A toast to Tosca

The all-new Dusit Thani Manila led by GM Prateek Kumar gathered friends and industry partners for an intimate evening of double celebration. The event marked Italian restaurant Tosca’s feat for its three-time Award of Excellence and the hotel’s two-time Best City Hotel in Manila recognition given by the Annual TTG Travel Awards held in Bangkok Centre, Bangkok, Thailand.

Tosca’s Award of Excellence was given by the Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Wine List Awards, which recognizes restaurants whose wine lists are appropriate to their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers. The Award of Excellence is also given to contenders with a well-chosen selection of quality producers, whose lists must offer at least 100 selections. More than 160 reds, whites, champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world are available in Tosca.

That evening, an overflow of premium quality wines was served by Wine Depot, Bacchus International, Titania, Philippine Wine Merchant, Best World Beverage Brand and Moet et Chandon. These wines were paired with delectable European-Italian staccato cocktails served by executive chef Armin Brandtner.

Lucky guests won gift certificates and will have a first-hand experience of the hotel’s exciting new dining concepts such as Gourmet Pasta Night on Mondays, Surprise Themed Set Menu on Tuesdays and Wine Stock Exchange on Wednesdays.

(Tosca is located at the mezzanine floor of Dusit Thani Manila. For reservations, call 867-3333.)

In and out of Africa

Honorary Consul of Zambia in the Philippines Louie Ablaza and his wife Consul of Guatemala in the Philippines Mellie Ablaza organized an African trip for a group of Filipino friends. Louie arranged everything with his contacts in Zambia and the group had a great African adventure exploring the majestic Victoria Falls and cruising along the river by the world famous waterfalls. They also took a game drive checking out the exciting wildlife of the continent. 

Taking advantage of being in Africa, the group also proceeded to Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa. They also explored Mauritius, Africa’s playground of the rich and famous. Most members of the group bought precious souvenirs such as copper bracelets, elephant hair bracelets and gems from the African continent.

For the entire group, it was truly an unforgettable and well organized trip, something the Ablazas are known for. My parents also traveled with them to Burma and had a great time, too! So, with Mellie as Honorary Consul of Guatemala in the Philippines, would a trip to Guatemala and Central America happen soon?

Erik’s bright 30th birthday

His future was indeed so bright that he and his guests had to wear shades! Sunglasses were a must for the night as night life prince Erik Cua turned 30 with a big bash at Members Only. The entire venue was decorated with bright strobe and moving lights as most guests came with eyewear on. DJs Martin Pulgar and Johnny Verse took turns on the decks and flowing top shelf alcohol kept the guests buzzing till the wee hours. 

On hand were partners GP Reyes and Louie Ysmael, along with Manila’s party set, good friends of Erik, the visionary and prime mover of places like Embassy and Temple Bar. With the opening of Encore and another massive project early next year, the future is indeed so bright for the young entrepreneur. 

Members Only is the first and only membership lounge bar in the country located beside Encore in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. It offers an extensive line of liquor and exquisite food by chef Fernando Aracama. It’s indeed a place for the chosen few.

(For inquiries, please e-mail [email protected] or call 0915-8988393.)