Another Torch shines

Known for its signature international fusion cuisine, Torch restaurant has become famous for its crispy fresh pizzas, delicate sushi and sumptuous steak dishes.

Restaurant owner Mike Chua says, “The past four years have been very exciting. From our flagship in Greenhills, to our second branch in Katipunan, our third branch in TriNoma and now, our latest in Greenbelt 5 — I must say that everything is going as I had envisioned it to be. What started as a dream of putting up my own restaurant chain has definitely turned into reality, and as we continue expanding, we will remain vigilant in our ambition to consistently delight every guest that enters our restaurants.”

Diners at Torch Greenbelt 5 can expect to enjoy bestsellers that have been a hit since December 2010 when Torch first opened its doors in Greenhills. The menu is crafted around three cuisines: Italian, Japanese and American, which complement each other, from the flavors to the aroma, down to the ingredients that meld perfectly with each bite.

(Torch branches are located at 63 Connecticut St., Greenhills, San Juan City; G/F UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City; secondlevel, M2, TriNoma Mall,Quezon City; and G/F, Greenbelt 5, Makati City. For more information, call 477-3771, 0917-5120000 or e-mail [email protected].)

Winning talent & artistry

A beautiful synergy of beauty, sports and music came to be at Indonesia’s Sounds Fair late last year, where Professional Artist Cosmetics (PAC) by Martha Tilaar held the Asian PAC Beauty Awards International Makeup Competition alongside performances by music artists like Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

The annual event hosted by Martha Tilaar is a showcase of talents of budding makeup artists from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines. After competing in their respective countries for a slot at the international category, the 30-strong roster all headed to Jakarta for professional training, exposure and the chance to compete with the best in creative makeup artistry by interpreting this year’s theme of “Color Olympic.”

The country’s very own Judi Carnable, Wan Aida of Malaysia and Michelle Allen of Indonesia won the coveted grand prize and were named the Top 3 of the competition’s international creative makeup category. They each took home a cash prize of Rp70,000,000 (around $5,600), an overseas training either in Paris or Tokyo and PAC products.

This is the first win for the Philippines since joining the PAC Asian Beauty Awards. Among the country’s notable national winners include Muriel Vega Perez, now a highly sought-after fashion and entertainment makeup artist.

Professional Artist Cosmetics, with its focus on high-quality products perfectly suitable for Asian skin, has always given professional makeup creations more room for imagination. It has bold and expressive colors that are suitable for edgy, fashionable and adventurous personality. Initially created by Martha Tilaar to fulfill the needs of high quality stage makeup, PAC has now grown as the choice brand of makeup artists.

Championing creative excellence

The Asian Cultural Council Philippines Foundation (ACCPF) is steadfast in its role of creating more life-changing opportunities for generations of Filipino artists and scholars. It has remained magnanimous in its modest effort to help more and more individuals and organizations to benefit from its Fellowship Program.

Now on its 15th year, the ACCPF, in partnership with the Asian Cultural Council (ACC), continues to soar in its profound commitment of championing creative excellence and nurturing artistic potentials.  To date, the ACCPF has over 60 grantees among its distinguished alumni.

Since its establishment in 2000, the ACCP, in alliance with the ACC New York, has raised funds and promoted awareness to support international dialogue, understanding and respect through cultural exchange.

By way of a Fellowship Program, grants are awarded to select individuals and organizations across artistic fields such as archaeology, architecture, art history, arts administration, arts criticism, film, photography and video, conservation, crafts, dance, design, literature, museology, music, new media, painting, sculpture and installation, printmaking and theater.

This year, ACC Philippines marks its anniversary with an art auction in partnership with Leon Gallery. Eminent names and ACC friends in the arts pledged their support by participating in this fundraising event.

Twenty-one artists are donating for ACC, including ACC grantees Ambie Abaño, Sam Penaso and the late Don Salubayba.

Other artists are Phyllis Zaballero, Leonard Aguinaldo, Emmanuel Garibay, Sandra Gfeller, Norlie Meimban, Leeroy New, Kawayan de Guia, Joel Alonday, Daniel dela Cruz, Elmer Borlongan, Joy Mallari, Maria Taniguchi, Geraldine Javier, Ferdie Montemayor, Jim Orencio, Jonathan Ching, Anthony Palomo and Pedro Garcia II.

(The fundraising auction is set on Feb. 7,  Saturday, 2 p.m. at Leon Gallery G/F Eurovilla 1, Rufino cor. Legaspi Streets, Legaspi Village, Makati City.)

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)