Don’t let the herbal-sounding name Sage fool you, dahlings. It’s Makati Shangri-La’s latest bar and restaurant, which was recently transformed into an elegant red-carpet venue for the unveiling of Philippine Tatler’s new look and new beginnings—a double celebration to thank the public for its unwavering support, palangga.
The magazine’s partners, advertisers and friends were all excited to have a glimpse of its redesign. Hennessy, Chandon Rosé, Cape Mentelle Merlot, and Hennessy VSOP were the spirits that spiced up the party.
The event also served as the launch of Philippine Tatler’s first Fashion Awards, which publisher and managing director Irene Martel Francisco envisions as an annual event dedicated to “individuals who have made an indelible mark in the fashion community.”
Her brief explanation of the major changes in the magazine was accompanied by a video.
Asia Tatler group of magazines publisher Barrie Goodridge flew in from Hong Kong to join the celebration. “It’s been seven years since the magazine’s last redesign. This new look involved almost a year of preparation, under the guidance of international design experts. The look will be carried by all of Asia Tatler’s regional titles,” he said.
Naturellement, the Philippine Tatler team, which includes editor in chief Anton San Diego, managing editor Chit Lijauco, Traveller editor Mia Borromeo, general manager Lynne Palma and moi, joined Goodridge in toasting to the magazine’s promising future.
Recipients of the first Philippine Tatler Fashion Awards were Betina Ocampo, most promising young designer; Jeannie Goulbourn, designer of the year-Filipiniana; Bea Valdes, designer of the year-accessories; Thelma San Juan and Millet Mananquil, visionary award; Pitoy Moreno, hall of fame; and Inno Sotto, designer of the year.
San Diego and actress Cherie Gil emceed the awards program.
Each award recipient gave their respective speeches, except for Moreno and Ocampo who could not attend. But Moreno’s sister, poetess Virgie Moreno, and Ocampo’s mom, Tina Ocampo, stood in as proxies.
Guests enjoyed the cocktails; DJ Callum David provided the music.
The star of the night was Kaye Tiñga, who is dubbed charity queen and graces the cover of Philippine Tatler’s redesign issue. She is shown wearing a gown by her favorite couturier, Pepito Albert.
Gastronomic delights
Our town has something to look forward to by way of gastronomic delights, dahlings, with the launch of New York’s celebrity chef restaurant, Todd English Food Hall, on the 5th floor of SM Aura Premier’s SkyPark.
The celebrity chef himself, English, and Filipino restaurateur Rikki Dee’s group collaborated to bring the first and only celebrity chef restaurant to the Philippines.
The Todd English Food Hall is a European-inspired specialty restaurant that offers nine culinary stations to satisfy the most discerning palettes. It is said to offer the finest food with freshest ingredients, matched with impeccable service, in a stylish and convenient atmosphere.
The 900-square-meter space, palangga, is a replica of the original restaurant in New York. It is designed by Ivy Almario and her team. The global architecture is reflected in mosaic marble floors, elegant wood paneling, ceramic backdrops and stained-glass windows—which all enhance the overall dining experience, dahlings.
Seen enjoying the food were SM’s Hans Sy and wife Carol; New Zealand Ambassador Reuben Levermore; the Swiss Ambassador’s wife Gracita Tolentino-Sieber; Sen. Loren Legarda; publicist Susan Joven; former Sen. Francis Pangilinan; broadcasters Ces Drilon and Karen Davila; businessman Peter Coyiuto; Globe Telecom’s Ernest Cu and wife Arlene; Philweb’s Dennis Valdes; designer Tetchie Hagedorn; celebrity couple Georgina Wilson and Borgy Manotoc; and the Gutierrez clan led by Eddie and Annabelle.
Moi and my pals have been to the restaurant three times already and we still can’t get enough of its yummy menu, dahlings.
The Todd English Food Hall is at 5/F SM Aura Premier SkyPark.