High-brow partying in Alabang

"A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be." – Douglas Pagels

An unforgettable evening of gratitude and glamour took place recently at the southern Metro Manila’s center of activity, The Bellevue Hotel, when it once again staged Alabang’s Finest, one of the most anticipated social events of the year. Alabang’s Finest aims to promote the Alabang culture of relishing the good life and the perks and privileges that it brings.

The dazzling event, supported by the country’s leading retailer of luxury goods Rustan’s, was also an appreciation cocktail party for Bellevue’s loyal guests and the launch of Dr. Genevieve Huang’s The Beauty Book Deluxe Edition. Festivities led by The Bellevue GM Patrick Chan and marketing and communications director Ryan Chan gave exclusive guests such as Rustan’s Commercial Corp. president Bienvenido Tantoco Jr., an opportunity to partake of the hotel’s select gourmet menu of foie gras, choice cheeses, fine wines, sparkling champagne and scrumptious canapés. The night’s real surprise came in the form of substantial discounts on superior class jewelry and watches by Rustan’s brands such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Chopard, Mont Blanc, Givenchy and Mikimoto. A raffle with premium prizes and giveaways served as perfect endings to the evening’s thrills. The event was made possible with the help of Henry Pascual, Philippine Wine Merchants, Lifestyle Network, People Asia and ETC.

A royal welcome

The suave and handsome Andrea Pierre Casiraghi of Monaco, the 22-year-old son of Princess Caroline of Hanover, arrived in the country recently to visit his mother’s charity works, Amade Philippines and the Virlanie Foundation. At an ultra private affair hosted by Monaco Consul Fortune Aleta Ledesma and her supportive husband Rene, Andrea, together with foreign volunteers from the foundation, was welcomed with a pleasant dinner at the posh Makati Room of the Makati Shangri-La. High-profile personalities were in attendance, such as UNESCO Philippines Secretary General Ambassador Preciosa Soliven, lady philanthropist Mely Hechanova and husband, Rotary International’s Paing Hechanova, BMW Philippines’ top honcho Dr. Joerg Breuer, Sen. Jamby Madrigal-Valade and media friends, among them the charming pair Marixi and Alex Prieto. The lovely evening was capped with songs rendered by beneficiaries of the foundation. Welcome to the Philippines, Andrea Casiraghi!

Johnny congratulates...

Philippine Cancer Society chairman Dr. Roberto Paterno, Relay For Life chairperson Imelda O. Cojuangco and your columnist congratulate and send heartfelt thanks to the alabaster-skinned and elegant lady philanthropist, Angola Consul Helen Ong, for lending her organizational expertise and tireless drive to make The 2006 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines the best fundraiser of the year. The Best Dressed Awards chairperson has undertaken the painstaking work of gathering Manila’s A-list in an elegant benefit for cancer patients on Sept. 26 at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La.

Keep it up, Helen!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrator today, Bench boss Ben Chan.

Advance birthday greetings to Singapore Airlines’ charming Rita Dy, FCCP’s Cez Manalo and La Salle kid Joaquin "Chino" Rebano, Aug. 28; designer Oskar Atendido, businessman Ramon Cojuangco Jr., Michelle Tuason and Teresa Arnaiz, Aug. 29; Rosita Fernandez, Aug. 30; Ramon Ty, Ramon "Eki" Cardenas, Philip Cruz and Dr. Lucresia Kasilag, Aug. 31; Mandarin Oriental GM Helmut Gaisberger, Tina Macasaet and Fanny Blanco, Sept. 2.

So, how was your week?

(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)