The elegant salon was a sight to behold with towering cathedral ceilings bathed in light. Electric lights dotted the exterior while the sidewalk was transformed into a street café reminiscent of those scattered along the Parisian streets.
The cocktail tables were adorned with floral arrangements and candles. They featured excellently prepared dishes and assorted cheese arrangements by La Tasca. Their centerpieces were floral reproductions of the Eiffel Tower. Colors of the French Flag–red, white and blue–were seen in almost every corner of the venue as soft French music floated in the air.
The grand happening began with the arrival of the salon’s hotshot sponsors: philanthropist, author and civic leader, Chito Madrigal-Collantes; la simpatica Maria Luisa Madrigal-Vazquez; glamorous Imelda Marcos; tres charmant French Ambassador Gilles Chouraqui (who we will miss terribly when he leaves our shores for a new post soon); Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi; and L’Oreal Philippines’ Paul Henri Duillet.
Fr. Bong Cabrera blessed the salon. This was followed by the traditional throwing of coins for good luck.
Applauding the opening ceremonies were Cosmo Manille’s creamiest of the cream pack: Vicky Zubiri; Maricris Vazquez-Prada; Chuchu Eduque; Chona Mapa; low-profile socialite Bela Vazquez; Josie Sy; Davao’s royals Don Antonio and vivacious Nenita Floirendo; Tonet and fashion plate Linda Lagdameo; ultra-glamorous Lulu Tan-Gan; and Mr. and Mrs. Robin King.
At 7 p.m. palanggas, the invitees were served wine and treated to a magnificent cheese selection from Caprice De Dieux, Gongonzola to Parmesan block. La Tasca also prepared yummy peppered Chateaubriand served with pandesal and bearnaise sauce and glazed ham served with peach compote, plus, plus.
At 8 p.m., the guests entered the chic salon for the program. The new Franck Provost video gave a glimpse into the world of Franck Provost, convincing us all of the Provost dedication to quality and service.
Another video showed L’Oreal’s latest salon lines, Majilift and Kerastase. The program ended with a mini-hair show by the Alabang Branch’s foremost hairstylists, Roland, Socky, Phyton and Dennis. Joining them were guest stylists from Franck Provost Jupiter, salon consultant Eric Faury and Angelo Justin. Sharing top billing were the latest additions to the I.C.I. team of Frenchman Goulven Le Floch for Franck Provost Alabang and Greig Anderson for Fabio Salsa.
Three attractive Franck Provost clients were among the models of the hair show: Isabel Lagdameo and sisters two, Nicole and Georgia Schulze.
One of the I.C.I. (the company that owns these prestigious salon branches) hotshot board of directors, well-respected lawyers Juan Miguel Vazquez delivered the closing remarks.
The party continued way apres midnight. By night’s end, the invitees were no longer guests, they had become a part of the Franck Provost famille.
Couture interior at Borders
Borders, dahlings, Manille’s chic lifestyle store, unveiled its new line of gorgeous home furnishings by talented designer Jonathan Matti in a fully packed cocktail affair hosted by store owner, that lady with taste and an eye for what’s beautiful, Alice Streegan-Cruz.
Lovers of fine furniture and Cosmo Manille’s stylish personas filled Borders’ elegant two-storey showroom to witness the launch of Southern gent Jonathan M.’s world-class designs combining nostalgic touches with fresh modern sensibilities, blending vintage with contemporary cool.
It took Jonathan M. and Alice Cruz two years to complete this line, an eclectic mix of Philippine mahogany wood, rattan, coco shell, steel, sterling silver, and split bamboo. On display too were limited edition paintings of style icon Rachy Cuna.
Present were the designer’s famille, pals and patrons led by his brother James Matti, CEO of Ayala Aon Insurance Brokers; our palanggas Jackie Ejercito-L. and Beaver Lopez; Alaska’s Eric and Cinthy Recto; world-class art dealer and jet-setter Pico Gonzales; Highlands developer Geraldin and Willy Ocier; dynamic lawyer Esing Peralta; Beacon Holdings’ brilliant Andrew Gan; stock wiz Rene Ongpin; business taipan Ernie and Fe Yu; vivacious Nancy Carlos T. and banker Jun Tambunting; Pilar and Paolo Lorenzo; Lepanto Mining’s Emma, Christine and Brian Yap; and another world-class interior designer and architect Anton Mendoza.
Carefully studying Jonathan’s treasures, palanggas, were Tatler’s Anton San Diego; Phil. Graphic’s Gilbert Perez; Blueprint’s Tina Bunoan; Metro’s Bebet Soliven Timbol; and What’s On/Expat’s Michael Tan.
Borders has been proudly showcasing Philippine-made world-class furnitures for four years. Jonathan M.’s showcase, palanggas, again proves Borders’ unwavering dedication to promoting Filipino ingenuity.
