Louis Thevenin, director of Alliance Française de Cebu, was conferred the title of “Chevalier dans 1’Ordre National du Merite,” one of the highest awards of distinction granted by the Republic of France.
On this occasion, the Ambassador of France Gilles Garachon and Mme. Isabelle Garachon came to Cebu and hosted a reception and dinner at the newly opened The Monastery.
The ambassador expressed his deep appreciation for Louis in his efforts to promote the French language and culture in Cebu and its surrounding region. More words of praise came from Michel Lhuillier, honorary consul of France in the Visayas and president of Alliance Française de Cebu.
There is good chemistry between Michel and Louis. It is not just the Alliance Française with its program of French lessons and varied cultural events at its location on Gorordo Avenue.
Also housed in what used to be the ancestral home of the Velez family, is the restaurant La Maison Rose which serves excellent French cuisine, and there’s a garden facility and deli, La Vie Parisienne, which serves gourmet fare and fine wines.
Patrons have taken note of the time when the croissants and other products came out of the oven. They come from Paris, half-baked, and they are truly delicious.
The Monastery is another brainchild of Louis Thevenin. It serves street food with a French twist, and is located not far from the Alliance Française premises.
For the French Ambassador’s dinner, chef Adrien Guerrey prepared a special menu: smoked salmon roll with Chantilly cream, grilled scallops in lemon white butter and mashed carrot and chocolate fondant. The best wines were poured.
Present on this occasion were Louis’ beautiful wife Honeylet Samia Thevenin, Margueritte Lhuillier, University of San Carlos president Fr. Dionisio Miranda, Glenn and Honey Loop, she being a member of the board in Alliance Française de Cebu.
Also in attendance were Thomas Le Grand, Yannick Chantemille, Sophie Whitfield, Angelica Valera, Kim Manzo, Mark Sy, Sandy Masecampo, Kurt Ocenar, Kevin Hoffert and Samira Elhayyate.
More: Michel Guinefolleau, Isabelle Abello, Alan Debonnville, Lani Pasquet and Jay Chiongbian, Mr. and Mrs. Jayson King, Lester Yu, Barry Dan Chin, Frederick Joye and Marie Sy.
Rustan’s
Rustan’s celebrated the opening of its department store at the Ayala Center Cebu with a fashion show and cocktails at the Ocean Pavilion of the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa.
Featured was Josie Natori, the celebrated American designer who was born and raised in the Philippines. Her various lines are sold at Rustan’s in Cebu now, we were informed by Jaja Chiongbian Rama of Bigseed PR & Events which handled the affair.
Josie Natori herself came to Cebu for the occasion, as did a galaxy of Rustan’s top people, among them Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco, chairman emeritus of the Rustan’s Group of Companies; Donnie
Tantoco, president of Rustan’s Commercial Corporation; Marilen Tantoco, vice president for Home Merchandising; and Dina Tantoco, marketing communications manager.
There was a good representation of Cebu’s society ladies, among them Amparito Lhuillier, Margie Lhuillier, Rosebud Sala, Margie Taylor, Teresin Mendezona, Annie Aboitiz, Mariquita Yeung with former Cebu governor and now Rep. Gwen Garcia.
Two gift certificates, each worth P10,000 usable for Natori products, were raffled off and won by Stefano Angelocola and Maricar Perdices.
Glimpsed about were Anna Marie Dizon, Elena Young, Nonie Uy, Nelia Neri, Aina Lacson, Gigi Alvarez, Frances Siao, Belinda Wong, Nitzi Lim, Helen Yap, Queenie Amman, Merce Abellana, Danessa Onglatco, Kloodie Chiongbian, Evelyn Ugarte, Anita Ugarte, Onda Kumiko, Carla del Prado, Sonia Yuvallos, Alice Plaza, Merian Tirol, Conny Selma and Pinky Chang.
Rustan’s Cebu was well-represented by ladies division manager Holly Quiec, Emily Osano, Joy Tsang, Andee Que, Katherine Dar, Petite Olbes, Enan Baba, Anne Santos, Niza Limjap, Mylene Lingad and David Leung.
Next day Josie Natori was at the Rustan’s department store to personally appraise and style her clients.