Made in Italy at Makati Shangri-La

The beautiful culture and cuisine of Italy took center stage recently at the Makati Shangri-La hotel during the week-long celebration in honor of Italian Day. An intimate launch was held at Red, where guests enjoyed a special dinner prepared by executive chef Franco Brodini and Italian guest chef Paolo Bodon. Chef Paolo also conducted cooking lessons in the hotel.

The evening began with a welcome speech by Makati Shangri-La GM Reto Klauser and Italian Ambassador Luca Fornari. Guests were then serenaded by our very own talented Filipino soprano Rachelle Gerodias and tenor Ervin Lumauag, who sang very familiar arias that kept some guests humming to the popular tunes.

We were then treated to a four-course menu paired with fine Italian wines. The first course was an octopus combo prepared in three ways: skewered, fried and in a terrine. The second course was risotto with porcini mushroom and rosemary. The main course was the turbo fillet “Liguria style” with potato, peanut and celery. I was in culinary heaven eating this delicate fish dish. Dinner ended with the chef’s dessert creation of warm mascarpone cake with vanilla ice cream and melon compote.

With great Italian food and wine and the company of Ambassador Fornari and his equally charming wife Silvana, the night was absolutely bellissima!

Outrun yourself!

This is the time to outdo yourself in a fun run activity. With the theme “Outrun Yourself,” Rexona recently launched the Rexona Run 2012 to be held on Aug. 12 at the SM Mall of Asia complex.

According to coach Rio dela Cruz, participants can choose from three race categories: 5K, 21K solo and, for the first time, the 21K relay. The new category is designed to inspire 5K and 10K runners to raise their level by taking part in the more challenging 21K race, where a team of two runners will run a relay for them to finish the 21K race.

Aside from cash prizes and medals for the top finishers, commemorative key chains will also be given to the participants who manage to beat the recommended finishing time. To qualify, 5K runners must cross the finish line 30 minutes after the gun start at 6:20 a.m. The 21K participants, on the other hand, need to finish within two hours after the gun start at 7 a.m.

The deodorant brand espouses responsible running. For Rexona Run 2012, trash bins will be placed in strategic locations so runners can properly dispose of their used water bottles, sponges and towels. Rexona will also continue its advocacy work with JCI Manila and Gawad Kalinga.

A concert experience with Chris Botti

When Chris Botti came to Manila, there was more to his itinerary than a one-night concert. The artist, who harbors a soft spot for young musical talents, also made room on his schedule for a master class with the kids of the Young Musicians Development Organization (YMDO) — a non-profit group chaired by Irene Marcos-Araneta. The YMDO helps musically gifted but underprivileged youth, providing them avenues to hone their skill and perfect their craft through training and public performances.

After his press conference, Botti sat down with the star-struck youngsters, who were more than eager to lap up the wisdom flowing from America’s favorite jazz instrumentalist. Chris took the time to listen and coach a handful of the kids who also performed for him. Among them was 11-year-old prodigy John Philip “JP” Santa Ana. So taken was the master trumpeter by the boy that he invited him to play at his concert scheduled the following night.

The night began with performances by Richard Merk and Verni Varga. The pre-show came to a wrap with street violinist and YouTube sensation Bryson Andres who impressed the crowd with a pop song mash-up of One Republic’s Apologize and Katy Perry’s Firework that ended in thunderous applause.

Botti opened up with Venice and from then on, there was no turning back as he worked his Martin Committee trumpet. He also dotted his repertoire with enough instrument and vocal solos to give each member of his band a moment to shine.

While playing with an artist of Botti’s stature might prove nerve-wracking for any musician, JP proved that little people could walk tall among the titans when he performed Carnival of Venice before a packed crowd. Later on, he also suited up for a duet with Botti on the song Italia. That night, Botti promised to send JP a replacement for his instrument (a significant investment, considering a decent trumpet costs roughly P105,000). The night ended with the soaring Turandot aria Nessun Dorma.

Fast-forward to the present, and true to his word, Botti gave JP his gift last week. With a promise made and fulfilled, Botti gave one talented Pinoy kid more than just a brass trumpet — he gave him the world.

Chris Botti Live in Manila! was an event by Radio High 105.9 (headed by impresario Francis Lumen) in partnership with Globe, San Miguel Corp., Globe Postpaid, Air Asia, Veterans Bank, Purefoods Deli, RCBC Wealth Management, San Miguel Lifestyle Brews, BPI Express Credit, Lexus, Marriot Hotel, Maxims Hotel, ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN Publishing, Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine STAR, Manila Bulletin, Fortnightly, BusinessWorld and Resorts World Manila.

(Check out this link on Youtube, as JP plays on his shiny, new acquisition: http://youtu.be/ztmtgOOpu38.)

A fashion carnival

It was a carnival-themed party that Original Penguin, the 100-year-old brand by Munsingwear, showcased recently when it featured its newest collection.

Guests had fun at the “carnival,” complete with a Ferris wheel backdrop and carnival food to boot. DJ Callum David spun in the event, which was hosted by Raymond Gutierrez.

Legendary American singers Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby wore the brand. So did Clint Eastwood. More recently, Jack Black, Brad Pitt, Robert Pattinson and Jason Segel were seen wearing the brand, which offers basic shirts, high-cut shorts, sweaters and two-toned polo shirts.

The brand, now reaching a hundred years in the market, obviously shows no signs of slowing down. I think this classic is here to stay.