King for a day

It was truly a birthday party to remember as Justo Ortiz marked his big day with royal flair. The celebrator and his lovely wife Philippine Red Cross treasurer, Gov. Baby Bayani-Ortiz, came to the celebration dressed like members of 19th-century French monarchy. The guests and relatives, down to the great grandchildren, were all game and followed suit with their own choices of French costumes. Love, songs and dances filled the Brasserie Cicou in Greenhills as Justo marked 86 blessed years. Exceptional, too, was the six-course meal prepared by chefs Cyrille Soenen and Christine Marie Sumera (a.k.a. Summer) — simply delightful!

Many happy returns and long live, Justo!

Roses, revelry and royalty in Monte Carlo

Wearing a satin, strapless purple gown and pearl earrings, lawyer Romela “Mela” Bengzon was seen hobnobbing with aristocrats and international celebrities in Monte Carlo, Monaco during the Spring-Summer 2012 Rose Ball. The rose-filled Salle des Etoiles at the Sporting Hall was packed with guests dressed in mod fashion as Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II of Monaco played host to the star-studded event, which had swinging London in the ‘60s as theme. This year’s Rose Ball was held for the benefit of the Princess Grace Foundation, which distributes grants to emerging talents in theater and dance.

Fit for a queen

One of the country’s trusted and leading footwear brands, Le Donne, is the official shoe sponsor of the Miss World Philippines 2012. The candidates will be seen on stage wearing the elegant shoes that will complement the glitz and glamour of the pageant and coronation night set on June 24. The brand is known for making stylish and ultra-feminine shoes that guarantee comfort of aspiring beauty queens. Now, that’s beauty — from head to toe!

For the love of (Capampangan) food

Pampanga’s local dishes with a creative twist were the showpieces in the highly successful Culinaria Capampangan food festival held at the Corniche restaurant of Diamond Hotel Philippines, led by its charming president Cecile Ang and GM Vanessa Suatengco. A genuine Capampangan, French-trained celebrity chef Sau del Rosario of Villa Café presented his take on treasured recipes from the Philippines’ culinary center. The launch, which was followed by a culinary demo by Atching Lillian Borromeo a.k.a. the “Guardian of the Capampangan Kitchen,” was graced by some of the country’s culinary icons: Sylvia Reynoso-Gala, Nancy Reyes-Lumen, Reggie Aspiras and Stephanie Zubiri. Bon appetit!