The grand Sabores de España in Cebu!

 In celebration of Spain’s rich culture and tradition, the five-star Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (MPPC) in Cebu City led by hardworking GM Hans Hauri recently hosted the grand Sabores de España food festival. Brilliant Spanish culinary guest chef Gema Luisa Pido, Cebu’s foremost authority on Spanish culinary tradition, graciously shared her treasured family recipes through a delectable feast showcased at three of the hotel’s excellent dining outlets — the Lobby Lounge, El Viento Restaurant and Blue Bar & Grill. With lip-smacking favorites such as the savory paella, lengua estofada and rellenos perfectly complemented with an enlivening serving of vintage Spanish wines, Cebu’s high society and special guests like Spanish Ambassador Luis Arias and elegant wife Soledad, and honorary Consul of Spain Jaime Picornell and sophisticated wife Cecilia truly had a most enjoyable time during the festive affair.

Cheers!

A new hope

Giving back is always a pleasure especially if it will change the lives of others for the better. This is why recently, your columnist spearheaded a fund-raising project for the benefit of different organizations. We note the presence, generosity and compassion of the kind-hearted Grace Palma Tiongco and the people behind Advance Paper Corp. for continually helping many charitable foundations such as White Cross Foundation, KIDS Foundation, Kythe Foundation and the Baclayon projects of renowned philanthropist Bea Zobel Jr. The beneficiaries of these institutions will go on with their lives filled with gratitude for all the help that they are getting. Thank you my dear friends. Your help will surely go a long way.

Beautiful as ever

The ever-lovely queen of Ever Bilena Cosmetics and Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) 2010 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines awardee Khristine Gabriel recently had a grand birthday bash at the exquisite UMU Japanese restaurant at the Dusit Thani Manila, the hotel of choice by the country’s top personalities. Hosted by her life partner Ever Bilena CEO Dioceldo Sy, Khristine’s celebration was filled with authentic Japanese dishes, overflowing wine and champagne plus great music from concert queen Pops Fernandez who did a heartwarming duet with Sen. Bongbong Marcos.

Happy birthday, Khristine!

An annual celebration of heroism

In remembrance of the heroism of the brave members of the 41st Division who fought in Bataan between 1941 and 1942, an annual celebration is held in their honor. This year, the surviving veterans, their families and the families of the officers and men of the 41st Division PA-USAFFE will hold their reunion on Oct.10 at the 41st Shrine in Tagaytay. The event, which seeks to foster camaraderie among the “family of 41sters” and honor the surviving veterans, is organized and funded by the members of the Board of Trustees of the 41st Foundation, now known as the General Lim’s Division Bataan Inc. Guest speaker will be National Defense Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina.