A flavorful journey to Ilocos

“The discovery of a new dish does more for human happiness than the discovery of a new star.”  — Jean-Antheleme Brillat-Savarin

As part of its much talked about “Culinary Journeys,” which aims to reward guests with new, distinctive and exciting cuisine, the five-star Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (MPPC) recently launched its Ilocos Food Festival at its topnotch Café Marco restaurant. The delectable affair led by the affable MPPC GM Hans Hauri had special guests such as Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos and Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia savoring the distinct, flavorful Ilocos heritage specialties excellently prepared by one of Northern Luzon’s top chefs, Danny dela Cuesta who flew in just for the event, along with MPPC food consultant Jessica Avila. All the guests had a great time as they discovered the best of Ilocos, a region known for its dishes with contrasting tastes, flavors and textures.

Congratulations to general manager Hans Hauri and the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu for another successful venture into client care and satisfaction!

Paving the way for a better future

Expect more exciting and noteworthy activities as the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP), spearheaded by hardworking president Beth Cristobal, recently welcomed new members during its induction ceremony at the Forbes Park residence of Andy and Tereret Liboro. FCCP past president, Guatemala Consul Mellie Ablaza, led the induction rites. Meanwhile, the organization’s Outreach Program Committee, together with the city government of Makati through the gracious Dr. Elenita Binay, reached out to give a better future to the youth by producing a cultural presentation entitled “Kulturang Handog ng FCCP sa Kabataan ng Makati” at the main auditorium of the University of Makati. The event benefited deserving students of three different high schools in Metro Manila.

FCCP president Beth Cristobal (left) receives a generous donation from past FCCP president, Guatemala Consul Mellie Ablaza, while members of the board of directors look on: (From left) Nenuca Blardony, Lulu Castañeda, Gilda Salonga, scholarship committee chairman Boysie Villavicencio, Nene Leonor and Thelma Gana.

Congratulations to the newly-inducted members and more power to FCCP!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Andy Jacinto, Lito Puyat and Lulu Tinio.

Advance birthday greetings to Oli Laperal Jr., May 24; artist Anita Magsaysay-Ho, George Sison, Beth Day-Romulo, Enrique “Iking” Araneta and Ping Valencia, May 26; Marissa Concepcion, Dina Gaerlan and Marissa Araneta, May 27; Guilly Rufino, Archie Lacson and Mark Dayrit, May 28.

So, how was your week?

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