Last Feb. 12 we wrote about our palangga, Philippine Tatler editor in chief Anton San Diego’s swinging birthday party held at the Swatch & Swatch store’s roof-deck in Makati.
Top DJs from Privé Luxury Club in Bonifacio Global City including Gustavo Krier provided the music, Kai Restaurant catered the food, while Swatch Philippines’ grand dame Virgie Ramos and Anton’s mom, Tessie Oca Prieto, made sure everyone had a good time.
In fact it was so memorable that we’re running more photos from that fun bash.
French legionnaire
Meanwhile, Sen. Loren Legarda turned 56 recently and held a post-birthday reception at the gardens of Baluarte de San Diego in Intramuros to coincide with National Arts Month.
“Intramuros is steeped in history,” the senator said, “with untold stories about our past etched in its centuries-old adobe walls.”
The Baluarte de San Diego—a bastion in what was then dubbed the Walled City of Spanish colonial times—was originally built in 1586 and called Fort Nuestra Señora de Guia. It was renovated in 1593 to become Baluarte de San Diego, but was destroyed during World War II’s Battle of Manila in 1945. The Philippine government began its restoration in 1979 and was completed in 1992.
Incidentally, dahlings, the French government bestowed Legarda the title Chevalier (Knight) in the Ordre National de la Légion d’honneur (National Order of the French Legion of Honor). The ceremony was led by French Ambassador Thierry Mathou at his official residence in Makati.
The Legion of Honor—established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, no less—is one of the most prestigious of French distinctions. Legarda was given the award for her invaluable contributions in strengthening bilateral ties between the Philippines and France, particularly her endless environmental and cultural advocacies.
In accepting the award, Legarda said: “My journey as a legionnaire has begun. I recognize that, as in any award, there are responsibilities. I intend to fulfill these by serving as a vanguard of our countries’ great alliance.”
Search for new models
Prominent consumer brand Century Tuna held an über event to launch the 2016 Century Tuna Superbods Nation search for new image models, which is celebrating its 10th year of promoting how to achieve sexy, healthy bodies.
Guests watched a sneak-peek video on what to expect at the finals night to be held on April 10 at the Palace Pool Club in Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig—just in time for the coming hot season.
At the launch, Century Pacific Foods general manager Greg Banzon delivered the welcome remarks, while brand manager Cheska Sebial gave a rundown of event-related activities: a Superbods Camp; Superbods Weekend Fitness Fair; and the introduction of the Superbods Nation mobile app that aspiring Superbods can download to join the competition, get fitness tips, and event updates.
Superbods models Anne Curtis and Derek Ramsay shared their personal fitness regimens as well as their fitness goals for the year.
Shop for a cause
The Zonta Club of Makati and Environs held a “Shop for a Cause” fundraising event at Crate & Barrel in SM Aura Premier, for the benefit of Zonta Club of Makati and Environs’ Psychological Center for Sexually Abused Children.
“Among our goals, Zonta Club aims to promote gender equality, education, and skills training for women,” said its president Rosie Go. “Equally important to Zonta is ensuring women’s health.”
Project chair Beng Pimentel Puyat expressed her gratitude to the SM Group and Crate & Barrel for providing the venue and sharing the proceeds of the event.
Crate & Barrel is a popular retailer of home furnishings, known for its exquisite, exclusive designs, optimum value and superb customer service.
In addition to a direct marketing division that services more than 90 countries, the company operates stores throughout the United States and Canada as well as franchise locations in Dubai, Mexico, Singapore, Turkey and Russia.
In the Philippines, palangga, Crate & Barrel stores are found at SM Megamall, SM Makati and SM Aura Premier.