Even as I watch the weighing scale inch higher because of holiday overindulging, I have decided to postpone all fitness programs and enjoy the festivities. After all, it is the happiest time of the year!
But some Christmas celebrations include physical activities. I immensely enjoyed bowling at the 3rd Alice Dixson Celebrity Super Bowl at SM Megamall. Although our team didn’t make the final round, we won best team costume. It was fun to bowl for the benefit of Kalipay Negrense Foundation.
The very next day, I got more exercise at the Manila Golf Ladies Day Tournament with my annual partner Sophia Blanco. With her almost pro golfing skills, this Junior Golf champ made all our team points while I goofed around playing with a green wig and alien glasses the entire round.
Right after was the ZBabes Zumba Christmas party, where more food is consumed than calories burned, even if the class is a Zumba marathon of two hours.
I got some real exercise walking the final half kilometer to the U2 “The Joshua Tree” concert at the Philippine Arena. The epic and very emotional concert had the most enormous LED screen showing amazing graphics.
Incredible chef
I danced through the entire show, burning all I ate at the special dinner that chef Margarita Fores prepared for the Christmas episode show of Tim Yap.
Airing soon, “Tim’s Table” was taped at Premium Wine Exchange, where we enjoyed a sumptuous meal with wine pairing. Gaita narrated her Bono story—the U2 lead singer with guitarist The Edge and companions having dinner at her restaurant Grace Park.
Last week, I watched underwater hockey at the SEA Games, and missed the launch of Ayala Malls’ Christmas “Stylescapes,” a showcase of different theme vignettes of luxurious home celebrations.
An integral part of its Christmas campaign, “Awaken the Season,” it gathers and curates the various items from Ayala Malls’ home and specialty stores in eye-catching sets styled by celebrities and renowned interior designers.
“Stylescapes” gets shoppers to truly feel the excitement of the season, and bring those ideas to their own homes. Co-presented by Avida Land, the first set of showcases was launched last week, including Stylescapes at Glorietta, TriNoma and Ayala Center Cebu.
At Glorietta, Sofia Zobel-Elizalde and award-winning events stylist Zenas Pineda presented a feast for the senses with their Filipino-theme “Halo-Halo Noche Buena.”
The “Alice in Wonderland” Stylescape at TriNoma was styled by Dr. Aivee Teo and events stylist Gideon Hermosa. It is on exhibit at L1 of TriNoma until Jan. 12, 2020.
Down south in Cebu, Teresin Mendezona and Eva Gullas present “Colonial Cebu” at the Alcoves Lobby of Ayala Center Cebu. Inspired by the Queen City’s rich history and culture, this Stylescape highlights Cebuano arts and crafts, with capiz and burdado details as some of the prominent elements that celebrate heritage and traditions.
Alabang Town Center’s Stylescape will be on exhibit Jan. 6-31, 2020, a “British Party” curated and styled by actor Derek Ramsay and Zenas Pineda. I was honored to have a showcase, too, with Cyndi Fernandez of Moss Manila, presenting modern luxe “Trends for 2020” at the Greenbelt Stylescape.
Italian cuisine
More food during the holidays was enjoyed at the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World celebration. It was held at the Italian restaurant Finestra in Solaire Resorts and Casino. The week was conceived by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote Italian cuisine.
This year, Italian Ambassador Giorgio Guglielmino treated 120 guests, with a menu created by two Italian chefs, Alan Marchetti of Finestra and Carla Brigliadori of Casa Artusi, with recipes from Pellegrino Artusi, considered the “bible” of Italian cuisine.
The two chefs, the latter a traditionalist and the former an innovator, were chosen to highlight Italian cuisine as cooking for the stomach as well as the soul.
A special mention was made of chef Margarita Fores, who was present that evening. Her episodes on her most recent culinary journey in Italy have just been aired with great success under the title, “My Italy with Margarita Fores.” Check it out on YouTube.
In closing, let me encourage everyone to check out Kartini Gallery where art patron Nina Malvar is presenting “Abstract Quad,” an exhibition featuring four seasoned artists who have gained recognition and awards for their abstract work.
Waldz Villanueva has garnered top awards in distinguished painting competitions. His abstractions with vibrant brushstrokes tell stories in his latest “Water Series” and “Sound Series.”
Bacolod master Rodney Martinez’s abstract compositions could be cubistic or abstract expressionist, with masterful strokes of bright-muted-shadowed colors.
Lloyd Tronco’s abstract works are tempered with a keen sense of balance and composition. Chris Pizzaro was born with innate artistic flair. His abstract works create colors and images that move in exhilarating detail.
The exhibit also showcases the talent of emerging artist Janet de Grano. Check it out at Kartini Asia Gallery at Madison Galeries Mall, Don Jesus Blvd., Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa. (Contact Ria Sian, tel. 0926-6899014.)
Ten days before Christmas! I hope I can keep the pounds off!
More pics on Instagram @seaprincess888
