Fit for a queen

The Philippine Embassy in Spain once again asserted its devotion in promoting Filipino arts and crafts as it participated recently in Madrid’s “El Rastrillo for the Nuevo Futuro de Niños sin hogar.” Members of Madrid’s social elite including Queen Sofia, who enjoyed the company of Mari Borao and Carol Aboitiz as well as volunteers for the traditional charity foundation, were fascinated by the exhibition that showcased the ingenuity of Filipinos in creating the most special items fit for the holiday event.

Congratulations!

A woman of style, beauty and substance

(From left) Aida Cobankiat, your columnist, Sharon Tan, Salome Uy and Ingrid Go.

Every year is a huge blessing for the ever-glamorous Salome Uy who recently celebrated her birthday at the dining and lounge gem in the heart of Makati that is Society Lounge. Lavender, purple and violet flowers and ornaments adorned the contemporary French chateau-inspired interiors of Society Lounge to welcome the gorgeous celebrator and her stunning guests. Beautifully-arranged tables were then filled by Salome’s dear family and friends who had one of the best times of their lives as they savored the gastronomic treats masterfully prepared by the lounge’s GM and seasoned chef Patrice Freuslon.

Inspired by the French Fashion Food Company, a group of restaurants in France, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, the lounge’s cuisine is a fusion of flavors from different nations, which instantly became a hit among Salome’s globe-trotting friends as they were reminded of their lavish experiences in the countries that they visited. With dishes such as cauliflower soup with truffle oil and crispy bacon strip, Roquefort salad with grapes and apricots with raspberry vinaigrette, salmon fillet with champagne sauce and crepe suzette cointreau liqueur, Salome’s guests ended up craving for more treats as they enjoyed each other’s company over the finest wine and champagne at the ultra-stylish lounge area.

To say that Salome’s party was enjoyable would be an understatement as it was an experience that everyone will remember forever. Happy birthday, Salome! Stay happy and beautiful and I wish you more success in the coming years! Cheers!

Celebrating the Thomasian spirit

2010 Choir of the World champion, The UST Singers, perform at the University of Santo Tomas Christmas Concert Gala 2010.

Music proved to be one of the best ways to spread the recent holiday cheer. Now on its eighth year, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Christmas Concert Gala — co-chaired by Quadricentennial Activities and Highlights executive director Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P. and art patroness Maricris Zobel — celebrated the Thomasian spirit through music. With performances from different groups highlighted by the stirring number from Raul Sunico, dean of the UST Conservatory of Music and president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines; and the finale from the UST Singers, who were adjudged the 2010 Choir of the World champion, the event surely set the holiday spirit ablaze in the hearts of its audience.

Spreading the love

Spreading the recent Christmas cheer wouldn’t be complete without Edsa Shangri-La Manila, led by hardworking GM Sinan Yilmaz, treating the children under the care of the White Cross orphanage to a memorable party. A heart-warming tree lighting ceremony at the hotel’s Lobby Lounge followed as the Children’s Joy Foundation Choir sang Christmas carols. Thank you, Sinan Yilmaz, for spreading holiday cheer to these children!