Manolito Soller, Teodoro Pastrana and Paciano Faller, along with a new lineup of corporate and litigation lawyers.

Despite the heavy traffic and the rains, over a hundred of the firm’s clients and friends came to make merry. Apart from some members of the diplomatic community, the guest list was composed of top executives, businessmen and professionals. Wine flowed and pleasantries were exchanged as the guests all celebrated the firm’s success.

Congratulations on your anniversary!

The Three Tenors

Our country’s version of the "Three Tenors" did it again! Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes, MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando and Manila Hotel president and former senator Joey Lina once again set aside politics and wowed the audience at their fifth Salute! Concert at the Manila Hotel.

The concert was held to support the fund-raising campaign to renovate the St. Joseph Cathedral in Balanga City, Bataan. No less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo watched the show. The successful turnout was indeed a miracle, according to producer Beth Sison-Tagle, who worked hard for the show’s success.

Joining the Three Tenors in joyously sharing their music were Bataan’s sons and daughters, including Chief Presidential and Legal Counsel Secretary Mercy Gutierrez, Rep. Tony Roman, SBMA chairman Tong Payumo with daughter Lexi, Orani Mayor Bondyong Pascual and Bataan’s singing priests. Performers from the music industry included Pilita Corales, Jamie Rivera, Bituin Escalante, Tootsie Guevarra and George Sison-Tagle.

My congratulations for lending your talents for such a worthy cause!

Live, Love And Learn

The Bantay Kalikasan Program, a project of the ABS-CBN Foundation, recently launched an exciting family event entitled The Family Wellness Festival: Live, Love and Learn! at the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City. The event, which is highlighted by wellness lectures, a neo-ethnic concert and a jazz festival, will be held on Nov. 12-13. ABS-CBN Foundation managing director Gina Lopez will even hold a talk on the "Awakening of the Third Eye and the Effects on Daily Life." Tickets are available at all Ticketnet and Ticketworld outlets or call the Bantay Kalikasan office at 410-9670 and 415-2227.

Bring your entire family to the festival!

A Cool, Cool Halloween

Spend a chilly yet refreshing Halloween at Camp John Hay on Oct. 31. Halloween revelers both old and young will be treated to a weekend of enjoyment. The fun starts with a trick-or-treat activity for kids around the camp at 4 p.m. Then at 6 p.m., special prizes will be given to those who don the best costumes in a special program for the little ones. It’s the grown-up’s turn as a street party featuring music from various percussion groups kicks off at 7 p.m. Then Camp John Hay’s annual Goth + Glam Halloween Party will highlight the weekend along the Art Park at Ordonio Drive.

There will also be an Open House at Camp John Hay from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1.

(For more information, you may call the marketing sales and public relations office at 637-6966 or (074) 442-5782 in Baguio.)