Designer Jun Jun Ablaza has constantly transcended his personal philosophy of “more is more.” He describes his latest exhibit “Me Myself & I” as “a declaration, an affirmation and a reflection of my entire being.”
The Main Lounge of the Manila Polo Club was transformed into a grandiose display of artistry, exhibiting photographs of Jun Jun’s accessories. The photos were taken by 30 photographers and were a collaboration with hair and makeup artists and models.
The exhibit revealed Jun Jun’s life using pieces from his “artcessories” collection, decorative styling and other key objects that hold a significance for him.
In the middle aisle were mannequins wearing garments from Jun Jun’s personal collection.
Some of the mannequins had mirrors instead of a face, “because it was a way of urging everyone to look into the world” and appreciate the wonders of my unique vision,” he said. Wow!
The last day of the exhibit, dahlings, was a momentous affair: It fell on Jun Jun’s birthday. The guests from the chic diplomatic corps were handed mirror balls to open the exhibit.
A bright red cake by Cake Concepts welcomed us as we breezed through the exhibit.
Then it was time for the candles representing his glorious years to be blown out. It also signaled the start of a new and more dazzling year for this multitalented personality, Jun Jun, but
who else, palanggas.
Silk Road Thai Bistro
Silk Road Thai Bistro is the latest resto-bar to hit our town. It recently opened with tons of Manille’s food lovers flocking to Fort Bonifacio to partake of Thai cuisine.
Hostess was Cecille Chang, popularly known as the “chef in stilettos” and the brains behind the Thai at Silk, Simply Thai, Thaipan, Thai Bistro and Padthai, dahlings.
Cecille decided on a different twist in Thai Cuisine, and took a year’s trip of all over Thailand, to update herself on new Thai cooking trends. After adding another feather on her cap as member of the exclusive Thai Chef Association, she returned to Manille to work on her new baby.
Entering Silk Road, one will notice a new and pleasant experience, with its décor that is cool and modern. The main room has this sexy LED lighting on the stairway leading to the mezzanine VIP area. A life-size Thai Buddha adorns the base of the stairway and modern Thai lamps are scattered in bunches around the resto.
The design was a collaboration between Ysmael herself and interior designer Jeffrey Ford, with important inputs from no less than her “ex”—nightlife king Louie Ysmael, who incidentally is one of the partners.
Seen during the opening were Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, Ruffa Gutierrez, Erik Cua, Tim Yap, VJ Andi Manzano and Rooge Thammongkol of the Thai Embassy, no less.
The buffet consisted of Thai Ravioli, Thai Spring Rolls, Aromatic Chicken Satay, Siam Roti, Pad Thai, Lamb Shank Massaman, Kha, Son-in-Law’s Eggs, Takho Thai and Sticky Rice with Mango, natch.
There was flowing wine, champagne and cocktails provided by Moet Hennesy, Future Trade Internat’l, Patron, Diageo and Wine Warehouse.
The drinks kept the star-studded local and expat crowd socializing till 2 a.m. The music provided by resident DJ’s Arnel Genterone and Jon Monreal kept everyone on a roll.
Silk Road is at Net Quad Corporate Center, Shop H and 31st Street, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Rachel Tan
Our darling pal, smart Rachel Tan, jetted in from Hong Kong to celebrate another fab year of her exciting life. She was super excited as she had just completed a major private equity deal in China.
The dinner was held at the super chic Riedel Room of Elbert’s Grill. Rachel’s pals came in full force, including SM wonder woman Elizabeth Sy, Maricris Zobel, Gina Aboitiz, Beaver Lopez with Jackie Ejercito, Bibot Nolan, Jojie Dingcong, Marivic Vazquez, famous eye doctor Glenn Carandang, international interior designer, Jonathan Matti and Beacon Holding Inc. managing director Andrew Gan.
Everyone enjoyed Elbert’s to-die-for steaks, from Ribeye to Striploin and Porterhouse. Champagnes were the smooth Billecart Salmon and Chateau Talbot, no less, dahlings.