THE GORGEOUS Kienle sisters are taking the 35-year-old Philux brand of premium furniture products to the next level.
In her welcome speech at the relaunch held recently, gorgeous Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez explained, “Philux proudly sets itself apart by employing highly skilled Filipino workers who preserve age-old craftsmanship and combine it with innovative wood techniques, enabling them to expand their industry of classic pieces with contemporary designs.”
The brand that is inspired by a design philosophy that integrates minimalist functionality with history and heritage has evolved from manufacturing and retail to modern home solutions. She ended with loud approval and applause from the high-end, chic invitees.
Her sister, the tall eye-catching head-turner Jessica Kienle Maxwell, spoke next.
“Philux manufactures custom made-to-order designs tailored specifically for use in all types of industries, including hotel and leisure. Our list of clients includes Manila’s most prestigious hotels, real estate developments, restaurants, embassies and residences. We also offer design consultation, furniture rental, and a wedding and gift registry,” Jessica said.
Philux is at SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, Rockwell Power Plant, LRI Design Plaza and Shangri-La at The Fort. Visit www.philux.ph.
Tasting dinner
Another mega-achiever with the four B’s is none other than head-turner Cheryl Tiu. In partnership with her famille that owns Discovery Primea, she hosted a tasting dinner at Flame Restaurant for a group of individuals to celebrate the restaurant’s opening.
The dinner also served as her send-off as she leaves for another set of international adventures. A longtime supporter of the international food scene, Cheryl sought to bring together notable names from both media and society for a night of superb culinary indulgence.
Welcoming us was the simpatico David Pardo de Ayala, the hotel’s general manager. As my eagle eye zoomed around the awesome venue, I was totally amazed that there are so many reasons to make that trip to Flame at Discovery Primea: the commanding view of the Metro Manila skyline from the 16th floor vantage point; the stunning setting punctuated by a grand “living chandelier” and an expansive marble-top open kitchen; and new world décor that leads to an elegant and open dining space.
And then there is the food, which blends modern European cuisine with Asian flavors to surprise even the most sophisticated palates, dahlings. Wow! is all I could say.
As we were being served the to-die-for seven-course dinner, we were told, “While each ingredient, each product, has a distinct flavor, the careful combination is the source of great taste and moments of delight,” Pardo de Ayala said.
“That sense of wonder, surprise and awe is what we hope will make our guests return for more. With the city lights sparkling just beyond your dinner plate and service that strikes the perfect balance between attentive and comfortably extempore, we promise a sumptuous and memorable culinary journey each time,” he added.
And that we definitely had in Discovery Primea’s Flame that sets a new standards as Cosmo- Manille’s next culinary destination, palangga.
Call Flame at 9558888.
‘Agricultural Internet’
Calata Corp., one of the biggest agricultural conglomerates in the Philippines, and Pessl Instruments, an Austrian technology company that has been a global player in the agricultural industry, celebrated their partnership by leading the country’s agricultural sector into the “Agricultural Internet of Things.”
“The partnership will transform the way we farm and make a real difference especially among grassroots farmers,” explained Calata Corp. president, chair and CEO Joseph Calata, no less.
“It will introduce data-driven farming with the first Agro-Meteorological System in the Philippines, which will provide not only accurate weather forecast, but also substantial data to farmers to help them protect and increase their yield and save energy, water and fertilizer costs.”
Welcoming the invitees were Pessl Instruments founder and CEO Gottfried Pessl plus Calata Corp.’s Parker Ong and Jose Marie Fabella, Pessl Instruments’ Vishnu Nair and business partners.
“By introducing modern and intelligence-based farming practices, Calata Corp. and Pessl Instruments are set to revolutionize the country’s agricultural industry,” explained Calata Corp.’s Parker Ong, palanggas.