A French makeover for a Pinoy beauty

Tomorrow is a red-letter day as Accor Asia Pacific formally announces the addition of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila to the Accor network in an exclusive grand launch by the bay. Planing in especially for this momentous event are Michael Issenberg, managing director of Accor Asia Pacific and Patrick Basset, vice president of Operations for South and Southeast Asia, Accor Asia Pacific.

The grand launch marks the fusion of French style and Filipino talent for Metro Manila’s most beautiful resort-hotel.

Selected guests have been invited to the occasion, which will feature the performances of an international jazz artist and the ingenious Power Dance. The party — from cocktails to after-dinner champagne and fireworks — will be held at the prime locations of the hotel, from the newly renovated lobby lounge "Le Bar" (an innovative three-in-one concept — a bistro, patisserie and music lounge), to the Grand Plaza Ballroom, then to the Poolside Garden. The hotel’s marketing director Rose Libongco promises to leave no stone unturned to create an event that will long be remembered.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila was transformed under the leadership of general manager Bernd Schneider. The changes began with the phenomenally successful Spiral, which enjoys a wide following from Manila’s epicurean diners, to the refurbishment of the swimming pool, the renovation of the rooms and the Club Sofitel Lounge. Exciting outlets such as Le Bar and Galette complete the transformation.

With the new management comes a refreshing French makeover with new uniforms sported by the hotel staff – starting with the doorman who welcomes you when you get off your car.

Wow, all this plus the famed Manila Bay sunset, too. I’m sure it will be tres magnifique!

Beauty and benevolence

To have her as a namesake is a distinction. I certainly wouldn’t mind having her accomplishments and her porcelain beauty attributed to me.

Joanne Zapanta-Andrada has gone a long way from being a poster girl (she was Bench’s first poster girl) .

Few know that Joanne more than just styles President Arroyo’s "look." She also helps with the President’s speeches.

This model also ventured behind the camera and expressed her beauty in a whole different level. She recently mounted a one-woman photo exhibit, "In Repose."

Joanne can write about fashion with a passion, but her essays on life and people are the pieces that truly ignite her talent. She writes a regular column for The STAR’s Allure section.

Joanne shares that "being part of something beyond me is one of the most fulfilling commitments."

This mother of three shares her time and talents with the UNESCO Commission in the Philippines, Marillac Hills and Basa, Bata, Basa, which promotes reading among abused children. She co-founded and heads DUYAN (Develop and Uplift against Abuse and Neglect) and Kabisig Kalahi.

"The stories utterly horrified me. There were cases of children who were mutilated and tortured... some of the children were as young as six years old. It was difficult to listen to these stories and not be profoundly affected," she narrates.

Joanne hopes that DUYAN contributes to the healing process of sexually abused children. "Clearly some form of psychological intervention has to be done," she says. "Seeing that the government did not have the funds to answer this need, I quickly asked everyone I knew for help in order to establish a psychological center."

Samsung Ultra Edition recently celebrated the Samsung Honours and gave credit to select personalities with great contributions to inspiring others in their respective fields. For fashion, Samsung showed admiration for Randy Ortiz; while Samsung gave commendation to Gary Valenciano for his contribution to music.

It came as no surprise that in the field of arts and philanthropy, Joanne Zapanta-Andrada was hailed.

Congratulations, tocayo!

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