The Peninsula is now 30

The Peninsula Manila’s beautiful lobby was adorned with what must be thousands of multi-colored blooms and its marble walls covered in shades of gold, amber and aquamarine. In the middle of all these, Manila’s glamorous people had a fabulous time partying. This happened when the chairman of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, Sir Michael Kadoorie, hosted a cocktail party to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Peninsula Manila and the unveiling of the hotel’s new look following a renovation.

More than 1,000 invited guests dined on oysters and foie gras and downed champagne while swinging to big band music by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. They then nibbled on desserts and cheeses at the Rigodon Ballroom while listening to Acoustic Jive. There was also house music with DJ Marc Naval at The Conservatory and Latin and chill-out grooves by The Pool and Spa.

Sir Michael remarked: "The Peninsula Manila holds a special place in the development of our hotels, being the first hotel outside of our Hong Kong flagship to be opened under the Peninsula brand name. Today, it is part of a group that is internationally recognized for its high standards of service and distinctive approach to hospitality." On behalf of the Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels and The Peninsula Manila, he also announced that a donation of P2 million had been made to the Philippine National Red Cross to help victims of typhoon Reming in the Bicol region.

Happy birthday, Maurice!

Social chronicler Maurice Arcache celebrated his birthday at the Shangri-La Makati Hotel attended by over a hundred of his dear friends. Shangri-La director of communications Joy Wassmer chose the perfect place for a party – a private room on the third floor that extends to a huge open air balcony. The hotel’s executive chef Christopher Romine prepared several hors d’oeuvres such as scallops and crab cakes and a pasta and risotto station. Drinks overflowed as Maurice’s friends volunteered to sponsor the drinks: wines and Stolichnaya vodka from Ralph Joseph of Ralph8217’s wines; Olga Azarcon of Moet & Chandon provided several bottles of Veuve Cliquot; and Louie Cruz provided Paradise Mango Rum liqueur. Joji Dingcong hosted a short program where in friends of the birthday boy toasted (and roasted) him. Bimbo Cerrudo sang several songs that entertained the guests.

Much has been written about Maurice in the past so I shall make his birthday story short. I shall let these pictures speak to tell people how many people find Maurice dear in their lives.

Happy birthday to a dear friend!

Asia’s first ‘racino’

The country’s only modern racing facility San Lazaro Leisure Park (SLLP) in Carmona, Cavite was built by the Manila Jockey Club (MJC), a company established in 1867. Now on its 140th year, MJC has diversified into real estate and other forms of entertainment giving rise to Asia’s first "racino" (race track-casino).

At its soft opening, guests were treated to a unique experience at the Casino Filipino-San Lazaro, a joint-venture project between MJC and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR). The "racino" is located at the top floor of SLLP’s Turf Club, provides table games like baccarat and black jack and 110 slot machines in addition to the horseracing action conducted by MJC.

The "racino" also offers lounge acts, live bands and dance shows, as well as an international lunch and dinner buffet for P300 per person, inclusive of a P100 racino playing voucher. The Casino Filipino-San Lazaro is open daily from 2 p.m. to 6 a.m. Shuttles that take guests from Makati, Ayala Alabang and Ortigas to SLLP are available. Call MJC at 687-9889 for trip schedules.

Check out www.manilajockey.com

(E-mail me at peppertstar@yahoo.com)