The art of innocence

Rustan’s Fragrances, known for bringing into the country world-famous brands such as Thierry Mugler, Annick Goutal and L’Artisan, recently held a photo exhibit featuring the country’s top photographers. The exhibit is intended to communicate the concept of "innocence," the newest fragrance from Thierry Mugler, while incorporating a social consciousness angle.

The cocktail event was attended by society’s art afficionados with the CAMELEON Association Inc. (Farm Center for the Street Girls of Iloilo) as the recipient of this fund-raising event. The talented photographers who captured their own perception of "Innocence" were Neal Oshima, Raymund Isaac, Sara Black, Wig Tysmans, Xander Angeles and Alex Van Hagen.

It was a most enjoyable event!

A Filipino heritage Christmas

Mandarin Oriental, Manila recently sprung its spectacular Filipino heritage Christmas celebration in a dramatic fashion. A colorful "panunuluyan" – a time-honored Christmas Eve tradition in Bulacan and Cavite – was staged under the direction of renowned heritage and culture conservationist Dez Bautista, an illustrious son of Bulacan. A cast of 40 performers from Koro Bulakeño, the Ginoo at Binibining Bulacan Theater Company and the Don Antonio Bautista Banda Republika, performed the playlet, which featured beautiful Filipino poetry written by Bautista.

A swirl of stunning Maria Clara gowns and elegant barong Tagalogs worn by guests and hotel staff in full regalia provided the added atmosphere in "the recreation of an elegant era in Philippine history," in the words of host and Mandarin Oriental GM Helmut Gaisberger. The evening climaxed with the lighting ceremony of a towering Christmas tree in the Captain’s Bar which Gaisberger, Makati Rep. Teddyboy Locsin Jr. and Tourism Assistant Secretary for planning and promotions Edu Jarque officiated.

Congratulations for another splendidly successful event!

Experiencing rebirth in Cebu

It was a rebirth of a classy restaurant in Cebu. Rising from the ashes is UNO, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel amd Casino’s (WCCHC) newly-renovated interactive lifestyle restaurant. Opening simultaneously was the Gourmet Walk, the hotel’s recently refurbished restaurant row.

The guests at the grand opening were composed of Cebu’s crème de la crème from social and business circles. Hardworking Waterfront Philippines Inc. president Rexlon Gatchalian was on hand to welcome everyone.

Leading the ceremonial ribbon-cutting were WCCHC GM Marco Protacio and guests of honor Amparito Lhuillier and Gov. Gwen Garcia. Sumptuous and delectable dishes, a sample of the culinary delights that UNO offers, were served to the appreciative guests. Congratulations and more power!

Stirring up the south

The definitive concert venue of the south, The Bellevue Grand Ballroom, stirred up the Alabang scene once again with another concert-cum-wine tasting affair. Featured in the exquisite dinner were South African wines KWV Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, as well as Robert Rock’s Chardonnay, Cabernet Merlot and Shiraz Malbec, generously provided by Philippine Wine Merchants. Popular band Rockin’ Revival brought back the groove of the Sixties and Seventies in a spectacular show filled with drinking and dancing.

Thanks to the unbeatable duo of the Chan brothers, The Bellevue GM Patrick Chan and marketing and communications director Ryan Chan, people of the south can expect more action coming their way!

See you at the next Bellevue Grand Ballroom party!

New Year by the beach

Friday’s Boracay welcomes the New Year with classy New Year’s Eve Party. Their gala New Year’s Eve dinner package includes a candlelight dinner by the beach and entertainment features a live pianist from Rockwell Makati, the Friday’s Dance Collective Show, Manila’s best DJ bringing nostalgia and Latin beats, and the most spectacular fireworks show in Boracay.

(For reservations, call 810-2101/892-9283 in Manila,

(036) 288-6200 in Boracay.

Or e-mail [email protected])

A taste of Spain in Davao

Scenic Pearl Farm Beach Resort was the site for the recent leg of Flavors of Spain 2005, a project of Fuego Hotels and Properties in cooperation with the Economic and Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy. From mainland Davao, guests were ferried off the very private Malipano Island where seven luxurious villas and the new Malipano Pavilion are located.

Everyone savored and enjoyed the Spanish dinner buffet as whipped up by chef Mikel Arriet and his Pearl Farm team. Guests thoroughly enjoyed the overflowing Spanish wines, assorted Spanish tapas, paella de mariscos, cordero manchego, rabo de toro and other tasty Spanish treats then finished off with crema catalana, flao, pantxinetas and more wine! Truly a gourmet feast!