It was far easier to choose my top five favorite animals in Africa than to choose only five friends to join me at the very intimate launch of Nespresso’s latest coffee blends called World Explorations.
In the absence of international travel, coffee lovers can still experience different coffee cultures in some of the world’s most vibrant cities. Featuring Buenos Aires Lungo, Cape Town Envivo Lungo, Shanghai Lungo, Stockholm Fortissio Lungo, Tokyo Vivalto Lungo and Vienna Linizio Lungo, the line of is now available in its retail and online stores (nespresso.ph).
To highlight Cape Town Envivo Lungo, I hosted a small, afternoon coffee affair at home, as this gave me a chance to fully express my love of Africa. It was also a needed outlet to release months of restless anxiety for this obviously extroverted social being.
Apart from their love for coffee, I carefully chose amazing ladies who have graciously managed to transition through this pandemic while keeping a fairly sustainable work and family balance. I thought our topics over coffee could range from trivial things like online shopping to more serious matters of the heart, body and soul. There was also the unifying factor that all the ladies were part of the Red Charity Gala, especially cochair Kaye Tiñga.
After weeks of planning with Nespresso and PR firm Visions & Expressions, I finally decided on the most suitable set of guests whose dynamics and chemistry would create an enjoyable affair. All accomplished women excelling in their unique field of work, they all have kept love and family as top priorities as they navigate uncharted waters.
Now on its second year, this COVID pandemic has really shaken our very basic principles of life and what truly matters and really, a mental check on where we are headed. I thought it would be wonderful to share all that over coffee.
I transformed my home, à la Camp Reserve, and put together an exclusive menu from Wildflour, with everything reminiscent of beautiful Cape Town. I was joined by my
safari-loving friends Ana de Ocampo, Cyndi Fernandez Beltran, Dawn Zulueta, Kaye Tiñga and Korina Sanchez, and the intimate get-together over extraordinary coffee and conversations on memorable travels was beyond incredible.
African vignettes
Excited to display all my African finds, I created a couple of vignettes to showcase the star of the afternoon—Nespresso Cape Town Envivo Lungo. With South Africa as trade route, Asian coffee shaped the capital city’s local taste that reflects a blend of Indian Arabica and Robusta. It results in Nespresso’s most intense Lungo—full-bodied with a punchy bitter note and woodsy aroma.
Always finding ways to support local, I sourced for giveaways apart from the Nespresso swag. I was able to include personalized items—hand-embroidered face masks by Bernadette De Los Santos (@bidibidi101 on Instagram), personalized soap and sanitizers by Adworks Manila (@adworks_manila) of Norman and Mye Cruz, colorful Bicol baskets by myBing FINDS (@mybingfinds), monogrammed woven handbags by Bisakol Craft Products (@bisakolcraftproducts), and basket containers with letters by Basketry Home (@basketryhome).
For prizes, I had BactaKleen Philippines (@bactakleenph) give the solo humidifier with 500-ml Marvekleen for the best nontoxic, antiviral disinfectant solution.
For my house décor, I ordered colorful Albay rugs, raffia hanging lamps, baskets, placemats and coasters from @mafikraftika.ph, bamboo cutlery by Christiana (@christiana.manila), and safari-themed cups and saucers by Karlex Home (@karlexhome).
The time we shared, made memorable with the Nespresso Cape Town Lungo, was truly different from my usual, over-the-top theme parties and cast of hundreds festivities. I actually enjoyed this more insightful and really hilarious affair.
Good friend and generous lady Pinky Tobiano hosted a similar party for another blend of Nespresso.
To put the spotlight on the World Explorations Shanghai Lungo, chemist and philanthropist Pinky, along with husband Juancho, hosted an intimate thanksgiving over afternoon coffee at Opulence Design Concept, attended by Edwin Tan of Tjioe The Caterer, Gerry Sy of Opulence Design Concept, theater actor Markki Stroem, fashion designer Patricia Santos and Lifestyle Asia editor Dong Ronquillo.
From the main table setting and menu to the Nespresso coffee corner, the whole space was decked with elements that would remind and take the guests to the city of modern Shanghai.
Crafted from Kenyan, Chinese and Indonesian Arabicas, this distinctive light-roast blend has berry notes and fine acidity. Novateur Coffee Concepts marketing manager Mia Silva shared the different blends and intensities at both parties.
Connecting celebs with fans
Another exciting virtual event was the first anniversary of Authentic Celebrity Experiences where Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach was announced as the biggest star of ACE globally.
Frank Briones, PH lead for ACE, started this shoutout business at the start of the pandemic to provide a platform for celebrities to connect with fans.
During the live-media digital event with Frank and ACE CEO Dene Schonknecht, the two executives shared their milestones that made them the leaders in the category for markets such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and India.
They are also creating major traction in the US, given the roster of talents on their platform, which includes the biggest Netflix stars and top athletes.
Pia donated all her proceeds from ACE amounting to P200,000 to WWF Philippines, her chosen charity. An additional amount of P50,000 was added to her donation courtesy of her ACE family.
Other questions at the talk were mostly about her beau, Jeremy Jauncey.
(For full details of the ACE x Pia Live Digital Media Event, visit facebook.com/acevideosofficial. For your own celebrity shoutouts, follow @acevideosofficial on Facebook and Instagram; visit ace.video.) INQ
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