Belo’s joie de vivre

Leave it to Dr. Vicky Belo to pack her house for a dinner on everyone’s favorite rest night, Sunday night. Vicky hosted a dinner in honor of Dr. Francois Strawczynsky, a renowned French dermatologist who specializes in face liposuction and has founded new techniques in mesotheraphy.

The Francophile party was a celebration of the best between Manila and Paris. My dear friend and favorite talent manager/corporate imaging specialist Joji Dingcong helped Vicky plan the party and created a splendid guest list. Cibo di M’s Margarita Fores catered familiar French cuisine with a Filipino twist. There were various appetizers including the mouthwatering lechon carving. The main course was a pan roasted Chilean sea bass (served in a parchment paper box). The meal ended with a sinful Tiramisu. Pastry chef Buddy Trinidad of Park Avenue Desserts prepared a dessert buffet that left guests stuffed.

Of course, bottles of Moet & Chandon were uncorked throughout the evening. Babette Aquino flew in from Paris to welcome her French doctor friends to Manila. Another French doctor, Gerard Wolf, brought in samples of French fragrances made with the essence of the Bach flower. Each guest brought home vials of the eau de parfum called "Presence" and "Vivacite," as well as a box of French macaroons from Vicky.

It was a truly delightful dinner that made every guest happy (with the food, company and giveaways) and content (judging from the number of empty bottles of champagne!).

All about passion

From the brilliant minds that brought us the best dance events in the last seven years comes a new and more promising venture. Driven is run by a team of passionate dance event promoters, spearheaded by Manila’s homegrown talent Domini Primero. Driven takes on a global approach by taking the Philippine clubbing scene to the next level, achieved through having its own club, its own record label and a graphic style which can be marketed globally. All these are aimed to make local talents known and to put the Philippines in the global clubbing map.

Driven is, as stated in their website, "all about passion... the little things in life that make a difference. It is all about the love of music and the overwhelming feeling you get immersing yourself in it. It’s when you go inside a club and feel you’re the happiest person on earth, losing yourself to a room filled with people that feel just the way you do. It is all about connection, harmony, inner peace, contentment, crazy nights and wonderful mornings spent with unique individuals that add spice to your life. It is all about everything you wish to look forward to after a hard day’s work. It is what motivates you to push further and what makes you value each single step in the journey of life."

Driven was officially launched last month at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) with Ibiza’s "King of Space" with the help of Motorola and Smart. Dazzling lights, crisp sound, brilliant décor and Manila’s party people filled up the venue. NBK’s DJ Manolet Dario loosened up the crowd with his uplifting sounds. Steve Lawler, renowned as one of the world’s premier and most respected house music talents, fired up the halls of PTTC with his distinctly deep and sexy electronica music. Lawler seemed to have total control of the crowd’s vibe and left everyone in awe, blessed with this exceptional clubbing experience!

(Check out www.drivenmanila.com)

A fashion force to reckon with

Folded & Hung (F&H)’s Holiday fashion event at the Rockwell Tent proved the trendsetting brand has definitely become a fashion force to reckon with.

The event ushered the launch of ground-breaking fashion designer Ivarluski Aseron’s first collection for F&H. Aseron surely impressed the crowd with his understated elegance and muted sophistication. M Barretto, F&H’s menswear designer, successfully redefined men’s clothing. The romantic look of the collection was inspired by the Baroque and Victorian periods. Aseron presented bell-sleeved blouses accented with low necklines paired with slim shorts and leggings. Baretto modernized tuxedo shirts, double vests and printed patterns on woven shirts paired with pinstriped slim pants, accessorized with thin ties, bow ties, and studded belts.

F&H president Ronald Pineda and the brand’s marketing whiz Alan Vianzon welcomed guests that included Tessa Valdes, Leica Carpo, Tina Tinio, Phoemela Barranda, Bubbles Paraiso, Pixie Olivares, Renee Salud, Puey Quiñones, Henry Calayag, Joji Dingcong, Franco and Ayen Laurel, Paolo Paraiso, Derek Ramsey, Joey and Marissa Concepcion, Monchet Olives, Ayala’s Javi Hernandez and Myrna Fernandez, Government’s Henry Lim, and Premier Wines & Spirits’ Philip Opiasa.

(E-mail me at [email protected])