This gathering of our town’s namedroppables was definitely the birthday bash of the week for our vivaciously adorable Small Eduardo Laude who has just jetted in from a relaxing famille vacation in Los Angeles. Her husband, well-respected business magnate Philip Laude, threw an elegant dinner bash for his wife at People’s Palace in Greenbelt 3.
Small looked fab in her chic Alexander McQueen outfit as she and her hubby welcomed close to 200 or so invitees, who were all too excited to see her after her long vacation.
Among the invitees were namedroppables like the Royalty of Retail outlets, Ben Chan, Representative Lucy Gomez and Richard Gomez, Representative Roman and Shalani Romulo, Carol Garcia, Mons Romulo, Anthony Pangilinan, Cris Albert, doctors Aivee and Z Teo and Marjorie Barretto.
The staff at People’s Palace prepared a sumptuous array, carefully chosen by Philip and Small, of Thai dishes and desserts for their guests to enjoy. To this lovely lady Small Laude, may all your wishes come true with Philip by your side forever and ever.
EastWest Bank opens Cebu branch
Cebu is totally bustling with activities these days. The latest financial biggie to hit Cebu is the grand opening of the 18th branch of EastWest Bank.
Après the inauguration, the 600 invitees dashed off to the Atlantic Hall of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino for an awesome buffet appreciation dinner, with Cebu’s famous “lechon” and wine. Luxurious overnight accommodation packages at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan Cebu were raffled off throughout the evening.
EastWest president and CEO Antonio C. Moncupa Jr. said, “The bank’s strong presence in Cebu affirms its commitment to support economic activities in the area. Cebu is a highly urbanized hub, and is the center of trade and commerce, health, tourism and education in the Visayas.” He then led the ceremonial toast with chairman emeritus Andrew L. Gotianun Sr. and chair Jonathan T. Gotianun, palanggas, while other hot senior namedroppables of the bank entertained guests. EastWest celebrity endorser, our palangga Derek Ramsay, added glitter to the event while TV personality Issa Litton dazzled the invitees with her hosting, dahlings.
Food, glorious food
Marketplace by Rustan’s certainly outdid itself with a carefully selected assortment of exquisite food and refreshing cocktails, which events whiz Tim Yap and TV host Raymond Gutierrez were spotted enjoying. Naturellement, joining them were Rustan Supercenters, Inc.’s top executives, including the always-dashing president and CEO Donnie Tantoco, chairman of the board Rico Tantoco, chief operating officer Pierre Deplanck and VP for Rustan’s Supermarket Manuel Alberto; as well as Dairy Farm International Group CEO Graham Allan and regional CEO for South Asia Alex Tay.
It was definitely a month for passionate foodies as shoppers were treated to a unique “The Art of Fine Food,” dahlings. The exhibit presented delectable portraits capturing the finest and freshest selections from Marketplace by Rustan’s at Power Plant Mall. Guests pored over the alluring food shots of five top food stylists and photographers, namely Mylene Chung, Mark Floro, Rico José, Mariano “Jun” Miranda and Stanley Ong.
The exhibit also featured “foodies” like Solenn Heussaff, her brother Erwan, Tim Yap and Pauline Suaco-Juan, who showed their “food personalities” based on the taste and ingredients they most prefer.
The exhibit opened with VP for Rustan’s Supermarket Manuel Alberto who said, “We are gathered here today because we are bound by our great love for fine food. The photos in the exhibit define what Marketplace by Rustan’s is about—bringing you the finest food and ingredients, and making the best the world can offer, available under one roof of quality and freshness.”
Dedicated young mega achiever Donnie then took center stage and said, “Marketplace by Rustan’s is the result of our co-creation with our customers, suppliers and partners. We hope that together we can discover new tastes and aspirations, and unrelentingly serve you—safely, deliciously, authentically and holistically.”
Adding more razzle-dazzle were gorgeous Kim Jones, host of the short program, and the always spectacular Pinky Marquez who led the crowd inside Marketplace by Rustan’s through a smashing opera flash-mob performance.
“If you haven’t been to Marketplace by Rustan’s yet, I daresay now is the time to rush over to Power Plant Mall, and enjoy an uber-sophisticated, world-class shopping experience,” said Deplanck.
