Skin to skin

It was literally an evening about skin as Belo Essentials had a bash at Lusso that swelled to the gardens of Greenbelt 5. Vicki Belo and her daughter Cristalle entrusted brand imaging consultant Joji Dingcong to conceptualize the party. Joji called it Skin to Skins to highlight Belo skin products and another type of skin — leather. Bags from Balenciaga, Lanvin, Alia and Marni were paraded by models wearing creations by Pepito Albert in the Jackie Aquino-directed show.

Gaita Fores’ Lusso Champagne & Gastro Bar at Greenbelt 5 provided the sumptuous selection of hors d’oeuvres which guests downed with Moet and Chandon champagne and Chandon pink sparkling wine. Beautiful flowers by Fiori di M bedecked the venue. Saxophonist Michael Young performed to the delight of the guests.

Vicki then spoke of the company she built from a small clinic in Medical Towers that made its mark in the field of dermatology and cosmetic surgery. The Belo Medical Group is now 19 years old. She also spoke of Cristalle who has made her own name as managing director of Belo Essentials that gives Filipinos a whitening skin care line at more affordable prices.

Others seen were Adel Tamano, Maripi Muscat, Margie Moran Floirendo, Mandy de la Rama Santos, Mia Borromeo, Malu Gamboa, Sunshine de Leon, Monique Villonco, Divine Lee, Laly Etroit, Wilma Galvante, Randy Ortiz, Raul Manzano, Chris Badiola, Ceceille Reynoso Atienza, Irene Martel Francisco, Amado Fores, Alvin Lim, Anton San Diego, Louie Ysmael, Johnny Velasquez, Inno Sotto, Marco Lobregat and Vivian Sarabia.

It was truly a spectacular event that is always expected when Vicki throws a party!

Let there be snow!

The premium cosmetics brand from Korea, Laneige, is now available in the Philippines. Its first store at the TriNoma was recently unveiled by Laneige Philippines president Winnie Go, vice president Judy Yu, Amorepacific EVP Sang Woo Lee, Star columnist Johnny Litton, vice president of the United Korean Community Association of the Philippines Kim Jung Soo and chairman of Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency Ho Won Jung.

Laneige means “snow” in French and presents products for young and trendy Asian women. It even has a men’s line. It is also the only brand to incorporate glacial snow water from the Himalayas which is natural ionized water that gives skin intense hydration with benefits from minerals found in this water. The Himalayan glacial water contains calcium and potassium which reinforces skin barrier function; sodium which balances and maintains moisture; magnesium and zinc which boost cellular metabolism; and iron which enhances skin collagen conjunction.

Guests at the event opening were all eager to sample the products. Laneige is exclusively distributed by Laneige Philippines, Inc. Check out the store at the third level of TriNoma.

A benefit concert by All85 for GK

On Oct. 3, Gawad Kalinga All85 (GK All85) will have its first benefit concert entitled All85 Goes GK at the Music Museum which will feature Ryan Cayabyab, the Ryan Cayabyab Singers and some of the finest Filipino talents. The evening will celebrate the work of thousands of Gawad Kalinga volunteers across the globe and in particular, the “All85 Gawad Kalinga Village.” Edu Manzano will host the pre-show. The concert will feature Ryan’s music through the years, from his music inspirations from the ‘50s, to the very popular hits like Ngayon at Kailanman and Ric Segreto songs.

“GK All85” is an initiative of Batch ‘85 graduates of different high schools in the Philippines such as Ateneo de Manila, Assumption, San Agustin, Holy Spirit, ICA, La Salle, Lourdes, Maryknoll, PSHS, Poveda, San Beda, St Paul Pasig, St. Theresa’s, Southridge UPIS, Woodrose and my alma mater, Xavier. The group aims to support the nation building efforts of GK by establishing its own GK community.

The concert will benefit the All85 GK Village in Sitio Pajo Barangay Baesa, Quezon City. All proceeds of the concert will go to the GK programs in child and youth development, health, productivity, community empowerment, and environment.

(This concert will serve as the kickoff for the annual Gawad Kalinga Expo which will be held on Oct. 10 at The Fort in Taguig. For ticket inquiries, pls. call 391-8653, Ticketworld 891-9999 or Music Museum 721-0635.)