She was born a beautiful child and bloomed into a stunning beauty and a successful entrepreneur. She’s Cris Albert of Fila Philippines.
She recently threw a bash to celebrate her birthday with her bubbliest pals and famille at her condo in the Fort.
Cris was gorgeous in a bright printed dress. She had turned to her party-friendly pal, Ralph Joseph of Ralph’s Wines & Spirits, to assemble the best bubblies: Marguet, Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon. For wines: Josephine and Montes Alpha. Soulful Nar Cabico played his guitar.
The delicious but sinful hors d’œuvres and other divine delights from Cibo had us forever choosing which to dig into. Among the 15 awesome dishes were Pecorino Cheese and Crushed Black Pepper, Sea Salt Lavosh, Salmon and Black Caviar Tartlet; Soft-Shell Crab Tempura with Mango Coulis; Penne with Truffle Parmesan Cream Pasta; and 10-hour Roasted US Beef Belly. With its Chocolate Truffles, the dessert table test the restraint of figure-watchers.
Cris’s devoted hubby, Butch Albert, delivered his birthday greetings through a song. Cris’s sis Ana Abad Santos, and pal JM Rodriguez showed their singing talent.
The champagne guzzling was great and adorable Cris Albert wouldn’t have it any other way.
Citibank alumni network
Citibank country officer Sanjiv Vohra launched “Once Citi, Always Citi” in connection with the bank’s 200th anniversary, dahlings.
Inaugurated was the Citi Alumni Network (www.citialumninetwork.com), a global electronic platform for alumni to reconnect with their former colleagues and to keep themselves up-to-date with news about Citi.
“In the Philippines, more than 200 ex-Citi employees have already signed up online, and we are proud that several Citi alumni have gone on to achieve great success, whether as company CEOs to senior government officials and community leaders,” Vohra said.
Vohra led a toast to the Citi alumni.
Also in celebration of Citi’s 200th year, a P200,000 check donation was made to the Citi Alumni fund for ex-Citi colleagues in need of medical assistance.
One witty guest remarked in jest: “You know, Maurice, some time ago, when you saved money, you were wiser. Nowadays if you save your money, you’re a wizard, because my wife is great at spending money and she didn’t waste time buying a new car.”
Yeah, go for it, gal.
Citi started in 1812 as a trade-finance bank, enabling commerce between New York and Liverpool. It was the first major American bank to expand overseas and today, Citi has operations in 101 countries.
Rustan’s Asian street food invasion
The most iconic street food staples from Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia were showcased at the Concourse Level of the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell when Rustan’s Supermarket launched the Asian Street Food Invasion with a trés exclusive opening affair.
The ceremonial ribbon-snipping was led by good-looking Rustan Supercenters, Inc. president Donnie Tantoco. Joining him was Power Plant Mall GM Malou Pineda, Thai Airways GM Sern Chupikulchai, Dairy Farm regional CEO Alex Tay, Vietnamese embassy commercial counselor Phan Tuan Khoi, Malaysia External Trade Dev’t Corp. trade commissioner Har Man Ahmad, and Thai Trade Center assistant director Vorathep Bundhuratana.
Crowd favorites were the pad Thai , pho, curry, lhaksa, Hainanese chicken, from Pho24 and Azuthai.
“Rustan’s Supermarket’s Asian Street Food Invasion allows for a celebration of cultural flavors that can be enjoyed without leaving our country,” said Tantoco.
“With Asian street cuisine serving our theme, it is our hope that Filipinos will appreciate the distinct tastes of our region, explore the unique ingredients that make up each culinary specialty, and enjoy their favorite Asian dishes—all in the comforts of their homes and through the premium items Rustan’s Supermarket offers.”
One of the invitees said: “I feel so stuffed! But I wish I could take in more of all the yummy dishes.”
Well, that’s what gorging is all about. ’Di bala, dahlings?
