A European adventure

"My pictures always seem to be filmed in places that I can’t pronounce." – Roger Moore

Power couple Ronnie and Menchu Concepcion held a special dinner at their plush North Forbes Park residence to honor Cesar Bautista, Philippine Ambassador to the Court of St. James.

Ambassador Bautista had hosted a hearty dinner for the Concepcions and their group of friends when the latter were in London a few months back. To reciprocate his attentive gesture, Ronnie and Menchu thought of feting the Philippine envoy when he returned to Manila.

And so it was that after toasting Ambassador Bautista, talk at the dinner table inevitably turned to Ronnie and Menchu’s sojourn in Eastern Europe and England. Invitees included the Concepcions’ companions in the European tour: iBank president Ramon and Josie Sy; Cesar and Bambina Buenaventura; O.V. and Marilen Espiritu; and Tony and Maricris Olbes. International jetsetter Nene Quimson spent a better part of the tour with the group.

Ever-attentive Menchu recounted their unexpected meeting with a celebrity in England. While dining at the popular London restaurant, Scalini, who else would Menchu and company see but Ross Perot,who ran for US president against Bill Clinton a few years back. "Ross Perot chatted and had supper with us," says Menchu. "Surprisingly, he knew a lot about the Philippines!"

Little did the group know that a bigger and more memorable surprise awaited them. Two days later, when they attended the Royal Ascot races– the ladies in hats and summer dresses, the gentlemen in top hats and formal tuxedoes with tails–who should be seated beside their box but Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip themselves! "Queen Elizabeth even waved at us from her royal box!" related Menchu with excitement. "She looks younger and prettier in person!"

The conversation continued well into the night, weaving past the European adventure and beyond, and proving why the Concepcions are two of the best hosts in Manila! To Ronnie and Menchu, our cheers go to you!

Pitoy triumphs in Japan

Asia’s Fashion Czar Pitoy Moreno again brought acclaim to our country when he presented his collection during the recent 8th Asian Bridal Summit in Osaka, Japan.

Pitoy flew in with only five models, unlike representatives from Japan, China, India, and Indonesia who each arrived with around 20 models and participants.

Despite this seeming shortage, Pitoy was a hit during the fashion show at the Rihga Royal Hotel. The spectators applauded Pitoy’s ensembles which he designed with touches of Filipino and Japanese, from a Virgin of Antipolo piña veil to cherry blossoms, Muslim dressing, and obi-inspired embroidery.

Pitoy and his team also traveled to the famous Miho Museum for a pictorial to immortalize his bridal collection. Located in the Shigaraki Mountains between Kyoto and Lake Biwa, the museum is the repository of the Shumei Family Collection. Its beautiful structure designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei nestles on top of a mountain and overlooks a forest. Its modern lines and ancient treasures blended well with Pitoy’s graceful creations.

Pitoy’s triumphant showing was made possible by Ambassador Antonio Villamayor of Osaka. Bong Velasquez of PAL and Martin Valera graced the event.

We’ve always believed in you, Pitoy. If there were a National Artist for Fashion, you’d be it!

A show of compassion

The repeat of Ben Farrales: 50 Years in Fashion served as the main vehicle for a fund-raising project for the now homeless victims of the last typhoons that hit the country. One of the biggest donors in the campaign is Metrobank. It has given a P1-million donation coursed through the Philippine National Red Cross.

Aside from his fashion ingenuity, Mang Ben has been known for his fashion-for-a-cause projects. We are sure that Metrobank’s generosity will go a long way in alleviating the plight of our fellowmen, the way Mang Ben would have liked it!