Spanish nights

Spanish food and wine took center stage at the grand launch of Tapella restaurant. Chef Alexandra Cacho offered a taste of the good life during the launch of the newest Spanish restaurant in Greenbelt 5. Spanish Ambassador Luis Arias graced the event together with news anchor Korina Sanchez as they cut the ribbon.

Guests sampled a wide variety of tapas, paella, sangria and fine Spanish wines. The event was likewise a feast for the senses as Emma Estrada, who heads the Fundacion Centro Flamenco, presented a breathtaking performance that added even more flavor to the occasion. Guests were treated to special prizes such as gift certificates from Gaudi, Tapella and a three-day/two-night stay in Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Davao courtesy of Fuego Hotels.

Visit Tapella at the ground floor of Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City.

(For reservations or inquiries, call 757-2710 or log on to www.tapella-restaurant.com or e-mail [email protected])

Saving ‘My Backyard’

Bringing together the power of technology, innovation and education, Hewlett Packard (HP) ushered in an eco-sensitive initiative through “My Backyard” at the Ayala Museum lobby. The project is dedicated to help the country’s youth build a greener and more sustainable tomorrow.

HP filled the spacious lobby with environmentally conscious guests. On hand to welcome them were the company’s executives led by SVP for global marketing Satjiv Chahil, Veramaria Klingels, Mark O’Sullivan and country GM for personal systems group-HP Philippines Bernadette Nacario. Nacario hosted the company’s successful launch of its corporate social responsibility project in partnership with Ayala Foundation’s school project in Tondo, Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education (CENTEX) represented by Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Vicky Garchitorena and Carol Atacador. CENTEX is HP’s beneficiary in its educational thrust.

Poch Estella of Goldwave Tech Services of Santa Clara, California emphasized, “The CENTEX educational program gives exceptional children not only quality education but exposes them to the greater impact on the current global efforts to save the environment.” It was Poch and Niña Romualdez who were responsible for putting together this important breakthrough. Together with HP’s “My Backyard” campaign, children will be actively involved in promoting environmental consciousness and change. HP, being the world’s largest technology company, makes use of its technology in bringing about this change through the hardware technology it has been given the CENTEX classrooms in Tondo School in Manila.

Guests were given the opportunity to listen to My Backyard, the theme song for the campaign, with lyrics written by the CENTEX scholars themselves, composed and arranged by the talented and award-winning Gino Cruz, music provided by the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band, chorus provided by the CENTEX Glee Club and sang and recorded by Charice Pempengco, who, though not present, performed a virtual duet with Gary Valenciano.

The evening ended with a bang with a raffle of two Mini HP special edition Vivienne Tam that went to Lorraine Schuck and Alex Santos.

Great fit for ladies’ feet

VNC is the preferred shop to go to if you’re in search of the perfect fit that has good value for your money. On its fifth year in the Philippine fashion scene, it launched its 10th branch in the newly opened Eastwood Mall at Eastwood, Quezon City.

Eastwood Mall, with its sophisticated ambience that caters to the mid-high end shoppers, is a welcoming treat to the existing and soon-to-be VNC followers who will always end up patronizing its elegant but trendy line. VNC owners Alaric and Frances Sy and Winston and Jennifer Chua were present for the launch. The Eastwood branch was formally opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Kevin Tan of Megaworld and Phoemela Barranda.

VNC Philippines pioneered its first branch in Robinsons Galleria in 2003 with its characteristic blend of affordability, style and durability. VNC’s other branches are at Robinsons Galleria, Glorietta 3, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, TriNoma, Alabang Town Center, Commerce Mall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and SM North Edsa Annex.

VNC is all about keeping up with the trend and maintaining a fashion forward mantra. Who says that fashionable goods should always come in high digits? VNC will be your perfect “recessionista” guide to a great look without the guilt of overspending.