Philippine Airlines (PAL) unveiled major customer-oriented innovations to highlight the synergy between the national flag carrier and San Miguel Corp. (SMC), natch!

 

Namedroppables were trés visible in the elegant cocktail reception at the Rizal Ballroom of Shangri-La Makati, such as PAL president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang and PAL director Michael G. Tan, who represented his father, PAL chair  Lucio C. Tan.

 

“Our number one priority is to turn around PAL by tapping into the strengths of San Miguel Corp. and the Lucio Tan Group of Companies,” said Ang. “Our growth strategy for Philippine Airlines is simple: modernization of its fleet, expansion of its network and improvements in passenger service.”

 

Ang and Tan later led the unveiling of PAL’s third Boeing 777-300ER, the aircraft of choice for long-haul flights. Also inaugurated were new in-flight dishes prepared by five top-rated guest chefs; Book & Buy ticketing kiosks to be installed at selected Petron gas stations; and Apple iPads for onboard entertainment in trans-Pacific flights, no less.

 

“In the months ahead, three more modern Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will be delivered to PAL,” said Ria Domingo, PAL assistant vice president for product loyalty marketing. “For our loyal passengers, we will have more new and exciting destinations.”

 

“In the near future, PAL will fly nonstop to Toronto, Paris and New York,” she added.

 

Guests included Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. and Mabuhay Miles members.

 

The well-chosen invitees dug into the excellent dishes from PAL “master chefs” such as Billy King, Fernando Aracama, See Cheong Yan, Masahiro Mizumoto and Khun Suwanna Puangdee.

 

The exciting night was superbly hosted by gorgeous TV personality Patti Grandidge. Guests witnessed an enthralling light-and-shadow performance by El Gamma Penumbra, showcasing PAL’s in-flight services and future dream destinations. The String Minstrels Orchestra rendered the romantic “Love at 30,000 Feet.”

 

The presentation was directed by Jackie Aquino of JCA Productions and supervised by Nancy Yang of NY Entourage Productions.

 

The venue was especially styled by Robert Blancaflor, but who else!

 

A mad rush took place when guests tried the new Book & Buy kiosk. Guests filled up their choice destinations and PAL later raffled off 21 awesome business class, domestic, regional tickets. Winners were ecstatic.

 

The launch definitely showed everyone that our nation’s flag carrier is gearing itself for better service, dahlings.

 

Great birthday bash

 

It was an absolutely fun and totally enjoyable happening when businessman Philip Laude hosted a birthday bash for his beloved Small Laude.

 

Philip and his sister-in-law, construction magnate Alice Eduardo, organized the superb dinner at Chef Jessie in Rockwell.

 

The excellent menu, dahlings, consisted of the to-die-for seabass and steak, and Chef Jessie’s famous calorific chocolate soufflé as dessert. Yummy!

 

For extras, the celebrator’s close pal, concert queen Pops Fernandez, no less, sang Small’s favorite songs!

 

In the end, everyone teased Philip and Small for a “part two” celebration. Would you believe, they promised to hold another bash!

 

Cheers, dahlings.

 

Dutch denim brand

 

One of the world’s luxury denim brands has finally landed in our shores, dahlings.

 

G-Star Raw officially launched its first store in the country—at Bonifacio High Street Central—to rousing applause from the fashion pack.

 

Host Borgy Manotoc welcomed the guests and took them on a tour of the G-Star Raw store, palanggas. Models were dressed in G-Star Raw’s sophisticated yet edgy styles, displaying different ensembles that could be put together from the brand’s products.

 

Shortly après, we were invited back to the room for us to be introduced to G-Star Raw’s brand ambassadors.

 

“We are really excited about bringing G-Star Raw’s edge to the Philippines. G-Star is a perfect fit for the young, urban lifestyle of Manila’s fashionable crowd,” said Clarissa Reyes, brand manager.

 

A swinging after-bash was held at the chic Prive, with music by Mars Miranda, dahlings.

 

G-Star Raw is a luxury denim brand from Amsterdam. In Manila, its store is at Unit 201, Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig.

 

More  info? Call 6214091