Against high society’s usual pessimism about marriages, Fila Philippines couple Butch and Cris Albert have just celebrated their 19th year together. Believe me, they’re still enchanted with life and love, palangga.
The couple’s affection for each other was evident during their elegant anniversary celebration held in Las Flores.
There was an endless flow of Dom Perignon, tons of flowers, and an excellently prepared dinner menu, thanks to Cab Floral, dahlings.
Après all that nibbling of multiple tabla embutidos, tabla de quezo and croquettas de chorizo, we took to the main course, which was totally Spanish: tuna escabeche, gambas al ajillo, quice, trio chorizo, botiffara catalane, solomillo, baked sea bass, paella marisco and paella negra.
The guest list consisted of chosen close pals and famille. It was a great mix of A-list personalities, dahlings, such as ace photographer Alex Van Hagen, Cris’ sister, stage actress Ana Abad Santos, Jenni Epperson, JM Rodriguez, Pops Fernandez, and Sari Yap.
Singer-guitarist Paolo Santos provided entertainment.
Cris reminded moi not to forget the 2013 Fila Polo Cup happening on Butch A.’s birthday. She said Fila was “moving forward to a new chapter, launching new brands and winning new converts.”
Here’s to their 20th wedding anniversary and beyond. May Cris and Butch Albert remain enchanted with love. Cheers!
Bellevue expands
Premier five-star hotel The Bellevue in Alabang continues to be at the forefront of the industry, especially with its continuous expansion as seen by the openings of the Bellevue Tower Wing in Alabang, the B Hotel for business travelers, and recently, Bellevue Resort in Panglao, Bohol.
The expansion, said Bellevue Resorts and Hotels chair Johnny Chan, means that “luxury is now reaching more people in the country.”
Before and after the recent wedding at the St. Benedict Church, Silang, Cavite, of Amanda Tengco and Anton Banson (but that’s another story soon, dahlings), we made it a point to stay at the Bellevue. The experience was a fantastic breather, palanggas.
Stepping into any Bellevue hotel is more like being home après a long day at work, thanks to the incomparable brilliance of Bellevue Hotels and Resorts (BH&R) managing director Patrick Chan.
I was welcomed by corporate director for marketing and communications Ryan Chan upon checking in at the awesome new Tower Wing of the hotel where a gorgeous suite was waiting for us—and an awesome queen-sized bed fit for a royal experience!
Dining at the hotel is another story, palangga! It was a scrumptious one at that top-of-the-line Phoenix Court, the fine-dining outlet that offers an authentic taste of China.
As the sun set, we made our way to the hotel’s fascinating Vue Bar, ultra chic with its hip interiors plus state-of-the-art light and sound system.
Signature cocktails and world-renowned brands flowed as we relaxed and took in the superb interiors.
Every visit to Bellevue Alabang is referred to as the “Bellevue touch,” a five-star accommodation plus unbelievably great services you get 24/7, dahlings. It was a most delightful and enjoyable stay for us which I’m sure, won’t be our last, palanggas.
(Call The Bellevue at tel. 7718181, 0917-8718181, 0918-8718181; visit www.thebellevue.com.)
Prive Style Series
Prive’s chi-chi Luxury Club’s runway showcased talented designer Louis Claparols’ S/S 2013 collection to an enthusiastic audience, dahlings.
A joint effort of Mega Magazine, megastyle.ph, GMA Artist Center and ARC Public Relations, natch, the Prive Style Series highlighted Claparols’ signature “joie de vivre” with an energetic shindig.
The event also saw the reunion between Claparols and ARC PR creative director Celine Gabriel-Lim.
“I have always been one of Claparols earliest supporters, back from his days in retail,” Lim told moi.
Host Monica Llamas welcomed us and got the show on the roll talking a little about (our pride), the Ilonggo designer, before showing a short fashion film created especially for Claparols.
The show was directed by Samantha Maristela, styling by Gerick Ortiz, makeup by Mio Robo of Maquillage Professionnel School of Makeup Artistry, and hair by Creations Salon by Lourd Ramos.
Muses handpicked by Claparols then took to the runway dressed in his finest work to date. Vibrant pinks, loud prints and flowing silhouettes were modeled by women and men who have been an integral part of Claparols’ career.
“It’s like my tribute to them,” said Claparols of the collection. “It’s my way of thanking them for being so great to work with.”
The talented designer went onstage to loud applause and took his well-deserved bow.