Picture-perfect Picasso

A unique lodging experience was officially introduced to the media in a night of cocktails, music and art. The Picasso Serviced Boutique Residences finally opened in Makati City to offer a very unique kind of stay to its guests.

DJ Manolet Dario entertained guests with his own brand of chill to set the mood for an even more relaxing night — the very concept of The Picasso stay. Guests were also given a tour around the serviced boutique residences for them to take a peek into what it has to offer. They were awed to find out that The Picasso is very much different from the countless contemporary hotels around the city.

Ardent Property Development Corp. and Hospitality International Inc. (HII) president Luis Monserrat welcomed guests and the public, taking pride in the growing popularity the serviced lodging has been gaining.

Ardent Property Development Corp. had a vision to use a hip and modern concept to transform an old apartment building into a unique residence that caters to the contemporary businessmen and travelers. The whole concept of The Picasso is to become an intimately scaled, beautifully styled and well-situated boutique serviced residence that can cater to all businessmen and travelers who want to relax right at the heart of the business district.

Devoted to the arts, The Picasso aims of becoming an “Engine of Art” by exhibiting works by today’s avant-garde contemporary Filipino artists. These artworks are all open to sale and are appointed by an in-house curator, The Art Cabinet Philippines. This support to the artistic community extends to having an art gallery that holds art workshops, exhibits and talks. And all beyond these, The Picasso still stands as a quality boutique residence for any client who seeks a relaxing stay. To complete the refreshing experience within the residences, The Brasserie Boheme restaurant, the Qi Wellness Spa, the Studio 119 salon, a fully-equipped function room, a two-floor gym and a Wi-Fi lounge are all found just within the white walls of The Picasso.

(The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences is located at 119 L.P. Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City. Contact 828-4774, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.picassomakati.com)

New skate park in town

Skateboarders are ready to roll especially now with a new skate park in town — the XVIB Skate Park located at the Republ1c headquarters in Makati.

Designed by a California skate park design company, with over 450 skate parks for communities all across the world including ESPN’s X Games skate park, the XVIB Skate Park promises fun sessions. Made of professional grade material flown in from the US, skateboarders will love the safe and smooth ride. This skate park provides challenging obstacles such as fun box, elbow pipe, starting rail, hubba ledge, quarter pipes and hip banks to nail their tricks. Located indoors and properly ventilated, XVIB provides comfort and shelter from the rain and heat.    

Upon registration during the launch, participants received their official XVIB shirts and stickers. Converging at the skate park, skateboarders started rolling about, practicing their tricks on the various obstacles. DJ Dylan welcomed everyone and introduced the Skate Jam judges — C1RCA’s Dennis Durrant, Sierra Fellers, Windsor James, Frank Gerwer, Don Nguyen and Tony Tave.

The Skate Jam then started as guests were awed by the balance and skills of the participants. Bagging P5,000 cash and P5,000 worth of Republ1c goodies was third place winner Eunice Quilantang. Second place was awarded to Rasheed Al Rasheed who received P7,000 cash and P5,000 worth of Republ1c goodies. The Skate Jam champ was Marvin Basinal who received P10,000 cash and P10,000 worth of Republ1c goodies. Meanwhile, the Best Trick award went to Jack Nonato who got P5,000 worth of Republ1c goodies. After the awarding, Republ1c served up overflowing drinks with the musical cushioning of DJ Rolando of DeftMix who flew in from New York for the party.

The XVIB Skate Park is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m.. to 10 p.m.

(XVIB, pronounced “x-vibe,” is located at Warehouse 16-B, La Fuerza Plaza Compound, 2241 Don Chino Roces Ave, Makati City. For inquiries, call 864-0774 or visit www.xvibskate.com and www.republ1c.com)