The wind blew inside the Holy Land Chapel in Subic, which was filled with guests of the well-loved and respected couple Bob and Betsy Tenchavez who were celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary.
Fr. Herb Schneider, SJ, celebrated the Mass with Fr. Bong Tupino and Fr. Arvie Bello.
Betsy looked fab in her wedding outfit and later, in her reception dress.
Amid a charming decor and with sumptuous food, romantic music, Bob and Betsy personified the image of love as a “many-splendored thing.”
Bob had originally planned a simple famille dinner to celebrate the milestone. But Betsy was inspired to hold the event at Subic Holy Land where she happens to be a trustee.
A hundred years ago, the place was forest land. But in 2006, Maribi Garcia, wife of former SBMA chair and administrator Bobby Garcia, dreamt of a Subic Holy Land, a place of pilgrimage and spiritual rejuvenation.
Now the dream is slowly becoming a reality. First to be built was a church, followed by the Way of the Cross, and then the 20 Mysteries of the Holy Rosary.
Like wine, some things get better with age. After 45 years, the marriage of Bob and Betsy has become a priceless treasure, like the beautiful sapphire gem.
“The challenges, trials and obstacles that we surpassed led to our discovery of God’s love and goodness and His wonderful plans for us, 45 years of a loving relationship that has produced seven children, nine grandchildren and still counting,” Betsy said, to the laughter and wild applause of 300 guests.
Bob said: “Believing that everything is God’s grace and favor, we pray for more memorable moments together as we move forward to our golden year.”
Krispy Kreme turns 10
It was a blast, palangga, when Krispy Kreme celebrated its 10th year in the country with a fabulous bash in its newly designed flagship store in Bonifacio Global City. The happening drew a crowd of VIPs and celebrities who enjoyed the great sounds and, naturellement, unlimited servings of yum-yummy doughnuts.
Spotted among the guests were Georgina Wilson, Anne Curtis, Isabelle Daza, Solenn Heussaff, Martine Cajucom, Tim Yap and San Vicente, Palawan Mayor Pie Alvarez.
Young singer Lesha Litonjua serenaded guests with renditions of top hits, while Up Dharma Down delighted the crowd with its original compositions. DJ Nix Damn P had everyone dancing all nightlong.
Everyone took selfies of their #KrispyKremeMoment by the neon-lit and printed walls, made his own indulgent creations at the doughnut bar, and sipped drinks at Bullet Bar.
My palangga, Krispy Kreme CEO Sharon Fuentebella, said there’s a lot more to come from the doughnut brand.
In the end, dahlings, no sweet tooth was left wanting.
The Pantry revisited
One night I suggested to friends that we have dinner at the newly refurbished Pantry restaurant in Dusit Thani Manila.
As it turned out, it’s more than just your typical buffet place. “Sprung from the concept of farm-to-fork dining, The Pantry makes use of locally sourced fair trade goods and organic ingredients to craft culinary creations,” said Dusit Thani PR and communications manager Dorothy Espiritu.
Much like a celebration of authentic Filipino food, The Pantry has a lechon pit and carving station.
With multi-awarded chef Nicholas Issel at the helm, the 280-seater Pantry has nine food stations that include Mediterranean, Spanish, Filipino cuisines, a seafood corner, a Chinese bao bar, brick-oven Italian pizza, an Indian Tandoor oven, beverage studio and a sinfully divine dessert section.
With an emphasis on the regional tastes, The Pantry is a delicious melting pot of flavors that are all but ordinary.
Among the mouth-watering dishes are House Smoked Salmon Flat Bread Pizza, Adobo of Soya and Vinegar Braised Pork Belly, Piri Piri Rotisserie Chicken, BBQ Lechon Cubano Sandwich, and Hot Spanish Churros with Rich Silky Chocolate Sauce.
The Pantry also has Grab & Go, a takeaway counter.
“Our vision for The Pantry is to bring our guests to the forefront of fine dining. Dusit Thani Manila is uniting luxury and sustainability and we are mixing it with a fun and lively atmosphere. We are definitely witnessing a culinary revolution,” said the hotel’s general manager Bruno Cristol.
The Pantry is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Follow @the_pantry1 on Twitter; @the_pantry_dtmn on Instagram. Call 2388888.
