The art of party-hopping is a craft I have perfected through years of socializing. Timing is everything, so it’s important to be present at each event when the hosts acknowledge your presence, and there is a photo to prove it.
Multiple events in different locations are the most challenging, especially during the Christmas season. Last Tuesday, Dec. 3, was one of those days, but I still had enough energy to make my First Wednesday novena at midnight in Baclaran Church.
The busy day started at City of Dreams, for the annual media appreciation lunch at Nobu Manila restaurant. We enjoyed the performance of singer Kris Lawrence and, of course, the exciting raffle prizes.
Heading to BGC for the next events, I quickly changed for the opening of the Belo Medical Group flagship clinic.
Modern clinic
Located at One Bonifacio High Street Mall, the impressive Belo clinic boasts of modern Filipino aesthetics, design and technology, plus an amazing view of the city. Doctors Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho collaborated with world-renowned Filipino architecture and design firm Budji + Royal.
As the Belo Medical Group enters its 30th year, a new phase of beautiful changes and amazing innovations is under way. It remains on top of its game, the only aesthetic clinic partner of the Department of Tourism.
Among these innovations are a glass-skin filter available on Facebook and Instagram, a brand-new website and app for effortless appointment booking, a new e-commerce experience with Belo Shop, and a seamless patient check-in experience with the Belo AIQ (Aesthetic Interest Questionnaire).
A flash mob performance featuring Belo staff and the performers of Madison Events was staged at the facade of One Bonifacio High Street. Then guests were led to the mall where singers Gian Magdangal and Nicole Asensio opened the show.
At the clinic, guests were treated to a show-stopping performance from the G-Force Dance Team and Darren Espanto, and then the new Darna, Jane de Leon, revealed herself.
Fritz Infante was called in to direct the show written by good friend Garlic Garcia. There were two performances that day for guests to enjoy the show and tour the new clinic at their leisure.
The Belo BGC grand launch was attended by Alden Richards, Rhian Ramos, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Jinkee Pacquiao, Iza Calzado, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Georgina Wilson, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and more.
After a quick clinic tour and photos with my favorite stars of Belo, especially Derek Ramsay and Maymay Entrata, I attended the launch of Pili Ani, an all-natural skincare line, at Manila House, just a walking distance from the Belo Clinic.
Vegan skincare
Transforming Manila House into a chic space of flora and fauna, Pili Ani—a Philippine pioneer of sustainable, vegan and all-natural skincare—unveiled Ageless Concentrate, the beauty secret to staying #ageless.
Pili Ani CEO Mary Jane Tan Ong said that the company was not just launching a new beauty product but also marking the start of a journey for the Philippines on the international stage as a player in the beauty industry.
The lovingly crafted youth elixir, made of precious pili and elemi oils, was revealed to guests in boxes that bore the words “The Ritual Kit.”
Inside were a bottle of Pili Ani’s Ageless Concentrate, aromatic bougies and jade rollers.
Ageless beauties toasted a new beauty discovery. Fine wine flowed until the late hours. It was night for celebrating youth, and for embracing the affirmation: #IAmAgeless.
Thanks to PR guru Ferdi Salvador, I was able to collect more of the wonderful products for my hubby Dennis. Ferdi also helped me with many sponsors at the recently Red Charity Gala.
New home
From BGC, I rushed to the grand launch of Casa Bella Home and Living. Celebrating 10 years of Casa Bella excellence, founders and owners Joseph Tay and Stephanie Coyiuto-Tay launched their new flagship showroom at 8 Jupiter corner Canopus Streets, Bel-Air, Makati.
The dynamic duo opened their new home to family, close friends and partners in the industry.
Starting out with just one European brand a decade ago, the company has matured and collaborated with seven European brands: Moroso, Cassina, Kettal, Henge, Cattelan Italia, Ditre Italia and Novamobili—all of which can be found in their new showroom.
Also found on the ground floor is their new wine bar and lounge, Vineria, as well as the Fig & Vine Floral Studio, an efflorescent vision come to life by Stephanie Coyiuto-Tay.
Hosted by Joey Mead King, the event welcomed the first guests as the showroom officially opened its doors. The business owners were introduced, and the company’s patrons and family led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, whose attendees included Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, Taguig Rep. Lani Cayetano, Kit Zobel, Alice Eduardo, Che Uy, Hans Sy Jr. and Peter Coyiuto.
Just for the night, Casa Bella collaborated with Rajo Laurel to create the Casa Bella x House of Laurel section, which showcased the new preholiday collection placed on the Novamobili dressers.
And all that before the first day of December!
