That was a fun cocktail event, dahlings, Philippine Tatler Traveller recently  unveiling its latest luxe volume at the ballroom of Raffles and Fairmont Makati.

The magazine’s cover was shot in Paris, no less, and featured best of pals Barbara Aboitiz and Sevrine Miailhe.

The evening began with the chic crowd enjoying martinis, chilled bubbly and red wine, and a smorgasbord of the finest hors d’oeuvres superbly prepared by Raffles’ executive chefs.

Guests couldn’t have enough of the eye-catching vignettes around the ballroom set up by Bellevue Manila, Bugatti, Creed, Herve Chapelier, Ipanema, Jewelmer, La Mer, Lexus, Pandora, Raffles, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Stuart Weitzman, Turkish Airlines and Two Seasons Island Resort & Spa Coron.

Philippine Tatler publisher and managing director Irene Martel-Francisco and Tatler Traveller editor Mia Borromeo gave welcome remarks.

Après a celebratory toast, there was a raffle of specially curated prizes—luxury treats such as a Jewelmer South Sea pearl pendant won by Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez; and a round-trip ticket to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines won by Mr. Ipanema himself, Patxi Elizalde.

The party lasted way past its allotted time, as the rich and famous characteristically don’t comply with rules when they are all having a ball, palangga.

Butch and Cris’ love story

Love 21 BC is the theme of the 21st wedding anniversary of Fila Philippines’ Butch and Cris Albert, palangga.

This was announced in an afternoon party at Tessa Prieto-Valdes’ home. Motif for the pre-anniversary bash was “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Cris came in a delicate Tiffany blue dress adorned with crystals by Inno Sotto.

Guests enjoyed finger sandwiches, canapé and macaroons in pastel colors. Champagne kept them luxuriously hydrated.

Tessa, the gracious host, presided over an impromptu game show on Butch and Cris’ love story. Winners won yummy floral cupcakes, Love 21 BC tote bags and pillows.

As the sun was setting, Rajo Laurel spoke about his vision for the bride and the entourage.

Secondary sponsors Tim Yap, Pepper Teehankee and Anton San Diego gave a toast and remarks straight from the heart.

Sari Yap, Sheila Romero, Ana Abad Santos and mom Wanda Louwallien gave their own touching speeches that brought tears of joy to Butch and Cris.

I’m all set for the big day as escort to Cris as she walks to the altar to join Butch.

‘Tastefully Thai’ fest

Spices Restaurant at the Peninsula Manila transformed into an excellent Thai dining place, as it welcomed the renowned Chamnan Thepchana, chief of Thai cuisine at the Peninsula Bangkok. He presided over Manila’s “Tastefully Thai” food festival that highlighted the superb culinary wonders of the Land of Smiles.

Assisting Peninsula GM Sonja Vodusek in welcoming the invitees on opening night were friends from the Thai Embassy and Thai Airways International. The latter raffled off round-trip business-class tickets for two to Bangkok plus a stay at Peninsula Bangkok.

The festival was a smashing success and many clamored for an extension, but Thepchana had already committed to another Thai food fest in Hong Kong.

Call  Mariano Garchitorena, director of public relations of Peninsula Manila at  8872888 or 8103456; e-mail [email protected]. Visit www.peninsula.com.