A delightful welcome

On the first day of the recently concluded Madrid Fusion Manila 2017, SM hosted a welcome party at the scenic SM by the Bay at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

The event feted Madrid Fusion’s world-renowned chefs and delegates, as well as Department of Tourism and Madrid Fusion officials. This gesture highlighted the continuing collaboration between SM and Madrid Fusion Manila, which began two years ago.

Guests were treated to a Filipino fiesta with a sumptuous spread of local specialties from Café Adriatico, Vikings, XO 46 Heritage Bistro, Abe and Kai as well as a special showcase of different types of lechon from Elar’s and Mila’s. Guests were also treated to local beers from Joe’s Brew.

Director of Arum Estrategias Internacionalization Iñigo Cañego, Floro de Debate’s Lourdes Plana along with Michelin-Star chefs from Spain Rodrigo de la Calle, Paco Perez, Kiko Moya and Pedro Subijana, were delighted to sample a taste of the Philippines.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo, Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. and director Verna Buensuceso graced the occasion.

Among those seen enjoying the great food, great company and great scenery by the bay were Philippines’ own culinary icons, Asia’s Best Female Chef 2016 Margarita Fores and chef Claude Tayag, as well as The Test Kitchen chef Josh Boutwood. SM executives led by SVP for marketing Jon Jon San Agustin and AVP for operations Perkin So warmly welcomed guests.

The Karantong group performed traditional folk dances during the event.

Playful pleasures

Magnum launched its newest campaign called #NeverStopPlaying, which reminds us to take a well-deserved break and treat ourselves to something indulgent.

The event, held at Manila House in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig and hosted by current Magnum ambassador Mond Gutierrez, launched the well-loved brand’s latest flavors — the Magnum Red Velvet, which boasts of red velvet ice cream, in a rich white chocolate swirl coated in cream cheese and white chocolate; and Magnum White Almond, which is now part of the ice cream brand’s classic white chocolate line up.  

The event also saw the introduction of the brand’s newest endorsers Martine Cajucom and Janine Gutierrez. Also presented at the event was the brand’s collaboration with Boom Sason, Aranaz and Sunnies Studios. They each came up with a capsule collection that showed their quirky and fun side.

In line with the campaign, Amina Aranaz made a nine-piece collection of bags using natural fiber. The Sunnies Studios collection featured red and white eyewear that are perfect for accentuating any outfit. While Boom’s fashion collection included playful pieces that mixed well with her sexy and flirty aesthetic.

Pleasure-seekers will be given the chance to win exclusive pieces from one of the three #NeverStopPlaying collections of Boom Sason, Aranaz and Sunnies Studio. Go to www.magnumfliptoplay.com for more information.

Sleek & stylish

Ideal Vision Center launched the latest agnès b. eyewear collection in the Philippines with each of the eyewear embracing the brand’s free spirit.

These eyewear pieces feature Italian handmade block colors from poppy red stripes to a camouflage pattern. Some pieces have enchanting cat’s-eye shape layered with fine sheet metal to elevate the look and texture. With side-shield design and the agnès b. logo on ultra-slim metal temples, some pieces present a strong profile in style and personality to highlight the best facial features. All these iconic styles include titanium nose pads for a superior fit.

Some eyewear pairs have oversized rounded lens, while some have rectangular frame fronts that share the same temple design with the agnès b. arrow logo inlets. The wayfarers for men are made bold by classic metal studs on the frame’s front with the signature logo and lizard inlets at the temple, representing the brand’s unique outlook on French fashion.

The brand has always stood for very feminine fashion that is somehow androgynous in aesthetic. Some pieces are handcrafted in striped Italian acetate with hand-polished finish and oversized polygon front, while others have a sophisticated round eye in playful beveled design, softly kissed with romantic French elegance.

(Agnès b. is available at select Ideal Vision Center. For more information, visit www.idealvisioncenter.com.ph.)

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)