Boracay as it should be

The things I like most about Boracay aren’t just found in its famed powdery white beach or clear turquoise blue waters but in the rather unfamiliar yet pleasantly surprising places off the beaten path in this pristine and glorious island. So when the Friends of Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) flew in to Caticlan onboard Seair, the smoothest and fastest airline going to Boracay, and visited the friendliest private beach resort in Boracay, Sea Wind, the first thing that we noticed was the quaint and cozy ambience that reminded us of home; the kind that would make you envision a scenario of someone beside you uttering “Asan si lola?” upon arriving. It was raining when we were there but it didn’t dampen our spirits because a most warm and friendly welcome was given to us by Sea Wind’s cheery staff courtesy of its president Federico “Boy” Jarantilla. They gave us the red carpet treatment and rendered us heartfelt service beyond compare. We also visited the Sea Wind Museum and went to see the charming native-inspired bamboo rooms. With Christmas just around the corner, it wasn’t surprising to find out that some if not most of the FCCP members opted to book several rooms in advance just in time for the Christmas holidays. 

See you there soon!

Manila’s Five Loveliest 2008

Five accomplished young ladies were recently proclaimed Manila’s Five Loveliest 2008 at a glamorous dinner ball held at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. The enchanting event capped the annual fund-raising activity of the Love 14 Foundation, an organization focused on scholarships and medical programs. The Moroccan-inspired event featured the five lovely pageant winners including Carla Rosanna Aranaz, Cristina Afzelius, Marie Veronique Boncan, Jean Fernando and Jean Catherine Napoles. These five lovely ladies have committed themselves to the Love 14 Foundation’s mission in helping those less fortunate. 

Congratulations!

Masquerade Ball that tops ‘em all

Kids were running around in their Harry Potter costumes, parents were drinking the finest wine while being serenaded by a jazz singer, others were having a grand time ballroom dancing. It all happened recently at Aeternum, the first true garden columbary in the country. Friends and guests, as well as real estate brokers, attended the colorful festivities led by IPM chairman Isabelita Paredes Mercado and The Fort Park Estate, Inc. president Jan Vincent Mercado together with lovely wife Claire. The lavish affair culminated with an amazing fireworks display to the delight of the ecstatic crowd.

Come and experience for yourself the many pleasant surprises tucked within Aeternum. How about a Qi-Gong exercise, for instance? Be one of the many of those who have found ultimate relaxation through the art of Qi-Gong every Saturday at Aeternum.

See you there!

Three cheers for Taguig

Hardworking Taguig Mayor Freddie Tinga recently kicked off an outstanding and fun filled celebration with the city’s third year of cityhood. The week-long festivities culminates in today’s Taste of the City 2: The Many More Flavors of Taguig which is the country’s biggest food fest to be hosted by your columnist.

Happy anniversary!