World traveler and charity-oriented Josephine del Gallego jetted in from California last month to accompany her mother, Montserrat Soques vida de del Gallego, on her vacation in town for three months.
When the Pisces month of March swam in, she decided to host an intimate get-together at the chic Mediterranean/Catalan restaurant, Rambla, where the mezzanine bar was exclusively reserved for her by co-owner Uri Singla.
Together with our hostess, Uri prepared a delicious menu consisting of Spherical Olives marinated in Extra Virgin Oil, Waldorf Salad, Foie Gras Mousse with Caramelized Apples and Coffee-Baileys Foam Ricotta, Gnudis with Seasonal Mushroom Sauce, and Balearic Seafood Rice.
Dinner was accompanied by Josephine’s favorite poison, the bubbly Veuve Clicquot Rosé and Brut, plus Australia Chandon Sparkling, New Zealand Waterfalls Road Sauvignon Blanc, Chile Lappostolle Merlot and Chile Carmenere. A special cocktail was also concocted for her big day, a Posh Pisces cocktail that was the hit of the evening.
The sentimental note of the dinner was Sunny del Gallego’s touching tribute to Josephine, or “Pina”—as she and her two other sisters call Josephine. It had many guests teary-eyed, and the honoree above all. Sunny then introduced Nita Claravall, Josephine’s best pal all the way back from kindergarten, who happily shared her fondest memories of their friendship.
As with all of her parties, everyone had a wonderful fun time, dahlings. Which is what Josephine’s happenings are really all about, palangga.
Rosanna Ocampo collection
Walking into Rosanna Ocampo’s showroom recently was a veritable treat for the senses, dahlings. She unveiled her latest collection called Il Giardano di Eva (The Garden of Eve), which explored a wealth of refreshing cuts and floral designs.
“Her mini-dresses, skirts and long gowns exhibit vivacious printed blooms in silk and French lace,” said an impressed Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi. “Ruffles, draping and scalloped edging provide silhouettes designed to fit and flatter. Gorgeous décolletage-baring halter-tops, flowing caftans and ingenious pleating make each piece an iconic standout amid the muted grays of Rosanna’s artfully decorated workspace.”
Manille’s fashionable women will all agree with that, palangga.
The Rosanna Ocampo collection, Il Giardano di Eva (The Garden of Eve), is currently available at Atelier Rosanna Ocampo, 114 Aguirre St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.
Bernardaud porcelain
All our country’s artists, art lovers, master chefs and designers had the privilege of discovering the secrets of the world-renowned Bernardaud porcelain from the chair and CEO himself of the Limoges-based porcelain manufacturing company, dahlings.
Michel Bernardaud flew into town last April 11 to show “how art blends well with the company’s latest collection of l’art de la table” (tableware), at a special evening hosted by the country’s premier department store, Rustan’s.
“Now on its 150th year, the company traces its roots to 1863 and is known today for the fine workmanship of contemporary designers, artists and renowned chefs,” explained Rustan’s Dina Tantoco.
“With their understanding of the principles of form and functionality, they are able to preserve the cultural integrity of porcelain while staying relevant to each piece’s modern use.”
The event also showcased select drawings by Russian-French modernist Marc Chagall that have been faithfully reproduced on Bernardaud porcelain. The drawings were collected from the artist’s lesser-known works, making each piece as valuable as they are beautiful and practical, moi was told.
Aside from tableware, the Bernardaud product line includes interior design (decorative objects, furniture, light fixtures) and personal adornment like bling-blings, as in jewelry, dahlings.
Michel Bernardaud represents the fifth generation of the famille behind the famous Bernardaud Group. The company currently owns two production facilities in Limoges, France, and six owned and operated retail boutiques in Bordeaux, Lille, Limoges, Lyons, two in Paris and two retail boutiques in the United States.
The remarkable Bernardaud porcelain collections are now also available at Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-La, home to some of the most luxurious brands from all over the globe, but of course, palangga.