Bravo to Brava!

Brava, L’Opera Group’s “gastroteca,” is a wonderful new find perfect for those evenings of comfortable conversations. It has a fantastic cocktail list (bartenders here infuse their own vodkas). It also serves mouthwatering bar chow that comes in the form of cicchetto, the Italian version of hors d’oeuvres, which include spicy polpo (octopus), juicy tenderloin skewers served with dipping sauces, deep-fried mozzarella sticks, homemade parmiggiano chips, truffle-infused popcorn and pizzas.

At Brava, I could personally drown myself in some of the best concocted cocktails in town — martinis, bellinis, cosmopolitans, mojitos among other delightful and new concoctions. (Try the drink Manila, Manila!)

Its opening had a wonderful mix of locals and expats who enjoyed the great food and equally wonderful drinks that night. Let’s toast to the inventive spirit and the persistent tinkering of Brava’s cocktail philosophy, a proof that it is indeed the perfect addition to L’Opera Group’s inspired Italian cuisine. Brava is next to its sibling Italian steakhouse Balducci at the Serendra restaurant strip at Bonifacio High Street, Fort Bonifacio.

(For inquiries, call Brava at 856-3723.)

Time to make music

Nokia Nseries hosted AsiaNation, a series of regional concert tours and the first of its kind that brought the best DJs in Asia to Asian audiences. The Manila leg was held at the new Embassy Super Club where Nokia Nseries users were given free access and VIP treatment. Music was provided by premiere Malaysian DJ Gabriel Chong and Japan’s top house music DJ and industry icon Ko Kimura. 

Known as one of the most influential and most talented DJs in Japan, Ko has been spinning contagious dance beats for over 15 years. He was the first Japanese to play at the main floor at London’s Ministry of Sound.

A professional DJ for more than 15 years, DJ Gabriel is one of the pioneers who helped shape Malaysia’s dance music scene and has promoted and played at many of the country’s landmark parties.

Spotted at the event were Nokia marketing head Sandeep Khanna with Nokia product manager Corinne Risos, Alexei Villaraza, Leica Carpo, Celine Gabriel, Rose Montenegro and Martin Ledesma.

Service in style

Discovery Shores, a member of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of the World, celebrated one year of “Service in Style” with a red carpet event honoring its most valuable resource — the resort’s amazing staff. Guests and friends from the media enjoyed a fashion show where the associates modeled tropical fashion by Folded and Hung. There were also guest performances by Mark Bautista and Rachel Ann Go.

It has been a year ever since 90 individuals pledged to make a difference and committed to make it their personal mission to be ambassadors of Discovery Shores, providing their guests with sincere, first class service and a fine attention to detail. This has not gone unnoticed by the pampered guests.

The evening also unveiled Discovery Shores’ new service mantra for 2008: “Service That’s All Heart.” Annabella Wisniewski, president of HSAI-Raintree thanked the team for a very good year and announced new developments for the Discovery/HSAI-Raintree Group to watch for, such as Discovery Misbis in Bicol, Discovery Primea in Makati and Raintree Suites at the Fort.

(For inquiries, call (+63 32) 683-8222 local 3929 / 3438 or visit www.discoveryshoresboracay.com)

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