Manille’s elite converged at Sofitel Philippine Plaza for the recent launch of Hola! Philippines, the local version of the celebrity and high society magazine.

The 15th international edition of the Hola! Spain and Hello! UK franchise, Hola! Philippines is the flagship title of La Revista Publications Inc., a joint venture between Maricris Cardenas Zobel and Valeria Cavestany Aboitiz.

The launch glittered with pomp, glamour and style. Live music was played by the 19-piece AMP Big Band conducted by Mel Villena, as the invitees partook of the sumptuous cocktail spread and Pernod Ricard’s Absolut Elyx Vodka.

t0929maurice_2 — CONNIE Araneta; Bettina Aboitiz, Vicky Zubiri, Maricris Zobel, Chary Vellguth-Aboitiz and moi

American jazz singer Renee Olstead sang a few numbers, followed by program host Solenn Heussaff—in a crystal-encrusted Francis Libiran gown—who gave her renditions of “Fever” and “Summertime.”

Après welcome speeches from partners Audi, Guess, Globe Platinum and Visa, Zobel joined Hola! Spain’s Maria Palacios, Hola! Philippines editor in chief José Mari Ugarte and publisher Paolo Manzano in formally unveiling the maiden issue cover featuring sisters Anne Curtis and Jasmine Curtis-Smith.

t0929maurice_3 — EDUARDO Garcia, Veana Fores, Carla Tengco; Andrew Gan

Who’s who

On hand to support their wives’ venture were Iñigo U. Zobel and Endika M. Aboitiz Jr., joined by Robert and Peter Coyiuto, Ramon Cojuangco Jr. and wife Marissa, Beaver and Jackie Lopez, Tessie Sy-Coson, and other members of the Aboitiz famille.

Also spotted were Ambassador Lani and Conchitina Bernardo, Margie Moran-Floirendo, Rep. Anton Lagdameo, Marivic Madrigal Vasquez, Jonathan Matti, Andrew Gan, Bito and Menchu Mantecon, Ado Escudero, Christian Espiritu, Connie Araneta, Eduardo Garcia, Florence Ko, Freddy and Anne Gonzalez, Katrina Legarda, Marilen Gonzalez-Elizalde, Joe and Vicky Zubiri; Neny Montinola, Rina Ortiz, Techie Hagedorn, Veana Fores, Patrick Reyno, Dennis and Tessa Valdes, Johnny Velasquez and Maripi Muscat, Nicole Ortega with daughter Natalia and Marco Lobregat.

t0929maurice_4 — AMAYA Barretto, Monica Floirendo and Bianca Zobel-Warns

Completing the cast of the grandioso launching, dahlings, were Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano and daughter Kiana, Atom Henares and daughter Cristalle, Bianca Manalo, Andi Manzano and fiancé GP Reyes, Edward Mendez, Stephen Ku, JM Rodriguez, Javi and Lexi Berenguer-Testa, Elbert Cuenca and Liza Ilarde, Melo Esguerra, Pepper Teehankee, Anton Mendoza, Tim Yap, and my pal from way back, John Aboitiz.

The affair went on till the wee hours with an after-party led by DJ Callum David.

t0929maurice_5 — SOON to wed: GP Reyes and Andi Manzano

Hola! is available in print and digital editions within Metro Manila and in key provincial retail outlets. Digital subscriptions are available via the Zinio app.

Visit ph.hola.com, join the conversation on Facebook (#holamagph) or follow Hola! Philippines on Twitter and Instagram(@holamagph). Watch a video snippet of the Hola! Philippines launch on https://www.youtube.com/embed/mCh9EFRz_n0.

Smart promo for ‘Wicked’

Smart Communications Inc., through its premium postpaid brand Smart Infinity, is bringing the Broadway hit musical “Wicked” to Manille.

All Smart Infinity subscribers nationwide have until Nov. 30 to avail of a special promo offer.

t0929maurice_6 — TESSA Mendoza, José Mari Ugarte; Monique Toda

Two complimentary VIP orchestra tickets to “Wicked” will be given to new subscribers of Smart Infinity Plan 5000 or Plan 8000 bundled with an iPad mini 16GB or a Samsung 32” TV within a 24-month contract.

“Wicked” opens Jan. 22 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Main Theater.

For more details, call tel. 8919999; visit www.ticketworld.com.ph; and Smart Infinity, 0918-888-INFO (4636) or www.smart.com.ph/Infinity