It started out as a simple party for my birthday. But the guest list of 18 stretched to 35—including Bibot Nolan and Monique Villonco who wore a Pepito Albert, my palangga who incidentally acted as party emcee.
Held at the Lorenzo Building on Chino Roces Avenue in Makati, the bash was arranged and decorated by Pepito himself, with Margarita Araneta Fores providing the food.
With great music and fun company, it lasted way past midnight.
Thank you, Pepito, for a night which I have put into my box of memories, never to be forgotten, dahling.
Sweet life
In true la dolce vita fashion, Swiss Miss, the world-famous chocolate powder drink brand, launched its newest flavor in a celebration featuring all the elements of the sweet life: fabulous fashion, exquisite music and art, and delectable gustatory treats, including the new Swiss Miss Chocolate Hazelnut.
Inspired by the Italians’ passion for romance and life’s sweet indulgences, Swiss Miss Chocolate Hazelnut is made from premium imported cocoa and real milk, and fuses the aroma and flavor of roasted, buttery hazelnuts with silky, creamy and frothy chocolate.
“The luxurious taste of the new Swiss Miss variant reminds us that it doesn’t require much to enjoy life. After all, life is sweet and we can enjoy the little indulgences by rewarding ourselves for our little wins,” said Cathy Castro, Swiss Miss Asia marketing manager, who added that the Philippines is the first country in Asia to enjoy this new Swiss Miss flavor.”
The event was held at the Venice Grand Canal Mall in McKinley Hill, Taguig. Host was Anne Curtis, who invited guests to sample the new Swiss Miss chocolate.
“Swiss Miss Chocolate Hazelnut is an indulgent treat that helps me relax and unwind especially after a hard day’s work,” Curtis said. “It’s also a perfect reward that I can enjoy after long taping hours or filming a new movie.”
The guests—including Nicole Andersson, Yen Dreyfus, Dominique Tiu and Charlene Ajose—took gondola rides and yummy servings of Italian dishes. Others listened to Italian serenades from international singer Jonathan Wagner, while some enjoyed the portrait sketches by artists.
Mall-goers were later treated to free samples of the new Swiss Miss Chocolate Hazelnut from Café Dolce.
‘Pinoy Manners’
Public relations practitioner Joy Buensalido recently launched her second book, “Pinoy Manners: A Modern Guide to Delicadeza for All Generations,” at the Makati Garden Club.
On hand were her friends from the media including Millet Mananquil, Ching Alano, Tanya Lara, Ann Pastrana, Yvette Fernandez, Liza Ilarde, Ester Dipasupil, Emmie Velarde, Marita Nuque, Suki Salvador, Gerard Ramos, Chelo Formoso, Francine Medina-Marquez, Joy Rojas and moi, dahlings.
Current and former clients, industry colleagues, and close friends also attended to get their book copies signed, such as Comelec chair Andy Bautista, Repertory Philippines’ Mindy Perez-Rubio, Wrangler’s Daisy Go, Shangri-La Plaza’s Marline Dualan, Makati Medical Center’s Arlyn Songco, Hospitality Innovators Inc.’s Jehn Domingo, PNB chair Flor Tarriela, Mansmith and Fielders’ Frances Yu, Rep. Rod Albano, Abby de Leon, Rene Nieva, Edd Fuentes, Bong Osorio and Susan Joven.
A mural on Pinoy manners graced the hall, created by Pushpin Visual Solutions illustrators led by Elbert Or, who was also responsible for the book cover and illustrations.
The venue’s interiors had a cozy atmosphere with home furnishings from SB Furniture, and lights from Dads World Buffet.
The food was from the famous Maria Luisa’s Garden Room menu.
A fun, easy read, “Pinoy Manners” is a handbook for all ages, covering topics and sticky situations. More important, the book underlines the value of delicadeza—sensitivity to and respect for other people’s feelings.
“Pinoy Manners: A Modern Guide to Delicadeza for All Generations,” tel. 8174471 or 09209542980
