Straight to the Top

As always, dahlings, it was in trademark impeccable Lichaytoo fashion. About 70 tres select invitees arrived at the chic-y Biltmore on Greenbelt, the 30-storey neo-classic premier residential high-rise constructed by the whiz Bernard Lichaytoo, no less!

It was the first time Bernard L. and his sons Alex and Clifford, dahlings, were giving a glimpse of Biltmore, which is causing quite a stir for its remarkable design, exquisite finish and, most importantly, a commitment "that it was going to last". As he says, "I want to build homes, not concrete; a place for discerning individuals to enjoy living in for a good many, many years."

Alex, who is overseeing his father’s latest magnificent passion, welcomed the chosen ones at the lobby and ushered them for a rare first look at the sprawling one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The sumptuous interiors were done by talented persona Ivy Almario.

Already, 60 percent of the units have been sold without even the benefit of a marketing team or sales pitch, save for the elder Lichaytoo’s reputation as builder of exclusive villages for 35 years now.

Apres viewing the units, palanggas, everyone enjoyed cocktails at the top deck poolside, sampling delicate canapes, cheeses, pasta, Australian lamb and a young goat roasted on a spit and, naturellement, choice vintages from Bacchus.

* * *

Benissimo, dahlings, is the country’s latest Italian casual dining restaurant at the 2nd level of SM Manila. It caused quite a stir a few sleeps ago as some of the world’s most beautiful ladies descended on it. Newly-crowned Ms. Asia Pacific Luciana Farfann of Peru and other lovely ladies dashed over to Benissimo to celebrate their victory, as the resto’s senior VP Jay Limtong played the super proud host.

Victory never tasted so good as the gorgeous ladies and hardworking staff of GMA-7 led by project head Francis Tagubuan and account exec TinTin Guizon couldn’t get enough of Benissimo’s mouth-watering all-day, all-you-can-eat buffet. Check it out dahlings, because they sure live up to their name, which means "Sooo good!"

Remember, palanaggas, "When Jesus makes a difference in you, you’ll make a difference in your world." Smile. See you.