High-end Acqua Private Residences, whose developers claim to be the country’s first residential Eden, celebrated the end of summer by partying Brazilian-style at its showroom in Mandaluyong City.

 

Hosted by former Ambassador to China Joey Antonio and his four sons behind the world-class developer Century Properties, Acqua Carnaval Brasil had the popular Filipino samba Imperatriz Filipinense group unleashing a festive experience, dahlings.

 

Guests came in full Mardi Gras regalia, naturellement, palanggas. High-spirited cocktails and yum-yummy food inspired by Brazil’s vibrant culture overflowed.

 

It was a fun happening amid a setting inspired by the world-famous Iguazu Falls in Brazil, adopted as the name of Acqua’s latest tower, to promote a summer of “holistic wellness to all the guests,” as the drum beaters said. In fact, Zen Institute and I Go Beyond Yoga dished out generous raffles of gift certificates.

 

“Acqua celebrates life by the water. Our theme tonight captures the rich culture of Brazil and the environmental consciousness of its people amid urban surroundings,” said Century Properties COO Marco R. Antonio.

 

The women went gaga over handsome Century Properties brand ambassador Piolo Pascual.

 

A proud Gramercy Residences unit owner, Piolo captivated everyone with his remarks as well as his handsome looks and built, but of course. “I am among the many who got captivated by Acqua’s nature-centered lifestyle,” he said.

 

“This made me add Acqua to my property investments. The water element of Acqua is very enticing. As Manila is a concrete jungle, it’s better to have a place where you can relax, which Century Properties will provide you with, plus it is offering you not just a home but a vacation home.”

 

Since its launch in 2011, Acqua Private Residences has successfully sold majority of the units in its first four towers—the Niagara, Sutherland, Dettifoss and Livingstone.

 

The last tower is interior designed by the famous Italian luxury brand Missoni Home.

 

The fifth tower, Acqua Iguazu, is designed by Yoo, the international firm founded by John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck.

 

Now, that’s what progress and high-living is all about, dahlings, n’est pas?

 

More info? Visit acqua-iguazu.com or call 0917-5555274.

 

SSI opens Family Mart

 

Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI) added another glitzy feather to its cap, dahlings, when Family Mart, Japan’s largest convenience store chain, opened its first branch in the country at Glorietta 3.

 

Gracing the inaugural were executives from SSI and Ayala Land Inc., natch, together with those of Itochu Corp. and Family Mart Corp.

 

True to Japanese tradition, Family Mart executives observed the customary kagami biraki, meaning “opening of a cask of saké, as a sign of celebration and good luck.” All participants were garbed in traditional Japanese robes, dahlings.

 

A group of fun dancers doing a wild street dance ushered us to the new store. The Family Mart gang made sure the invitees enjoyed the yummy food and drinks. Guests were also showered giveaways coming from partner merchants.

 

“Family Mart aims to bring its retail success in the Philippines, as seen in its many branches across Asia and the United States,” said Anton Tantoco Huang, dahlings. “They will open 40 stores this year in Metro Manila, with stores in progress at Glorietta 5, Ayala Avenue MRT Station 3, and Exchange Regency in Ortigas.

 

Other stores in Eastwood City, Pasay City and Cavite are also in the works. The brand will open 300 stores in the next five years.

 

Opus

 

When that très popular nightspot and restaurant Opus sends an invite, you can bet your last peso that there will be 100-percent attendance.

 

After all, when Opus throws a bash, everyone knows one is in for a great night out, dahlings.

 

So it was no wonder that when Opus celebrated its second anniversary, it was a sensational happening.

 

Rather than the usual DJ-driven party, Opus owners decided to do something different: a sit-down dinner for the VIPs and its loyal patrons, natch!

 

The cavernous venue was adorned with long tables and breathtaking décor.

 

Wine and cheese were served at the dining area, before the invitees were ushered into the lounge to experience the exquisite setup.

 

Opus’ superstar chef Carlo Miguel prepared a five-course degustation consisting mainly of the dishes that made the place the popular dining destination it is today.

 

The bash continued with after-dinner drinks and great music with Opus’ finest resident DJs Karl Ty, Mars Miranda, and Funk Avy on deck.

 

Welcoming us were Opus’ board of directors led by Erik Cua, gastronomic great Fernando Aracama, publicist GP Reyes, Ivan Zalameda of Global 1 events and promotions, and motoring master Jason Soong.

 

Moi noted three invitees had to be très discretely helped out and brought to their chauffeur-driven high-end cars. They were completely smashed from all kinds of free-flowing booze. Well, that’s what a great bash is all about, di bala, palanggas?

 

Opus is at 2/L, Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila; tel. 0917-8747738 (dining) or 0917-8094093 (lounge); e-mail [email protected] and [email protected].