MANILA Pen knows how to throw a good party.
The hotel celebrated its 40th with a gala that featured free-flowing booze and tables loaded with caviar, foie gras, fruits and cheese, as well steak tartare. Guests came in formal attire, and designers were in full force with Inno Sotto, JC Buendia, Dennis Lustico, Joey Samson and Ivar Aseron holding court.
Some guests stayed well past midnight, rubbing elbows with Janina Dizon, Paul Syjuco, Anna Palabyab-Rufino, Ben Chan and Tessa Prieto-Valdes.
One couple, perhaps so excited from the evening’s revelry, snoozed on a sofa around midnight. The wife, energized, emerged from her power nap to take photos of the party with iPad, her tiny minaudière tucked under her arm.
New clinic
Aivee and hubby Z Teo recently launched their new, larger clinic in Bonifacio Global City. The A Institute features state-of-the-art operating rooms, recovery suites and even a snore lab (at least that’s what I’m calling it), where a technician diagnoses your breathing patterns.
Highlights include a café that serves gluten-free fare as well as connecting treatment rooms with floor-length views of The Fort. The clinic, in terms of design, is a refreshing departure from the Teos’ more baroque clinics. Its clean and crisp white walls, sleekly patterned carpets and plenty of natural light make for a pleasant experience. Clients who come for treatments may stay just for the ambiance.
Backyard Grill in Urdaneta
Last Sept. 17, Southern Living’s Backyard Grill returned to Urdaneta village’s football field.
Backyard Grill, a community event that brings together residents and guests (it’s open to the public), features food from local and small businesses.
This month’s edition of the #HingeBYG included vendors like Lemoon’s lemonade and Sweeteas’ herbal drinks, Macho Taco, Birdmen (chili fries and chicken), Hachi Bao Studio, Bread and Botany (tostadas and tacos), Rodrigo’s Roast Beef, Tatang’s Boneless Lechon, Bigg Rigg Shawarma, Tusk Social (torched salmon bowls with nori and rice), Krispy Kreme and Makai Bowls (fruit smoothies with oats).
The event was marked by musical performances including saxophone soloist Vince Lahora who played some easy jazz, including the soundtrack to “Sex and the City.”
A portion of the proceeds from Backyard Grill was donated to the Down’s Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Southern Living’s chosen charity. They also had their own booth during the event to help raise awareness and spread the advocacy.
The event was presented by Southern Living magazine and Hinge Inquirer Publications in cooperation with Globe Telecom, Krispy Kreme Philippines, and Megaworld Global Estate Inc.-South. Special thanks to Sun Life Financial Philippines, and media partners When In Manila, INQUIRER.net, Inquirer Mobile, Inquirer RED magazine, Preen Online and Scout magazine.
The next Hinge Backyard Grill is at Bel-Air 3 park on Nov. 19. Follow @slivingph on Instagram and Facebook to find out more.