Last year, Louis XIII premiered ‘100 Years,’ a musical composition by Pharrell Williams that won’t be released until 2117
With gentle accuracy. That is the only way to open a decanter of Louis XIII Cognac.
Each bottle of this amazing and rare cognac is the life achievement of generations of cellar masters.
Since its origins in 1874, each generation of Remy Martin cellar master has selected the oldest and most precious eaux-de-vie for the Louis XIII cognac. The current cellar master, Baptiste Loiseau, is already setting aside the finest eaux-de-vie that will be used by his successors in the coming century.
Louis XIII is an exquisite blend of up to 1,200 varieties of eaux-de-vie sourced from Grande Champagne, the first cru of the Cognac region.
The legendary decanters have been made from fine crystal for generations, mouth-blown by some of the most skilled master craftsmen.
The cognac features exceptional aromas evoking myrrh, honey, dried roses, plum, honeysuckle, cigar boxes, leather, figs and passion fruit.
Pharrell Williams
Last year, Louis XIII premiered “100 Years,” a unique musical composition created by Pharrell Williams that won’t be released until 2117.
The innovative project was created from a shared dedication to environmental issues.
The original song is a creative expression of the delicate relationship between nature and time, and the effect humans have on their environment. Just as each decanter represents a generation, the song shows how Louis XIII must always think a century ahead.
Pharrell’s track was recorded onto a record made of clay from the chalky soil of the Cognac region, and stored in the cellars of Louis XIII in a state-of-the-art safe specially designed by Fichet-Bauche, which is destructible when submerged in water.
If sea levels continue to rise due to climate change, scientists project that in a hundred years a portion of the world’s land will be underwater.
The only way to guarantee this original piece of music will be heard in 2117, one century from now, is if we address the consequences of global warming today. In short, if we do not change our way of living, future generations will never be able to hear “100 Years.” It is a song we will hear only #ifwecare.
For the Manila launch, Florian Dubreuil, brand ambassador of Louis XIII, flew to Manila to host a special luncheon at the Raffles Hotel.
Florian explained the proper way to enjoy the century-old cognac, which starts with the proper way to open the decanter. I was truly delighted to be chosen to assist Florian in opening the most luxurious cognac.
The decanter opened with a bit of pressure on the outer foil, and as Florian showed, with gentle accuracy. It was a precious experience.
I invited Florian to return to the Philippines next year so he could join us at the Red Charity Gala, which is always supported by Remy Martin.
Finest of cars
From the finest of cognacs, we move to the finest of cars.
It was an evening of Swedish charm and hospitality as Harald Fries, the ambassador of Sweden, and his wife Susan, together with lawyer Albert Arcilla and Chris Lee Yu of Volvo Philippines, graciously invited a few select guests into the Fries home.
Over authentic Swedish tapas and premium wines from Wine Depot, the guests were presented the latest Volvo cars, the stunning Volvo S90 estate, the Dynamic Volvo XC90 SUV, and the fresh and nimble new member of the Volvo range, the Volvo XC40.
The event was held to benefit Hands on Manila Foundation, the nonprofit that creates an alternative and innovative approach to volunteerism to service underprivileged communities.
Indeed, Volvo Philippines has been a longtime partner and supporter of many worthy causes, stemming from the brand’s global principle of care for people.
Brazilian shoes
Even more than cognac and cars, I love shoes! Melissa Shoes, Brazil’s most beloved footwear brand, unveiled their latest collection last October at Manila House in Bonifacio Global City.
The event was hosted by Janeena Chan, #MeInMelissa style maven, and attended by a number of personalities from the world of fashion and lifestyle including Divine Lee, Daphne Oseña-Paez and Aryanna Epperson.
Melissa Family, the new collection from Melissa Shoes, finds inspiration in the comfort, security and intimacy of family. Classic staples are highlighted with contemporary touches and colors.
Every pair is developed using Melflex, Melissa’s patented technology. In addition, the collection showcases pieces designed by prominent names in fashion such as Jason Wu and Vivienne Westwood.
The launch also showcased a preview of Melissa’s Spring-Summer 2019 offerings.
Joy Cortez-Dauz, brand manager of Melissa Shoes, told me that Melissa’s DNA is inspired by three moods—nostalgia, crew and the cool, and the diverse ’90s.
Let me close with a “Happy 33rd anniversary” shoutout to the Inquirer! It has been a privilege to be part of the journey for over a decade, and I am looking with great expectations to an even brighter future!
Check out @seaprincess888 on Instagram
