Of fine food & fine art

The first viewing of key pieces from a Salcedo Auctions sale was held at a sit-down dinner hosted by Salcedo’s Richie and Karen Lerma at the residence of Dr. Vicki Belo, an art aficionado.

Juan Luna’s 1880 study for La Muerte de Cleopatra together with a larger oil on canvas The Hunting Party (circa 1890) and Draped Nude (circa 1880); and Reclining in a Forest Landscape by Félix Resurrección Hidalgo (both from the family that once owned Luna’s 1884 España y Filipinas now in the National Gallery of Singapore) took center stage during the pre-dinner cocktails. 

(From left) Karen and Richie Lerma, Jojie Dingcong and Grace Tan Caktiong.

Guests were chauffeured from the Philippine Art Fair to Vicki’s home by BMW Philippines. Upon arrival at the venue, they enjoyed a special cocktail courtesy of Hennessy VSOP.

I had only seen photos of Luna’s The Death of Cleopatra and was so happy to view the study for this piece since I missed my chance to see the actual piece when it was displayed at the National Gallery of Singapore last year.

Richie said, “The significance of the Cleopatra boceto in Philippine art history is that it provides the link between the 1874 painting by the French artist Rixens that inspired the award-winning 1881 mural-sized work. As the Prado Museum curator Carlos Navarro said, Cleopatra is a political statement as the Egyptian queen’s refusal to be captured alive by the Romans may be seen to represent the Philippines’ defiant stand against being enslaved by its colonizer.”

(From left) Justin and Cristalle Pitt, Karen Lerma, Tiff Gatchalian, Valenzuela City Rep. Wes Gatchalian and Tim Yap with Marielle and Leo Po.

Guests were treated to an amazing dinner prepared by Happy Ongpauco-Tiu and Aleth Ocampo. Each course was paired with either Hennessy XO, Hennessy Paradis Imperial or Glenmorangie Signet.

At the end of the dinner, Vicki thanked guests, who each went home with a personalized Belo Hydrogen Water Bottle.

Ready to run

Under Armour brand ambassador and event host Elle Adda.

Running is one of well-loved sports today. This is evident in countless marathons and fun runs being organized locally and internationally.

For runners, it is important to use the right shoes not just for comfort but to also minimize possible injuries that the sport brings.

As part of its expansion in the run footwear category, sportswear brand Under Armour introduced HOVR Infinite as part of the Spring/Summer 2019 HOVR suite. A two-day event was recently held at the Manila Polo Club for guests to check out the brand’s new footwear.

This digitally savvy “Connected” line is designed for high-impact, long-distance runners. It enhances how runners experience the brand’s HOVR technology — its cushioning platform that features a sturdy foam compound providing shock absorption.

(From left) Under Armour marketing supervisor Davidson Uong, assistant marketing manager JM Barrios, APGI president Mark Christian Chan, product trainer supervisor Valerie Espiritu and brand ambassador Bobby Yan.

The HOVR Infinite, alongside every HOVR performance running shoe around the world, will connect to Under Armour’s “MapMyRun” application, which allows runners to track basic statistics such as running distance, pace and splits.

The brand’s new footwear has a feature that analyzes run data and provides runners with real-time, in-depth gait coaching, which can help them evaluate their precise progress and check their historical data. 

I use these HOVR shoes, which are very light and comfortable. Do check out a pair as these are so convenient to use not just for running but also for lots of walking especially when traveling.

Agby Agbulos, Martin David and Joey Puno.

(Visit Under Armour outlets at Bonifacio High Street, Greenbelt 3, SM Megamall, TriNoma, Robinsons Magnolia, U.P. Town Center, Ayala Cebu, and soon-to-open UA SM Mall of Asia.  For more information, check out www.underarmour.com.ph.)

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)