Great things come in small packages

The above title rings true for Canyon Ranch, a 17-hectare residential development perched on the foothills of Carmona, Cavite. The place is only 25 minutes away from Makati City and is part of the San Lazaro Leisure Park. In a jiffy, we were smoothly transported to Canyon Ranch using the smallest BMW (the one series) while enjoying music from the newest and smallest (and probably one of the most wanted gifts this Christmas) Apple iPod – the very tiny and pencil-slim "nano," distributed by Microwarehouse in the Philippines.

As soon as we got to Canyon Ranch, the Las Piñas Boys Choir welcomed us with their Christmas carols. We then proceeded to do an ocular of the place overlooking Laguna de Bay, Antipolo, Mt. Banahaw, Mt. Makiling and the Manila Jockey Club.

There are seven homes to choose from including the Napa (50 square meters) and the Atherton (280 square meters). Each of the homes are either single detached or duplex residences built in classic two-story California style. We viewed the smallest homes (Napa) whose interiors were brilliantly done by two young designers, Miguel Rosales and Chat Fores. They maximized the small space in a very effective way. Chief executive marketing officer Emil Perez says, "Napa is one distinct home collection that is exceptionally favored by many." The duplex style, two-story Napa has provisions for three bedrooms with two toilets and baths and a porch.  Developer Century Communities Corp.’s managing director Marco Antonio enthuses, "For a low down payment and only P300 a day, you can own a Napa home at Canyon Ranch." Residents can also use the clubhouse that offers an array of recreational and sports facilities such as basketball and badminton courts, a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, gym, game room and library.

(For inquiries, call Century Properties at 818-9025 or 0915-7002000.)

Tiffany and the Knit Queen

Jeweler Tiffany & Co. and the country’s "Queen of Knits" Lulu Tan-Gan recently presented their collections in a luxurious three-themed show at the Upper Lobby of The Manila Peninsula.

In a fashion show presented by Canon and directed by Robby Carmona, the luxurious Mediterranean lifestyle for the holidays was showcased. The show was divided into three mini-segments – Sunset, Wine and Dine, and Jet Set which presented Tiffany & Co.’s full range of jewelry products for Holiday 2005 and Tan-Gan’s fashion interpretations for a scene-stopping Holiday sojourn by the islands, by the sea and by a posh resort.

Among those spotted were Celine Lopez, Raya Mananquil, Mia Borromeo, Joel Tantoco, Rica and James de Jesus, Tessa Dragon, Tina Tinio, Xeng Zulueta, Sigalit Djemal, Nini Licaros, Trish Briones and Mandy de la Rama-Santos.

This first collaboration between Tiffany & Co. and Lulu Tan-Gan was also sponsored by Shu Uemura, La Mer, L’Oreal Professionel and Twinky Tabs.  Tiffany & Co. has boutiques at Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-La Plaza. 

Visit its website at www.tan-gan.com

Coming soon: IMAX

In a launch at the Shangri-La Ballroom, the SM Group formally announced that they will be opening the first ever IMAX theater in the Philippines at SM’s flagship Mall of Asia. The 630-seater cinema will have a movie screen as tall as an eight-story building, the largest in Asia.

By 2006, Filipinos will see movies on IMAX, a Canadian-based technology that utilizes film 10 times larger than conventional film while delivering crisp and lifelike images with a digital surround system that enhances cinematic sound to levels never heard before. Blockbusters like Batman Begins, Spiderman 2, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and the last two installments of the Matrix trilogy are a few movies that have been converted into IMAX format. 

Aside from these, it will also feature amazing educational documentaries, like the Tom Hanks-narrated film about the moon: Magnificent Desolation, the enjoyable dinosaur documentary T-rex as well as exciting and anticipated IMAX 3D.

Seen at the launch were Hans Sy, SM Prime Holdings’ Tessie Sy-Coson, IMAX Corp.’s Don Savant and Jim Patterson, Allure columnist Philip Cu-Unjieng and Michelle Katigbak.

Saluting women of substance

Nutrafit is an all-natural herbal slimming supplement which burns fat and turns it into energy.  Nutrafit image model Regine Tolentino-Vera Perez shared some insights on this supplement held in honor of Women of Substance in Mezze in Greenbelt 3. 

Mike Toledo acted as emcee for the event hosted by Biolink Pharma, exclusive distributor of Nutrafit.  Prof. Nelia Cruz Sarcol was the guest speaker. Biolink CEO Sheila Mae Velilla was present to announce the chosen women.  Among those honored that night were Yolly Ayson, Fe Dizon, Becky Garcia, Margie Quimpo-Espino, Cherilou Ignacio, Mary Ann Lumen, Len Olbes, Kathy Park, Cory Quirino, Che Singson, Sari Yap and Jean Saburit.

The honorees were given gift packs from Biolink and a special award.  Others spotted at the formal sit-down dinner were Donnie Ramirez, Gilbert Perez, Chavit Singson, Tess Garlitos, Joy Fong and Danny de la Cuesta.

Christmas treats

Christmas is five days away! Share the magical experience and nostalgia of Max Brenner’s chocolate with your loved ones such as pralines, white, milk and dark chocolates. Hot or cold, solid or liquid, light or dark, baked or frozen, plain or dressed up, it will definitely please anyone. 

Max Brenner has recently shipped new products just in time for Christmas. Their chocolates make the perfect gift for anyone on your list this holiday season. These items are elegantly packaged in different metallic containers and boxes. 

Max Brenner’s pralines come in boxes of four, nine, 18 or 36.  Try Truffles, which are pieces of whipped dark chocolate cream truffle spiced with cognac and rolled in fine cocoa powder. Or the apple cubes rolled in white chocolate mixed with cinnamon. 

My favorite ice cream, Haagen-Dazs, has come out with new selections of ice cream cakes. Different flavors are delicately laced with rich creamy topping and are made only with the highest quality, all-natural ingredients without preservatives, artificial flavors, stabilizers, additives or colorings. 

Try Tutti Frutti, strawberry ice cream covered with creamy whipped topping and nestled with an assortment of fruits. The Mango Rosette is fresh mango slices on vanilla ice cream, wrapped in white chocolate sheets streaked with dark chocolate. Serendipity is macadamia nut ice cream embedded in rich cream, layered with chocolate, topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries. Spread the cheer with a Haagen-Dazs ice cream cake.

(For inquiries, call 728-8801.)

* * *

E-mail me at [email protected]