Run, don’t walk, palangga, to Duty Free Fiestamall in Parañaque, because there you’ll find the Swiss luxury watch brand Savoy (pronounced “sav-wa”) and its exquisite collection and accessories.
It is Savoy’s second boutique in the country, dahlings, after being launched in New World Hotel in Makati, with Timebound Trading as its exclusive Philippine distributor.
Cutting the ribbon at the Duty Free opening were Savoy Collections president and CEO Pascal Savoy, Timebound Trading chair and CEO Arthur Bautista, and Savoy Collections Timebound Trading director John Young.
Also gracing the event were Timebound Trading director of operations Jed Bautista, Time Square Duty Free Philippines president Robert Colombo, and the latest brand ambassador of Savoy Collections, my pal Stephen Ku.
Savoy was created in 2009 by the Geneva-born Pascal and was officially unveiled worldwide in 2011. Since then, this premium brand has been offering sophisticated, Swiss-made timepieces of the highest quality materials and leathers.
Since then, it has become the favorite timepiece of Sen. Bam Aquino, collegiate volleyball superstars Michelle Gumabao and Gretchen Ho, and the always gorgeous actress Iza Calzado.
I believe it’s “time” to check out Savoy, ’di bala, palangga?
Surprise birthday bash
In these digital times where everybody is a photographer, Dutchman-Filipino Alex Van Hagen belongs to the breed of photojournalists who perform their job with passion and respect.
Alex’s eyes appreciate the minute details in the trunk and leaves of a tree, as well as the environment in general. His past three photo exhibits were sellouts, part of the proceeds of which he donates to his favorite charity, the Real Life Foundation.
His friends connived recently to treat him to a surprise birthday bash held recently at the sprawling residence of Nini Licaros, no less.
Helping Nini make the party a success, dahlings, were Nene Leonor, Mellie Ablaza, May Neri, Chit Salud, Mabel Abaño, Karen Macasaet, Yoly Ayson, Agnes Huibonhoa, Helen Ong, Linda Pastoral and Rosita Lesaca.
A number of Alex’s friends also dropped in to join the fun and wish him well.
The guests feasted on loads of food catered by The Plaza, as well as from Nene Leonor’s kitchen such as callos, lengua, siomai, palabok, lumpiang sariwa, turkey, ham, Caesar salad, puto bumbong, bibingka, ginataang bilo-bilo and cake.
In the middle of the fun, everyone’s palangga, Alex, looked very happy that the friends who really care for him were there. May he continue to reap success!
Food fest for a cause
Town & Country magazine Philippines recently held its second cuisine festival, the Fabulous Food Affair, presented by kitchen appliance brand Smeg Philippines at the ballroom of The Raffles and Fairmont Makati.
The venue was filled to capacity as some of the country’s most notable chefs worked on their signature dishes and new creations, dahlings.
The mood was set by Town & Country editor in chief Yvette Fernandez, who warmly welcomed the guests.
Cibo di M’s Margarita Fores served her Italian favorites; Cirkulo’s J. Gamboa whipped up beef dishes; and Vask’s J. Luis Gonzalez satisfied the invitees with his unique bread menu.
There was more: Rob and Sunshine Pengson’s inventive creations from The Goose Station; Tippi Tambunting’s Tagliolini Bottarga from Masseto; and Bruce Ricketts’ flavorful seafood dishes from Sensei Sushi.
Raffles and Fairmont’s own chefs Didier Derouet and Miko Aspiras capped the affair with their delectable and filling desserts.
Estates & Wines, Moët Hennessy’s wine division, provided excellent drinks; JC De Terry served his cheese and charcuterie selection; and Harney & Sons indulged guests with its teas.
Completing the ambiance was Andy Vazquez-Prada’s elegant touches to the venue design, complemented by the gorgeous floral arrangements of Toni Parsons, no less, palangga.
The gastronomic feast also raised funds for the children’s feeding program of the Happy2help charity group. Smeg donated a FAB10 red refrigerator that went up for furious bidding. And the winning donation was matched by Town & Country publisher Summit Media, but of course, dahlings. Bravo to all of you who truly care!
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