The speakeasy Bank Bar was transformed into a Mexican cantina complete with banderitas, sombreros and a giant piñata for the 29th birthday celebration of Mayor Pie Alvarez of San Vicente, Palawan.
While entering the secret door, every guest had to agree to the sign: “Mandatory tequila shots for party guests. No shot, no entry.”
Then we were given pom-pom sombreros and gorgeous fresh flower crowns or headbands, like what Mexico’s iconic artist Frida Kahlo wore.
Close friends of the celebrator arrived in the most creative, Latin fiesta-themed outfits with tops and skirts from Temperley London, headpieces and earrings from Dolce & Gabbana, and clutches from Mola Sasa.
The colorful crowd danced the night away to the fabulous music spun by DJ Nix Damn P and DJ Euric.
Tequila and other “name your poison” drinks such as vodka and scotch poured through the night and into dawn, dahlings, while our hostess with the mostest, Mayor Pie, made the rounds, forever seeing to it that we were having a grand time, palangga. We surely did!
This one-of-a-kind evening ended with the piñata and giveaways of gift certificates from LCP, Bank Bar and Spaholics.
Muchos gracias, Pie, for a superbly organized bash!
New ambassadors
Smart Infinity recently introduced its latest ambassadors—Rustan’s Commercial Corp. president Donnie Tantoco, wife Crickette Yu-Tantoco, and Raul Francisco and Joanna Presyler-Francisco—at Provenance Art Gallery at The Fort.
With the anticipated release of the new Samsung Galaxy Note 7, Smart Infinity is offering two of the phones with the Roaming Plan 8000 (24 months), and Galaxy Note 7 or Galaxy S7 for the Roaming Plan 5000 (30 months).
“Members may experience their new devices with discounted outbound roaming rates, 15GB data allocation and a hefty monthly consumable allocation,” said Julie Carceller, head of Smart Infinity and Smart’s multisegment marketing.
“We want to recognize not only those who have conquered their boundaries and attained success in their own lives, but those who have done well in sparking change in other people’s lives as well,” she added. “We want to inspire others to follow suit by providing them excellent technology and services—tools they need to start leading the change.”
In addition, subscribers can enjoy the limited-edition Samsung S7 Edge Silver, Samsung Gear VR and Samsung Gear 360. All three devices may be enjoyed with Plan 8000.
Plan 5000 members may receive the Samsung S7 Edge Silver with a Samsung Gear 360.
Visit www.smart.com.ph/infinity or follow on Instagram @smartinfinity.
New Australian resto
Endless flow of canapés and champagne saw the launch of the second branch of Bondi&Bourke at Forbes Town Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Chef Wade Watson, who earlier offered the first branch at Legaspi Village in Makati, prepared his signature no-nonsense Australian comfort food.
Served, dahlings, were Foie Gras Brochettes, prawn cocktail, mini pies, sausage rolls, and fish and chips. Guests were stuffed to their delight as the Australian chef served his best-selling roasted prime rib-eye with mashed potatoes and fresh warm mushroom salad.
The satisfying and very filling spread ended with Bondi&Bourke’s famous Sticky Toffee Pudding, which instantly became a crowd favorite.
Everyone got to take home more food as the standard steak pies and Lamingtons (an original Australian dessert) were packed for guests.
“This is one restaurant which is a must go-to. And I guarantee you, it won’t be your last visit,” said Thinlines’ Frank Evaristo, natch.
Call 0998-8406268, 8331812 (Makati branch) or 0998-8406268, 8331812; or book via the Booky app.
Italian decor
When it comes to furniture design and quality, Italians are at the top of the game, so furniture lovers flocked to the much-anticipated opening of Designa Italia at La Fuerza Compound.
The Italian home furnishing store is the brainchild of the enterprising mother and daughter tandem, Dette Aquino-Tan and Audrey Tan-Zubiri.
“The pieces we carry are beautiful,” said Audrey. “They are a perfect balance between classic and contemporary while our leather sofas feel like butter you could melt into. What sets us apart from other stores is our mission to make Italian furniture more reasonably priced and accessible to a broader market.”
Dette said, “We went to Italy and personally toured the factories to observe their production and the manufacturing process and we were truly impressed. The value they put on traditional craftsmanship is evident in every piece that they produce. Everything, from the tanning of the leather to creating the structure and design of the items, is a celebration of Italian talent and creativity.”
Doing the ribbon-snipping were Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Sen. Dick Gordon and Kate Gordon. Cocktails were by chef Gilbert Pangilinan of Kai.
Sen. Miguel Zubiri was emcee, introducing Dette and Audrey to the guests and narrating how the store was conceptualized: “It’s unbelievable how my mother-in-law and my wife can turn a shopping trip abroad into a new business venture!”
Designa Italia is at W14B La Fuerza Compound, 2241 Chino Roces Ave., Makati. Call 027728343; e-mail designaitalia@yahoo.com.
‘Oh Boy’ concert
A must-see concert is “Oh Boy” on Sept. 23, 8 p.m., at Music Museum. It features good-looking actors Rocco Nocino, Jake Vargas, Aljur Abrenica and Derrick Monasterio.
Special guest is Julie Ann San José.
It promises to be a hot and steamy night full of dancing, singing and flirting. So, palangga,, rush and grab your tickets: P1,500, balcony; P2,000, patron; P2,500, VIP.
Visit SMTickets, Ticket World, Ticketnet.
