Pretty in pink!

The Belo Medical Group (BMG) ended 2013 with a celebration of diversity called Pink Party at Bed Manila. The venue was transformed into a ghetto-chic club decked with pink trimmings.

The night went on full hype with fun performances from the impersonators of Belo Medical Group’s endorsers Anne Curtis, Toni Gonzaga and Sarah Geronimo, and a dance number from 38 Degrees.  

Hosts Frank Briones and Mike Lim introduced Tom Rodriguez as the newest Belo endorser. The crowd went crazy as Tom glided down the dance pole and serenaded the guests with two of his favorite songs, One Way or Another by One Direction and Hello by Lionel Richie. Tom expressed his happiness to be counted among the distinguished roster of stars of the BMG family.

Guests came in their pink outfits hoping to grab the crowns and get the titles “King of the Night” and “Princes of the Night.” Matt Gozun and Gian Francisco shone as they were acknowledged and crowned “Princes of the Night” for being the most fabulous guests in pink. Dr. Vicki Belo and Cristalle Belo Henares awarded the two lucky “Princes” with bedazzled crowns and exclusive Belo services. For the grand prize, Rocky Cruz, who was dressed as Ken, received the “King of the Night” crown and a pink iPhone 5C. 

No party would be complete without booze and party music. While DJ Samir set the mood with his beats, pink beer was served on ice. It was a night about being open, free and proud.

La Coquine

The Rosanna Ocampo-Rodriguez trunk show entitled La Coquine was filled with a creative mixture of prints and fabrics that captured the playful sophistication of a woman.

Colorful lace shifts, striped cotton maxi dresses and floral mini-skirts hinted at a vision of effortless style for any occasion. Lightweight fabrics and flowing cuts made each choice an ideal wear for the tropical weather.

Fashionable Juana Manahan-Yupangco and popular designer Andy Martel admired and tried several pieces from the collection. Expert fashion buyer Kat Tantoco-Lobregat, Erin Campos-Menk and Kat Holigores complimented the fresh aesthetic and engaging designs.

It was an afternoon filled with fashion, friendship and shopping! 

(Rosanna Ocampo-Rodriguez’s atelier is located at 312 Lirio St., Palm Village, Makati City. For inquiries, call 895-4630.)

Chilean by birth, French by design

Diego Urra of the Lapostolle Winery hosted a very intimate private dinner at the new Riedel Room of Elbert’s Steak Room in Makati City. That night, he featured his classic Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot served in Riedel glasses. 

Urra explained to the select guests how the choice of wine pairing is now more relaxed so conventions on pairing white wine with white meat and red wine with red meat are no longer strictly adhered to. He mentioned that it all boils down to the taste as white wines can now be quite rich and flavorful whereas there are now red wines that are light and delicate. 

He also reiterated the numerous distinctions of Lapostolle such as the New Wine World of the Year in 2008 by the Wine Enthusiast and Clos Apalta 2005 as Wine of the Year in 2008 by the Wine Spectator.  To this day, the Lapostolle portfolio has consistently ranked high in different wine publications and it is this consistency that has allowed for Lapostolle to elevate the Chilean wine industry. 

The dinner started with mixed greens and micro greens with Matsuhisa dressing followed by the cream of tomato soup. The Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc and the Cuvee Alexandre Chardonnay were crisp and bold that allowed the apt pairing of wine and food. Ultimately though, the Lapostolle reds were the perfect partner of the pepper-crusted US tenderloin with port mustard sauce.

Elbert’s Steakroom owner Elbert Cuenca reminded guests that his restaurant’s main focus remains to be the steak, which is typically served medium-rare unless requested otherwise.

We also tasted the Clos Apalta wines with scores of 93 to 95 in different wine publications. The wine is predominantly a blend of Carmenere grape varieties with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It has an intense dark purple color and is still young. It also gives the hint of red and black fruits like plums, red cherries, dry figs and blueberries. Notes of spices such as vanilla, clover and white pepper were also noticeable in the wine. Its velvety and polished tannins paired excellently with the dessert symphony of chocolate mousse, panna cotta, marbled cheesecake and baklava and the musical musings from the group.  

I look forward to another dinner with a fun-filled group, delectable food and Lapostolle wines.