Music Memorable!

The unanimous verdict, dahlings, was that the gala concert of the New York Philharmonic was one of the most memorable events ever staged in Cosmo Manille, still talked about even after so many moons. Maestro Lorin Maazel’s brilliance as conductor of the superb 120-member world famous orchestra, plus the sensational Chinese pianist Lang Lang made this truly a night to remember.

The NYPO agreed to a second concert (the first was for Asian Tour sponsor Citibank) not just because, as orchestra officials said, the Cultural Center of the Philippines is one of their favorite concert halls in Asia, but also to raise funds for the CCP’s Arts for the People program, which focuses on the arts as a vital tool in national development.

Tasked with getting the maximum benefit of this magnanimous gesture were the Gala Committee’s hard-working super chairpersons, low-profile southern gem Mariter Jalandoni-Macapagal and the numero uno hostess Nedy Tantoco, no less. And you know what? They reached their goal with flying colors! CCP president Nestor Jardin said he was "overwhelmed" by the success of the event, and hinted that Lang Lang, who was obviously the evening’s darling, was "amiable" to a proposal to come back for a solo benefit for the CCP. "But the problem is finding a slot as he told me he is booked to perform about 150 concerts in the next 12 months!" Nes J. shared. Now that’s kinda hard to beat, n’est ce pas?

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Edsa Shangri-La Manila launched its newest swinging place simply called "e’s" dahlings, with more than 1,000 personas partying til way past 2 a.m. to music provided by DJ Cocoy Puyat. The hotshot guests, who were welcomed by the hotel’s popular GM Jarlath Lynch, included Shang Resorts Int’l VP Peggy Angeles, NBC’s Francis Lumen and Ria Romero, actor Mark Gil, Alice Dixson, Bimbo Cerrudo and others too popular to mention.

e’s is the latest trendiest place to brighten up the scene, with a black granite bar accented with gold tiles and red cylinder lamps, plus an al fresco trellis with a Zen-inspired fountain. Resident DJs play a merry mix of pop, retro, 24K, R&B and house music, making it the perfect new place to chill out and celebrate!

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Remember, palanggas, "Our Lord God is big enough to always care for the smallest need." Smile. See you.