One of the things that remind me of Christmas is the sight and aroma of pine trees. So when Manila’s A-listers and top socialites joined your columnist for a short sojourn high above the cool pine tree laden Swiss-inspired community of Crosswinds in Tagaytay, we knew then that Christmas was just around the corner. Clad in Christmassy red outfits, the guests were met by Brittany’s charming and hardworking corporate communications head Nova Noval before making a quick get-away-from-it-all leisurely joyride towards beautiful Crosswinds. Brittany AVP Marylee Sadiasa was on hand to give us a brief tour of the very luxurious and private Swiss Quadrilles, a model unit of upscale mid-rise condominium Grand Quartier and the high-peak property of Deux Pointe. The group had a blast wining and dining as well as participating in a fun-filled best hat contest and a splendid raffle draw.
Come home to Crosswinds 365 days a year to enjoy Christmas everyday! See you at Crosswinds!
Johnny’s wine of the week
This week, your columnist recommends Ramon Bilbao Viña Turzaballa, a wine made from 100 percent Tempranillo grapes. Black cherry red with bright ruby red rim. Ripe plums and wild berries with roasted coffee, cocoa and vanilla on the nose. On the palate, it comes round and spicy with notes of leather and cigar-box. It has a long and persistent finish. Aged in American oak barrels for 40 months. It goes well with roasted meats and is perfect with iberico ham and cheese.
(Exclusively imported and distributed by BestWorld Beverage Brands, 637-8491 to 94, bbbi@pacific.net.ph)
Abstract expressionism
World-renowned abstract expressionist Ivan Acuña has created yet another successful art exhibit that wowed everyone. Held at the recent grand opening of the BMW dealership in Cebu, art lovers and Cebu’s elite came in full force, further solidifying Acuña’s well-deserved acclaim. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was headed by the First Lady of Cebu City Margot Osmeña together with BMW’s illustrious president Andreas Biehler. It was a truly a magical and unforgettable event both for BMW Cebu’s head honcho Paolo Borromeo and art dealer Hermie Ventura who worked hand-in-hand to weave the successful event.
Congratulations!
Plantation Bay joins the Sinulog Mardi Gras Fest
Nine days of pomp and pageantry wherein exceptional dance performances by fun loving Cebuanos garbed in vividly colorful costumes amidst the rhythmic thumping of drums, trumpets and native gongs will mark Cebu’s Sinulog Festival come January in honor of Sto. Niño. Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, being one of Cebu’s most-renowned travel destinations, will join in the celebration and will encourage in-house guests to participate in the revelry by providing complimentary transportation to and from the festivities while enjoying a free sumptuous lunch. There will be a parade within the Plantation Bay grounds on Jan. 19 and the highlight of the Cebu festivities will be on Jan. 20, on the third Sunday of January. An event you surely wouldn’t want to miss for the world.
See you there!
(For reservations, call (63-32) 340-5900, (63-2) 844-5024 to 25 or log on to www.plantationbay.com)