CHRISTMAS came early with the arrival of my truly special Globe Platinum gift—the latest iPhone 6S.

 

After generously sponsoring our Red Charity Gala this year, Globe Platinum graciously asked me to be its new ambassador for premium plans and an upcoming campaign.

 

What an exciting time to make magnificent moments happen for Globe Platinum subscribers.

 

Dressed in the newest collection of H&M x Balmain, I headed to the Globe Tower for the Philippine launch of the iPhone 6S. The midnight affair was graced by eager fans waiting to get a glimpse of the beautiful gadget.

 

After a brief explanation about the partnership between Globe and iPhone, 30 special guests were presented a unit and I was one of them! I love getting presents.

 

Upon the turnover of the unit, a personal account manager assisted me with the features and privileges of being a Globe Platinum member.

 

At the private lounge, other members also enjoyed some Laduree macarons served that evening.

 

A girl’s BFF

 

Now that I have a new phone, I am hoping my husband Dennis would consider the Jewelmer pearl earrings in my Christmas wish list. I spotted the stunning pair at the intimate gathering of Jewelmer Joaillerie at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila recently.

 

In a full-blown Parisian theme, the affair celebrated over three decades of history set in panoramic views of Paris on digital scenes. Throughout the evening, several images of the most beautiful city in the world delighted guests as they enjoyed the delicious menu prepared by the hotel.

 

With fine French champagne Veuve Cliquot, the grand soiree was transformed into an evening in Paris as homage to the brand’s French identity.

 

For some VIP guests, a customized Rolls-Royce Wraith was prepared for their service. Upon settling down, a touching video, “A Journey to the Extraordinary,” was shown, dedicated to the men and women who have made Jewelmer Joaillerie the internationally renowned brand it is today.

 

It was a return to their roots, so to speak, bringing together the best of French and Filipino cultures that are at the heart of Jewelmer.

 

Hosted by Issa Litton, the program featured the world premiere of Jewelmer’s new corporate video that shares the story of the brand’s journey since its inception in 1979.

 

The launch of Jewelmer Joaillerie’s 2016 Spring-Summer collection was followed by a performance by 11-year-old Tessa Tordesillas who opened the show. Daughter of my cousin Maritoni Rufino and Roque Tordesillas, my niece Tessa was named after me!

 

Jewelmer’s latest collection was presented through an elegant show where Filipino women models wore gowns by designer Edwin Tan.

 

VIP guests like Johnny Litton, Daphne Oseña-Paez, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez and Solenn Heussaff joined me on the dance floor as we danced the night away with big band music performed live by AMP.

 

A thanksgiving for the past and homage to a continuing tradition of excellence and beauty, this year’s gala is yet another memorable milestone in Jewelmer’s impressive journey. Events group ODV Creative headed by Owee Cruz mounted the grand affair.

 

In Jewelmer’s ongoing promo, receive a bottle of Domaine Sainte-Eugenie wine with your purchase of any Jewelmer South Sea pearl pendant.

 

For more information, visit www.jewelmer.com.

 

Bonsoir from Sofitel

 

In keeping with the French slant of my column, I recently enjoyed a unique lunch at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. The oh-so French hotel was recently the destination of wine connoisseurs and beer enthusiasts for the Sofitel Wine Days 2015 festivities and the 77th Oktoberfest held at the Harbor Garden Tent.

 

The annual Sofitel Wine Days featured wine dinners and wine tasting, with some held in the most unlikely venues in the hotel.

 

Along with some friends, I discovered the wonderful world of wines in a subzero setting—the Sofitel freezer.

 

It was the first time that Sofitel organized an event inside the walk-in freezer, as well as a blind food and wine pairing at Spiral. The three-course meal in the dark was quite an experience.

 

The award-winning wine selection is vast and is a sommelier’s dream. Of course, that’s expected from a winner of the 2015 Wine Spectator for Spiral with 2 Glasses for Award of Excellence and for Le Bar with 1 Glass for Award of Excellence

 

The Sofitel Wine Dinners are held on a regular basis to showcase world-renowned wines from the best wine regions and vineyards in France.

 

For more details, visit www.sofitelmanila.com; or call Sofitel Philippine Plaza Restaurant Reservations at 5515555.