Sparkling year-enders

CEBU, Philippines - While it is true that more   people are buying tickets over the phone  and the popularity of internet travel and events, travel agencies are still very much in demand for the simple reason they take care of every detail of your trip. Beyond booking, they can suggest best deals on accommodations and   optional tours to make one’s vacation truly memorable.

Several years ago, Bobby Joseph, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Latvia since 1994, founded The National Association of Travel Agencies-Philippines (NAITAS) whose objectives are to promote and protect the business welfare, interest and profitability of non-AITA travel agencies.

Through the years, the association has grown and today it has over a thousand members from 17 chapters nationwide.

Members in Cebu recently gathered at the Teatro Filipino of PAGCOR to give thanks and celebrate the continued success of their respective agencies.

Excellent wines from Ralph’s Wines and Spirits flowed all night as invitees partook of a sumptuous spread and gladly joined in the parlor games. Wonderful prizes to lucky winners included two tickets to Hong Kong via Philippine Airlines and overnight stays at luxurious resorts and hotels in Cebu.

NAITAS, a dedicated business-oriented organization, started the Travel Market Exchange which provide actual buying and selling opportunity between the agents and the suppliers. It likewise produces   65 percent of outbound air tickets and 70 percent of domestic air tickets issued from all over the country. More power, NAITAS!

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Happy Living Philippines, distributors of excellent wines from Northern California, once again hosted a five-course wine pairing dinner at the Acqua Restaurant of the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa.

This delightful event was unique as it centered on the friendship of two nations in a story told through a culinary journey of Italy paired with the rich tradition of American wines, in particular the Beringer winery.  

The menu for the evening began with parma ham and filo dough paired with Beringer Chardonnay 2009 from Napa Valley. This was followed by black ink tortellini with grouper and speck, served with Beringer Zinfandel 2007 which exhibits ripe raspberry fruit with hints  of dark chocolate, lavender and spearmint.

The main course featured seared beef tenderloin and beef cheek stew from JEDCO Meats, served with aged balsamico jus and fondant potatoes. The wine with these dishes was Beringer Pinot Noir 2007.

The dessert composition had citrus fruit salad with cream cheese mousse scented with cinnamon, passion fruit and chocolate tart. The accompanying wine was Beringer Sparkling White Zinfandel.

With the unbeatable combination of Beringer wines and haute cuisine prepared by executive chef Marco Ghezzi, it truly was an enjoyable  evening for the senses.