50 years of serene friendship

The 108th celebration of Philippine Independence Day in Tokyo was commemorated with a launch of Dotted Serenity II, an exhibit by Filipino painter Jack Salud, renowned for his intricate pointillism technique. At the Mori Gallery of the Roponggi Hills Complex in Tokyo, Princess Takamodo cut the ceremonial ribbon to honor the occasion, assisted by Philippine Ambassador to Japan Domingo Siazon Jr. and lovely wife Kay. Ranking officials of the Japanese government, members of the diplomatic corps, top executives of leading corporations and media agencies livened up the event. The affair was made even more memorable as 2006 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan. Here’s to many more years of friendship between the two countries!

Friends across continents

The Philippine Embassy in Madrid recently embarked on a month-long celebration of Philippine Independence and Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day. The declaration in Spain of Año Filipinas-España 2006 was highlighted with a Filipiniana exhibit showcasing Philippine culture, with famous works of Filipino artists, videos of Philippine contemporary life and David Medalla’s unique "Bubble Machine." The inauguration attracted a mammoth crowd, welcomed by the hardworking Philippine Ambassador to Spain Joseph "Lani" Bernardo and his beautiful wife Conchitina. The couple also hosted the Independence Day Concert featuring the UP Bel Canto Filipino. The colorful event was graced by special guests, Spain’s Secretary of State for Asia and the Pacific José Eugenio Salarich and the radiant Fil-Hispano socialite Isabel Preysler.

Happy Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day!

A gustatory delight in Cebu

Cebuanos were all abuzz at the recent tasting session of The Cheese and Wine Club of Cebu at the Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa in Mactan. At their signature Wine & Tapas Bar, Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa chairman Manny Osmeña was on hand to welcome over 40 members and guests, which included Cebu Mayor Tommy Osmeña and lovely wife Margot, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano and Undersecretary Edu Jarque. Eight sumptuous courses of tapas were matched with eight superb wines to make for a pleasant gustatory experience. Here’s to good food and good wines!

The spirit of Spain

A culinary journey through the wine estates and streets of Spain was the highlight of the recent wine-dinner organized by ATR Torres Wines & Spirits to welcome Miguel Torres Jr. of Torres Wines. The marketing manager of the famed Spanish winery and the eldest son of the Torres patriarch was feted by ATR Torres’ Arthur T. Reyes and Dr. Ruel Reyes at the famous Spanish restaurant Terry’s Selection. The excellent wine dinner featured quality Torres Wines side by side an amazing spread of gourmet dishes.

Congratulations for such a successful event!

Loco over coco

Youthful beauty, prolonged health and optimum wellness are now being enjoyed by many who have chosen Ginoco Virgin Coconut Oil and Cosmetics, the new fountain of youth discovered by Gina Fernandez Bartholomi, the president of Ginoco and the lovely wife of Philippe Bartholomi, general manager of Fridays Resort in Boracay. Ginoco was formally launched at Fridays recently with an exciting coconut themed party with coconut decorations and a menu especially prepared with a dash of virgin coconut oil. Special guests, among them the who’s who of Boracay, were treated to complimentary massage by expert therapists using Ginoco Virgin Coconut Oil. Be healthy!

(Ginoco is now distributed at GNC Live Well, Rustans and other establishments. The Ginoco Showroom is located at the 3rd floor of NYS Building, 1156 Pasong Tamo, Makati or check out www.ginoco.com.)