Sausage revelry

These women have a distinct style, and are of extraordinary substance. And they are among 15 women being honored today by People Asia magazine for being “Women of Style and Substance” for 2008.

The other “Women of Style and Substance” are HSBC chief operating officer Elaine Dichupa, STAR columnist and child welfare crusader Mons Romulo-Tantoco, educator Fely Atienza, telecommunications executive Julie Carceller, makeup maven Chechel Joson, fashion designer Patrice Ramos-Diaz, cosmetics executive Tessa Dragon, Knowledge Channel founder Rina Lopez-Bautista, entrepreneur Khristine Gabriel and singer Nikki Gil.

The tribute to these women will be highlighted by a photo exhibit, with images by top lensmen Jun de Leon, Frank Hoefsmit, Marc Nicdao, Noelle Hernandez, Rommel Bundalian, John Darilag and Jo Ann Bitagcol.

“Women of Style and Substance” is being presented by People Asia magazine with the support of HSBC, the Renaissance Makati Hotel, Twinings of London, Moet and Chandon, The Philippine STAR, Grendha, QualiBet, Margarita King, Zen Zest, Ipanema and artist Daniel de la Cruz.

If you boast an impressive — and long! — line of sausages, it’s but natural to think of going German for the months of September and October.

Sept. 20 this year marks the official start of the Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich, Germany where over six million people are expected to flock to a 42-hectare field just outside the city to celebrate a tradition that began on Oct. 12, 1810. On that day, the country celebrated the Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria’s marriage to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Close to 200 years later, the royal wedding anniversary has evolved into a worldwide food festival celebrating traditional German food and beer. 

Katrina Ponce-Enrile has deviated from the family business (politics) and has gone full swing into something more palatable — the food business. She is the woman behind Delimondo Food specialties, Carinderia Petra and Pilar in Makati and Splendido in Taal, Batangas. Since her Delimondo line has some of the most mouthwatering sausages in town, Katrina, president and CEO of the JAKA Group of Companies, decided to join the Oktoberfest revelry.

“Delimondo is best known for its proprietary brand of corned beef, but it also manufactures its own line of specialty sausages,” adds Katrina. “The deli offers a range of premium sausage products that include traditional sausage recipes such as the Hungarian Sausage, Smoked Kielbasa, Spanish Longanisa, English Pork and Schublig and Cheese. Delimondo also has a special line of gourmet sausages that include the Chicken and Pesto and the Chicken and Chunky Apple.”

Traditionally held 16 days up to and including the first Sunday of October, the festivities have become an important part of Bavarian culture. Visitors dressed in lederhosen and dirndl gather in beer tents to drink copious amounts of beer accompanied by hearty Bavarian fare like stewed pork knuckles and an assortment of sausages. 

“We wanted to join the Oktoberfest celebrations by showcasing the various specialty sausages that we carry under the Delimondo line,” says Katrina.

At Carinderia Petra & Pilar in Makati City, Oktoberfest is celebrated from Sept. 22 to Oct.5, (Petra & Pilar is open on weekdays only). At the Ladera Golfer’s Lounge at Splendido Taal Golf & Country Club, Oktoberfest runs from Sept. 20 to Oct. 5 (dining hours are from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesdays to Sundays). 

(For inquiries about Carinderia Petra & Pilar, please call 887-5168 or 893-5531 loc. 480 or 481. For the Ladera Golfers’ Lounge at Splendido Taal, please call Cherry Sanchez at (632) 529-8213 loc 226 or cellphone 0920-9471840.)

* * *

(You may e-mail me at [email protected])