Check it out, palanggas. Borders is at the ground floor of the G.E. Phils. Bldg., Pasong Tamo Ext., Makati. You’ll definitely drool over their one-of-a-kind designs. Moi certainly did.
Manille Mayor Lito Atienza and his wife Ma. Evelina A. snipped the ceremonial ribbon with stunning and always fashionably chic, Ascot Chang manager and Philippine Tatler features editor, Claudia Bermudez.
Joining the ceremonies, palanggas, were el simpatico businessman Ed Roxas; that super choice for fashion designer of the year, Joe Salazar who made Claudia’s elegant outfit for the occasion; Patrick Rosas and Christian David of the best-selling Images book; writer and surface artist Tats Manahan; Firma jewelry designer and perfumer Gemma Suzara; and film director Don Escudero.
Joining the fun pack were Malate neighborhood pals Colin Mackay of Sala and People’s Palace; Raj’s DJ Montano; Itsie Bitsie’s Ines Delgado and handsome Francisco Delgado; Havana’s JR Isaac; Cafe Breton’s Tony and Mariella Cancio; and Insomnia’s Rem Zamora.
The much-talked about interiors by style-meister Chito Vijandre featured accents from Firma’s collection of Moroccan, antique and contemporary pieces.
Industry colleagues Tessa Prieto- Valdes and Jim Tan raved about the hundreds of fresh red roses transformed into towering conical trees. These made the place simply magical, dahlings!
Feeling at home were architect/writer Dan Lichauco; Tina Bonoan; finance wiz Andrew Gan; and Norby and Wynn Wynn Ong, one of Firma’s featured jewelry designers. Genevieve Huang, Didit Diaz and Susan Saulog were all praises for the food as were Albert Rosal and Linda Legaspi. The fave booze that night were the champagne Moet et Chandon and Bombay Sapphire martinis.
Also enjoying the night were Disco King Louie and culinary wiz Cecille Ysmael; The Philippine STAR Lifestyle columnist Vickie Perez de Tagle; dashing Dudo Vaca; and energetic Bobby Cuenca. Fab couple Andreas and Jacqueline Brechbühl were at their best with Daniel Seiler and David Kandela.
Declaring Fidel tops on the lifestyle choice list, palanggas, were one-of-a-kind Marge Enriquez; Freida Dario; Sari Yap; Lorraine Belmonte; and Liza Ilarde Cuenca; and ace photographer Raymund Isaac.
Pepper Teehankee had barely unpacked his bags from a trip to Miami and New York but made it to the big bash. So did New Yorker Genny Benitez and sister Rosary Benitez who discussed the art scene with painter extraordinaire RM de Leon.
Oscar Atendido, the director of our fave lifestyle TV show F came with darling of the cameras, Angel Aquino. Other pretty faces were models Tina Pamintuan and hunks Jason Erceg, Jack de Mesa and actor/Olympic athlete Monsour del Rosario.
Cocoy Puyat, Fidel’s sound designer, played the Fidel CD when Manille’s late party denizens sashayed in: Leica Carpo; Maricar Totengco; Aya Perez; Jimbo Perez; Paul Gordon; Tito Herbosa; designing sisters Juliet and Mimi Tan; Basement Salon’s Cathy Webb and Brigitte Badura; Miguel Rosales; and super pals Patrick Reyno and Iñigo Elizalde.
Drinks flowed and everyone gave their cheers to Fidel, the brightest new star of Manille’s resto and bar scene.
Steps also offers alternatives to the usual gym routine and introduces a new "flavor" into the fitness scene. "Dance fitness and Latin fitness is a workout class for those individuals who enjoy dancing," explained to moi by the Studio’s top ballerina, Sofia Zobel Elizalde, no less.
The classes include a full hour of non-stop dancing workouts with steps anyone can quickly learn. The music selection ranges from the ’70s era to present popular dance tunes. The studio will teach important stretch and tone plus yoga for those who want a slower but fulfilling routine to stretch, strengthen, tone and de-stress their minds and bodies.
Then there is Vanessa Garcia’s tres popular and high-powered tae bo (power-boxing) classes. All classes take place in the mornings and afternoons, so everyone has a chance to go.
Steps will also present its Eighth Summer Dance workshop from–take note, palanggas–April 1 to June 8. It is a dance workshop for all levels and all ages. This year the multi-talented theater company Trumpets will offer musical theater and acting classes for all ages and The Bayanihan Dance Company will conduct folk dancing classes for children and teenagers at Steps.
Yes, palanggas, it will surely be an exciting summer for all of us at Steps Dance Studio. For inquiries, do call tel. no. 757-2984 or 843-8472. Always remember that health is wealth.
When you take the right steps everything will be right. Like stepping into Franck Provost, for your looks; Borders for great buys; the swinging Fidel for partying; and Steps Studio, for feeling fit.
See you.