One of the swankiest night spots in Asia is 71 stories high. We are talking about 71 Gramercy restaurant and lounge in Makati, dahlings.
Gramercy is noted for its sumptuous dining menu by chef Carlo Miguel, its rocking DJs, its top-shelf liquor and services, and, natch, its unbeatable and unparalleled panoramic view of Manille.
Chosen ones got a preview of those features during the soft opening of 71 Gramercy bar in January.
Since then, top names have been flocking to the place.
Well, palangga, après several months, 71 Gramercy threw a thanksgiving bash to show its gratitude to the tons of guests and VIPs that have made it such a resounding success.
That night, the place was decked out in full classic New York vibe, with fresh floral arrangements scattered all over.
Oversized lit candelabras added an extraordinary ambiance throughout the space, as the staff welcomed guests and served them free-flowing drinks all night.
At the strike of midnight, the bar was formally opened as signaled by the billboard of 71 Gramercy emerging through LCD TVs.
Business partners Tim Yap and Raymond Gutierrez acted as emcees and thanked everyone who came.
Sponsor Ray-Ban announced the Icons of the Night—Jessica Connelly, Brent Javier and Jodily Pendre.
Then a toast was given for 71 Gramercy bar, led by its other business partners Erik Cua and GP Reyes, together with Manolet Dario, Fabio Ide, Louie Ysmael, chef Miguel, Raj Sadhwani, Euric Lumanog, Carlo Trillo, Neil Arce and Marie Shindo, no less.
Afterwards, international DJ duo Thugli got everyone dancing on the 71st floor. Their set was followed by DJs Wreck-One and 420.
71 Gramercy is open Mondays to Saturdays. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. Party begins at 10 p.m., with different themes every night, such as “Sorry Mom, It’s Friday,” and “Machine Night” on Saturday, with super fly dance music by Karl Ty and his crew.
But be warned and think twice before entering the building: no name on the list, no entry.
Now that’s how exclusive 71 Gramercy is, n’est-ce pas, dahlings?
Asian reality show
Our town’s A-listers and loads of wanna-be-seen flocked to the red-carpet preview of international channel E!’s first Asian reality show, “It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez,” at Century City Mall.
The usual beautiful faces were seen, such as our palangga JM Rodriguez of Prive, CJ Jaravata, Ces Olondriz of Esquire Philippines, Mayor Pie Alvarez, and Dong Ronquillo.
No less than Christine Fellows, managing director of Universal Networks International Asia Pacific, jetted in from Singapore, to welcome the guests, with NBC Universal country manager Liza Latinazo.
“‘It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez’ is E!’s first foray into original Asian reality programming and continued commitment to put the spotlight on local Asian personalities and celebrities,” said Fellows. “Set mainly on a cruise ship, the show gives an unfiltered look into the lives of one of the most talked-about show-biz families, the Gutierrezes.”
Makeup victors
Of the 20 finalists in the Professional Artist Cosmetics (PAC) Makeup Competition during the recent Cosmetologie Fair 2014 at World Trade Center in Pasay, three emerged victors: Jason de los Reyes, Jude Carnable and Zoie Santos. They were declared Top 3 Best Makeup Artists who will represent the Philippines in the Asian Regional Competition in Jakarta, Indonesia, in October.
PAC international makeup artist Yuan Sng from Singapore gave a workshop on makeup application and gave the audience tips on what it would take to make it in the industry.
The 20 qualifiers had only 55 minutes to create two looks for the competition: 25 minutes for bridal makeup and 30 minutes for high fashion/avant-garde makeup.
Judges included Sng and Lourd Ramos of Creations Salon.
“This year’s event has confirmed there is an overflowing amount of talent and potential among Filipinos in the makeup industry,” the Singaporean stylist said. “PAC aims to continue inspiring and challenging all makeup artists to pursue their dream to become among the country’s best.”