Philippine Tatler’s Irene Martel and Anton San Diego hosted a dinner at the upscale Establishment for socialite and columnist Mons Romulo, who was celebrating her birthday.

Martel came with her husband, cardiologist Randy Francisco.

The fun sit-down dinner started off with cocktails. Later, guests raved about the dinner-menu prepared by chef Hylton Le Rouz. Establishment’s guest chef is a South African; he has worked as chef de partie at several world-renowned hotels and with other chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal, whose The Fat Duck in Bray is my favorite restaurant in the whole world.

We started off with the excellent goat cheese with truffle mousse and tomato jam and aged balsamic for appetizer; then we had a choice of the divine roast chicken breast with wild mushroom and parmesan risotto, or beef tenderloin with onion ham, for the main course.

Mons looked incredibly glam in a Zara outfit. She was the perfect honoree, socializing with the highly select guests, such as Mario Katigbak of Bulgari and Hermes, and ace photographer Alex Van Hagen.

But that didn’t end there, dahlings. A couple of days later, Mons Romulo was named one of Mega magazine’s “2011 Ten Most Beautiful Women.” The event was hosted by debonair journalist DJ Sta. Ana and his wife, broadcaster Karen Davila. Applauding her were Mons’ children, Simon, Cheskie and Cara, as well as her mother Lovely and sister Lupe.

Après dinner, Mons’ son, Simon Tantoco, stood up and gave a soulful speech. “I never really told you this, mom, but I really love you so much!” The speech left most of the women teary eyed. Simon then rushed to his mother to give her a big and tight hug.

At the end, Mons gave a toast. “I thank my family and friends for always being there for me and finding time from [their] busy schedule to celebrate this memorable occasion with me,” she said.

To my dear Mons Romulo, may the sun continue to shine on you! Happy birthday!

Cheers, palangga!

Fabulous photographs

Because Cosmo Manille is a style arbiter and glamour center, it took the renowned society photographer Rupert Jacinto four days and 20 men to mount the exhibit, “Faaabulous” II, at the Gallery of Peninsula Manila. The opening of the exhibit also saw the launching of the coffee-table book of photographs of the same name.

Events designer par excellence Jun Jun Ablaza decorated the Gallery with towering gold-and-black pillars and tall European figure lamps, providing the regal touch to complement the “Grace and Royalty” theme of the opening.

The exhibit featured 100 dazzling mural-size portraits, creating a spectacular panorama of the glamorous social set from the Philippines and Europe.

Namedroppables among those photographed included President Noynoy Aquino, Vice President Jejomar Binay, Makati Mayor Jun Jun Binay, the Duchess of Calabria, Marquesa de Valdeolmos, Marquesa de Tamarit, Marquesa de Campo Real, Doña Esperanza Stilianopoulos, and others.

The event was in partnership with Advertising Foundation of the Phil., in support of Love a Parish program of Santo Niño de Paz. A major sponsor was Air France-KLM.

With bubbly and wine flowing, the chi-chi pack was buzzing and going on a roll, congratulating Rupert Jacinto, photographer of high society, naturellement, dahlings.

Thomas Sabo now in Manila

With the reopening of schools, several new brands have been launched and new boutiques have opened faster than you can bat an eyelash, dahlings.

The latest international brand to come to Manila is Thomas Sabo. The German brand, renowned for its jewelry, watches and high-end accessories, has opened its first outlet at Power Plant Mall in Rockwell.

Leading the formal opening of the boutique were Thomas Sabo Philippines managing partners Eric and Cheryl Lee, no less. They were joined by Franz Lanthaler and Eske Foerschner, Thomas Sabo director for Asia and director for visual merchandising for Asia, respectively.

During the launch, modeling the latest Thomas Sabo collection were top show-business personalities, such as gorgeous Carla Abellana and Heart Evangelista, as well as the latter’s true love, handsome Japanese-Brazilian model Daniel Matsunaga.

“The Thomas Sabo brand stands for exceptional versatility and comprises four collections—Sterling Silver, Charm Club, Watches and Beauty,” said Cheryl Lee. She added that Thomas Sabo meets the highest standards, using 925 sterling silver and zirconia stones, stainless steel and ceramic.

Après Lee’s short speech, many invitees couldn’t leave without buying the choice watches and charms that they evidently took a fancy for.

Thomas Sabo is at 2/F Power Plant Mall, Rockwell. Visit www.thomassabo.com.