It was a rare opportunity for Manila’s elite to escape the hot summer sun when Nini Licaros, Mabel Abaño, Mellie Ablaza, Fortune Ledesma, Nene Leonor, Chit Salud, May Neri, Yoly Ayson, Helen Ong, Evie Costa and Agnes Huibonhua hosted the casual but elegant Forbes Park party for moi.

 

It was a gathering of the fashionable and glamorous throng in happy colored sundresses to complement the summer vibe.

 

Dr. Loi Estrada with pals Justa Tantoco, Brenda Reyes and Fanny Blanco and my palangga Offie Recto and Estela Lopez hobnobbed with other dear friends like Frank Evaristo, international business tycoon Christian Bavery and wife, former Givenchy and in-house Saint Laurent model Tetta Agustin Bavery, renowned hostess with the mostest with homes in London, Belgium and a grand villa in the South of France.

 

The afternoon party was catered by no less than Millie Reyes of The Plaza—my all-time favorite caterer—who served her famous ham, palabok, siomai, empanada, lumpiang sariwa, pan de sal with kesong puti and halo-halo.

 

The love that moves the sun and stars has moved all his friends to share, celebrate and look forward to another hot year of jet-setting lifestyle, party fever and the relentless good life while in the best of health, palangga.

 

2014 Philippines Yearbook launched

 

Over 500 people joined the Philippines Yearbook team for a blast at the launch of the 440-page latest edition at the chi-chi Raffles and Fairmont Ballroom, dahlings. This season’s cover gal is none other than Miss World 2013 Megan Young.

 

If you’re not in the know, palangga, the Yearbook began in 1936 and was started by the largest circulated Chinese language newspaper in the country, The Fookien Times.

 

The Yearbook was founded by Dr. Jimmy Go Puan Seng, the brilliant father of adorable sisters of substance Betty Go-Belmonte and Grace Glory Go. Grace’s late big sister Betty founded The Philippine Star in 1986.

 

Grace’s son Vernon, president and publisher of the Philippines Yearbook, wrote: “Last year, we gave you a macro view of the Philippines, through an eagle’s eye so to speak… Nothing can be as explicit as aerial photography when attempting to depict a country. This year we wanted to bring everything down to earth… and to hear the voices of the young… bringing you the voice of a new generation and tons of new possibilities.

 

“But most importantly, we see that the statements herein (against the expressive photos of photographer Xander Angeles) are filled with precious elements that all nations need to progress and grow. And that is hope.”

 

Majority of the country’s top corporations have, for years, faithfully supported this time-honored tradition that began almost eight decades ago, palangga.

 

The Philippines Yearbook of The Fookien Times is a must-have in your library.

 

A shopping paradise in Malabon

 

Robinsons Land Corp., named “Best Overall Managed Company of the Philippines” by Euromoney has opened its (Yes!) 34th mall, palangga—the two-level Robinsons Town Mall Malabon along Gov. Pascual Avenue corner Crispin Street in Barangay Tinajeros.

 

Its latest and most modern baby in the Camanava area has everything that everyone needs, from fashion retail stores, specialty shops and food outlets along with Robinsons Appliances and Robinsons Supermarket.

 

The momentous happening started with the ribbon snipping led by the company’s hot shot mega achiever RLC president and COO Frederick Go; senior vice president and business unit general manager for commercial centers division Arlene Magtibay; and the vivacious and witty Robinsons Retail group president and COO, my palangga, Robina Gokongwei-Pe; together with Malabon City Mayor Antolin Oreta III and Barangay Tinajeros captain Alvin Mañalac.

 

All this thanks to the whole Robinsons Land Corp. rah! rah! team, headed by its smart sales and marketing vice president May Precilla for this successful project!

 

Take your well-deserved bow, May.

 

Xáncho

 

Have you ever had the hankering for good old comfort food but haven’t got the time to put it together?

 

Did you ever crave for a fuss-free restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own dining room? Then Xáncho might just be the answer, dahlings.

 

Borne out of chef-owner Marco Rodriguez’s many travels and exposure to different kinds of cuisine, the dishes he serves are “generally those which I’ve cooked for friends and family over the years.”

 

Dahling Marco works with a limited menu and changes ever so often in order to keep things exciting.

 

Check out his to-die-for Rustic Italian, Turkish and Spanish dishes that include Estofat de Bou (Catalan beef stew with homemade chorizo); Chicken Tempranillo with forest mushrooms, shallots and guanciale (an elevated take on classic Coq au vin); plus tons of other choices, palangga. As for moi, Xáncho is a resounding Yes! palangga.

 

Call 0917-8307020, 09175054572. 0906-2550138;  like Xáncho on Facebook; follow Marco Rodriguez on Instagram: @marcorodriguez12, #xancho