Via Mare’s talented Boy Cano decked out the grand ballroom of Alabang Country Club in colors of pink, fuchsia and red, complemented by flower arrangements in layers of pink, fuchsia and red on the tables, with pearl strands wrapped by tea lights. The hall was made more magical by the lighting and sound direction of Dong Calingacion, dahlings.

 

Princess of the night, pretty-as-a-picture Ana Michaela “Mikki” Santiago Rosal, walked the red carpet in a fuchsia princess-cut bustier accented by a baby-pink shrug, a creation of Renee Salud, no less.

 

She later gave the first dance to her handsome father, Monterey Boracay meat shop owner Alberto Rosal.

 

Rosal danced proudly with his Sweet 16 darling daughter, to the delighted applause of the crowd.

 

Dashing TV star Fred Lo, who’s appearing in “The Sound of Music,” was the program’s host. He serenaded Mikki and sang “16 Going on 17,” drawing cheers from the young and the young at heart, palanggas.

 

The invitees couldn’t get enough of Via Mare’s famous melt-in-the-mouth corned beef and Bravo’s delectable pastas. The cake was whimsical and embellished with notes and “G-clefts” because of Mikki’s love of music and singing.

 

The highlight was the presentation of “16 treasures” to Mikki. The gifting was started by her brother Evan, who’s based abroad and spoke via video; followed by her cousins, godparents and close pals.

 

Grandparents Apolinar and Concepcion Rosal gave the celebrator the “gift of humility.” Her grandmother Isabel Santiago gave a “special gift from the heart.” Daddy Albert gave her the “gift of the wise use of money.”

 

Mikki’s doting mama, Marylindbert Int’l CEO and president Linda S. Legaspi, gave her the “gift of love.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after Linda made her remarks.

 

Mikki’s rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” brought the house down, dahlings!

 

Then it was time to rock the dance floor with music by DJ Iñaki Ting. Mikki changed into a red layered gown, also by Salud.

 

At the end, the 200 or so invitees went home with specially made yummy Belgian chocolates smothered with almonds, capping a truly magical evening.

 

Eco-friendly tile

 

Health is wealth, dahlings, and the adage is true as well for home interiors with Ecocarat Tiles.

 

Known as Japan’s “breathing design tile,” Ecocarat is known for “humidity control, harmful substance reduction and odor-absorbent power.” It is made from a new and eco-friendly material called “soil ceramics” and a special clay mineral called “allophane,” which has innumerable micropores.

 

The revolutionary materials allow Ecocarat to clean the air by breaking down toxic substances emitted by building materials and furniture. It also prevents the development of allergies and respiratory problems from mold and mite buildup by improving room humidity.

 

Lastly, its odor-absorbent function reduces offensive smells from pets, garbage, toilets.

 

“With its numerous functions and aesthetic appeal, Ecocarat is without a doubt the most innovative tile in the market,” said Kibu Design Concepts president Chris Chilip.

 

We were then escorted around as Kibu officials explained to us that Ecocarat had been designed to transform walls into art, with its gorgeous color variations and depth, providing a three-dimensional look to walls.

 

Create a healthier and more attractive interior with Ecocarat, no less, dahlings.

 

Ecocarat tiles are at Kibu Showroom, G/F MJC Bldg., 347 Ortigas Ave., San Juan. More info? Call 5796372 or visit www.ecocarat.ph.

 

Robinsons Magnolia

 

Robinsons Magnolia on Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City, was inaugurated recently by Quezon City Mayor Herbert C. Bautista, Robinsons Land Corp. chair and CEO James L. Go, and Robinsons Retail Group president Robina Gokongwei-Pe.

 

(The latter firm operates the Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Appliance and True Value, and retail brands Topshop/Topman, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, Warehouse and Howards Storage.)

 

In Robinsons Magnolia, you’ll find your favorite brands such as Mango, Muji, Tommy Hilfiger, Fred Perry, Lacoste, Penguin, Perry Ellis, Ecco and Nine West.

 

Other retail brands in Magnolia: Bench, Penshoppe, Bayo, Plains and Prints, Celine, and Folded & Hung.

 

Specialty shops include La Senza, Samsonite, Philip Stein, Charriol, Beauty Bar and Healthy Options.

 

A must is to check out Robinsons Movieworld, which has four digital cinemas, dahlings.