It had to take Calata Corp., one of the biggest agribusiness conglomerates in the country, to break the Guinness World Record for the largest serving of—would you believe?—roast pork by having a grand lechon party. Dishing up 4,046 kilograms of the dish, Calata Corp. beat Mexico’s record of 3,094.2 kg of cochinita pibil, a popular roast-pork dish in its Yucatan region.

 

As part of Calata Corp.’s 16th-anniversary celebration, the lechon party held at Liwasang Aurora in Quezon City Memorial Circle was also the company’s early Christmas treat, palangga, for thousands of underprivileged residents.

 

“This year we are celebrating 16 successful years by giving back to the community,” said chair and CEO Joseph Calata. “This is a momentous occasion not just for Calata Corp. but also for the Philippines, as we broke the Guinness World Record for the largest serving of lechon. We hope this achievement will generate attention for the often overlooked farming industry, especially among the younger generation of Filipinos.”

 

Trés visible at the lechon bash were the Calata gang including Calata Corp. vice president for corporate communications, sales and marketing Michael Angelo Lobrin, corporate secretary Atty. José Marie Fabella, Brookfields Meat Inc. president Halmon Parker Ong, Guinness officer Lucia Sinigagliesi, Lydia’s Lechon CEO Ricky de Roca and Quezon City Councilor Gian Carlo Sotto.

 

GMA Network artists Kristoffer Martin, Derrick Monasterio and Glaiza de Castro performed during the program.

 

Calata Corp. is the largest retailer and distributor of agrochemical brands, feeds, fertilizers, veterinary medicines and seeds in the country, and owns and operates the AGRI chain of retail stores, the largest retailer of choice agricultural supply brands like AGRI Crop Protection, Heisenberg veterinary medicines, Thomson and Hine, as well as Ivansmith agrochemicals. Now you know, dahlings.

 

Aside from breaking a Guinness record, the lechon party aims to raise awareness on the importance of the farming and agriculture industry, especially among the Filipino youth.

 

Tiffany & Co. rings

 

I was part of the “true love” celebration as Tiffany & Co., the world’s diamond authority, launched its engagement rings in the Philippines with a “Something Blue” event held at The Gallerie of Rustan’s Makati.

 

This intimate event reminded the guests of the priceless commitment that a Tiffany ring represents, the ultimate symbols of modern love and the wedding tradition that brings good luck for a joyous future.

 

There was a calm surrender to the romantic atmosphere with everyone in a delightful mood for new beginnings and fresh starts.

 

Brimming with brilliance and class, the Tiffany blue-filled evening was graced by the presence of witty Marc Jacheet, group vice president of the Asia-Pacific region for Tiffany & Co., who jetted in from Hong Kong. He was introduced by the attractive Nikki Gil.

 

All eyes were on him as he welcomed everyone and took the stage to let everyone in on the celebration.

 

Aprés, Rustan’s Maritess Tantoco Enriquez raised a toast to formally commence the evening, joined by Rustan’s Donnie V. Tantoco and chair emeritus Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr.

 

Adding to the brilliance of the “blue evening,” the luxurious night was filled with guests like Bea Rose Santiago, Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Phoemela Baranda, Toni Gonzaga, Marie Lozano, who were seen looking through the exquisite and dazzling jewelry that the world has ever seen.

 

Harmony filled the gallery as the Bernie Pasamba Quartet performed relaxing yet upbeat instrumental music.

 

Meanwhile guests discovered the four parts of this time-honored tradition (something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue) as they sauntered through the room installations.

 

The women involved in love affairs at the moment commented: “I wish my man would give that to me this Christmas without any commitment to eternal.” Right on, gal!

 

Exuding purity and love, glamour and beauty, experience the Tiffany Diamond Engagement Rings in its entirety.

 

OK palangga, whatever you may say, diamonds are still a girl’s best friend, n’est-ce pas?

 

Peninsula in Pink

 

The very important invitees at The Peninsula Manila were tickled pink when the hotel hosted the annual Peninsula in Pink fund-raising auction gala in support of the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care Inc.

 

An evening of art, glamour and big-hearted generosity, the affair saw many of the Philippines’ prominent visual artists, Manille’s influential society figures and best-known personalities stepping out to raise awareness and funds for this trés-trés worthy cause, dahlings.

 

Peninsula in Pink, a charitable initiative in support of breast cancer charities, is now on its fifth year. Part of this year’s event was “The Art of Pink,” an exclusive auction hosted by Christie’s. This featured works of art, specially arranged VIP experiences in Peninsula hotels worldwide and other enticing lots donated by generous sponsors.

 

It raised a total of P7,400,000 for the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care Inc.

 

Now that’s giving with true care and awareness of women of all ages who can’t afford the entire treatment for breast cancer.