Happy birthday, Carla!

An intimate birthday celebration was hosted by my good friend Carla Tengco at Lu, the new restaurant of Luis de Terry that is getting rave reviews through word of mouth.

Carla invited her co-birthday celebrator Linda Oledan, a few close friends and her family to the dinner. Served were delicious appetizers like fried cheese-stuffed zucchini flowers, extremely juicy grilled turmeric chicken and wonderfully soft and meaty pork chops. 

The hit drink of the night was the Diablu, similar to a mojito but it’s basically a frozen vodka drink with mint leaves.

Dessert was a cake called “vacherin,” especially made by the birthday girl’s daughter Amanda. As always, the dinner and company were fantastic! Happy birthday, Carla!

(Lu is located at the ground floor, Joya Building, South Tower, Rockwell. Call 403-3991 or 0915-2468420 for reservations.)

Ronald knows how to throw a party

It seems like not too long ago when Rep. Ronald Singson celebrated his birthday in Fly (formerly Embassy Fly), which is now called Encore Fly. Ronald turns a year older but definitely still knows how to throw a party.

The club was transformed into Ronald’s personal playground by having sushi, skewers, caviar and lechon flown in from Cebu. There was also an amazing line up of bands arranged by Jay Server of Capone. Entertainment was provided by The Dawn, Overtone and NATF (Nino Alejandro and The Force). Special guest performers included Radha and Rachel Alejandro. Encore’s DJ’s Mars and Ace took over and played mash-up music to keep everyone’s energy level pumping. Drinks were flowing and everyone was obviously enjoying.

Come home to a Pinoy Christmas

Ascott Makati held its annual tree-lighting ceremony, officially opening the Christmas season and launching the Paskong Pinoy campaign for balikbayans. The event was held in partnership with World Vision, a charity organization for children that Ascott International has been supporting since 2008. To raise funds this year, handcrafted miniature parols made of capiz were sold at P100 and proceeds were donated to Ascott International’s sponsored communities in Zambales. Ascott Makati GM Lew Yen Ping said: “This Christmas, we are excited to celebrate the holidays in true Filipino fashion. By buying a parol or two, you not only light up your homes with these beautiful lanterns, but you also light up the lives of these children.”

Present were Miriam Quiambao and Sam Milby, who have both been actively sponsoring World Vision children. Also at the event were BPI Capital Corp. president Teodoro Limcaoco, Ascott International managing director for South East Asia and Australia Alfred Ong, Ascott International Country GM Arthur Gindap and Ascott International business development and asset management-Asia Pacific AVP Magdeline Loke.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!