As the Philippines braces for another supertyphoon, we can only pray for protection from Mother Nature’s turbulence. Here’s hoping we’ll be spared from too much damage.

 

Of the many resorts in the country, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa is one of my favorites. Earlier this year, my hubby Dennis and I enjoyed a fantastic, memorable weekend there.

 

The resort’s three-day epicurean journey dubbed Reservations in Paradise, now on its fourth season, was an incredible affair that brought together food, wine and entertainment for one amazing weekend. Shang’s GM Amit Oberoi and his team, director of food and beverage Keith Rajan and executive chef Thibaut Pouplard, created a spectacular feast that featured a series of wine pairings in surprise venues around the resort.

 

The wines came from well-loved companies Marchesi Antinori, Champagne Billecart-Salmon and Paul Jaboulet Ainé. These renowned wineries have provided their carefully selected products, while the resort’s international chefs under the leadership of Thibaut whipped up innovative dishes to enhance the wines.

 

Like past Reservations in Paradise, Bacchus International was the Wine Partner, with owner Alex Lichaytoo expertly selecting all the wines for the pairings of each menu.

 

Other major sponsors included Globe Platinum, Paul & Shark and Pulp Live World Productions. GM Amit and the resort’s events team conceptualized and designed the setup that its engineering team executed.

 

An award-winning progressive chef with over 18 years of experience worldwide, Thibaut was born and raised in a small village of the Loire Valley in France. His interest in cooking began when he was a young man, watching his grandmother Andree in the kitchen. This sparked a lifelong passion for fine cuisine, which has grown with increasing enthusiasm each day alongside his travels across the globe.

 

Perfecting his skills and letting his talent flourish in various international five-star hotels, prestigious establishments and upscale restaurants, Thibaut is known for his unique blend of artistic passion, strong business sense and engaging personality. His previous stint in a prominent restaurant in Shanghai involved working closely with two Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco on all aspects of menu creation.

 

Croatian cellists

 

Unlike the previous Reservations in Paradise, this fourth edition included a musical performance of young Croatian cellists, Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, together known as 2Cellos. Taking the cello to a new level, this sensational duo has broken down the boundaries between different genres of music, from classical and film music to pop and rock. The duo is as impressive when playing Bach and Vivaldi as when rocking out to AC/DC.

 

The 2Cellos rose to fame in 2011 when its version of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” became a massive viral sensation on YouTube and led to a record deal with Sony Masterworks and an invitation to join Sir Elton John on his worldwide tour.

 

The 2Cellos performance in Boracay, co-produced by Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa with Vernon Go of Pulp Productions, was its first in the country.

 

Bulgari store reopens

 

This season is all about celebrations. Bulgari, the magnificent Italian jeweler, has much to celebrate with the unveiling of its Greenbelt store, following a recent renovation.

 

For this event, Bulgari Jewellery senior director Giampaolo della Croce and regional managing director of Asia Pacific Wei Ling Wong flew in for the occasion.

 

Former Vatican Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco, Sr. and Italian Ambassador Massimo Roscigno joined the ribbon cutting as Moet Chandon champagne flowed freely to toast the event.

 

Guests were invited to discover the latest Bulgari pieces such as the new MVSA High-Jewellery creations, the new DIVA collections as well as the recently launched LVCEA watch collection.

 

From the boutique, the festivities continued at the Ayala Museum which was transformed almost overnight, giving homage to Bulgari’s Roman heritage—the image of the iconic Bulgari Via Condotti store complete with Roman pillars. Monique Wilson sang a number to remember, accompanied by the 30-piece orchestra of the String Minstrels.

 

Shangri-La Makati’s executive chef Paul Lenz and executive pastry chef Romain Renard conceptualized five food stations especially for the event. Each station was inspired by the gems or precious metals used by Bulgari and meticulously translated into a gastronomical experience.

 

The culinary team had also handled the outstanding menu at the Red Charity Gala, so it was wonderful to see the chefs again at the Bulgari event.

 

‘Chicago’ at Solaire

 

In closing, I would like to invite you to watch the sensational Broadway and West End musical “Chicago” at The Theatre at Solaire. The highly anticipated Manila season runs until Dec. 21 only. It is presented in the Philippines by Visa and Smart Infinity, in cooperation with Solaire Resort and Casino.

 

The gala premiere marked the grand opening of the country’s newest theatrical luxury hotspot, The Theatre at Solaire. The gleaming 1,760-seat venue has been specially constructed to house big Broadway and West End shows, in recognition of the Filipino appetite for musical theater, and firmly placing Manila on the international touring circuit.

 

Follow @tessavaldes on Twitter or visit www.tessaprietovaldes.com.