Pure Venetian magic

The tres popular Philippine Italian Association, dahlings, held its fabi annual grand ball to mark the association’s 40th anniversary at the horse-y set’s posh stables, the Manila Polo Club.

The Notte Italian Carnevale Italiano Duemiladue, dahlings, was superbly organized by chairperson, and one of the country’s top hostesses, Nedy Tantoco, no less. Special guest of honor was Makati City’s dynamic, super popular Mayor Jejomar Binay, who spoke about the long-standing relationship between the Philippines and Italy. Honorary chairman and Italian Ambassador Umberto Colesanti delivered the keynote address.

Notte Italiana, palanggas, has always been famous for its authentic, hard-to-beat Italian buffet. This year the menu was personally supervised by talented Italian chefs from those two popular restos–La Taverna and La Capannina–headed by the creative, dedicated y simpatico Gino Amodio.

The night’s theme was purely Venetian Carnevale, palanggas. The ballroom was transformed into an enchanting wonderland in red (to emphasize the ruby anniversary). Thanks to the artistry of Galleria Duemila’s art connoisseur and curator, Silvana Diaz. The decor was ably executed by Rustan’s Visual Merchandising Department. That genius Marcoroberto Ascione, generously lent his Venetian costumes, masks, panels and paintings, for a perfect ambience.

Jugglers, jesters and magicians entertained the alta sociedad personas while they had dinner. Then Nonoy Lopez and his super band started the night swinging. The invitees hit the dance floor and danced into dawn’s early light.

Eye-catching Murano pieces, compliments of I Dogi di Venezia, were given as awards for the best costumes. Heading the list was vivacious Nellie Bengzon who won the first prize (she came as a Tropicana cabaret dancer); Silvana Diaz received the second prize; and Pilar Olmos got the third prize.

Moi pal, palangga, Johnny Litton, the night’s emcee extraordinaire, and Marcoroberto Ascione, the auction consultant, did a superb job in auctioning the fascinating Murano art pieces. The proceeds went to the PIA Endowment Fund.

All through its 40 colorful years, palanggas, PIA has dedicated itself to countless exchanges between Italy and the Philippines in the fields of culture, art, music and education. "It will continue to pursue its goals of developing, promoting and nurturing the friendship and understanding between the two countries," explained to moi by Nedy T.

For their invaluable contribution and service to the association, palanggas, PIA honored its past presidents and officers, among them: Ambassador Ramon del Rosario; Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr.; Ambassador Ernesto Lagdameo; Ambassador Alberto Katigbak; the late Ambassador Proceso Sebastian; Conrado Calalang; dedicated lady of travel, Chit Montenegro; brilliant Dr. Alejandro Roces; Lina Lorenzo; taipan Antonio Yupangco; multi-faceted entrepreneur Ernesto Escaler; and Sebastian Ugarte.

Those sinfully yummy, Italian-made Witor’s chocolates were served apres dinner. The popular Ralph’s wines and spirits, together with Silver Secrets and San Miguel, contributed to the carnevale’s smashing success.

Auction pieces that night were Casanova and Lady in Red, sculpted in Murano crystal by Maestro Mario Baddioli, went to the highest bidder, working socialite Belen Martel; Chinese merchant in aquamarine, blue and Murano crystal by Maestro Mario B. went to Peter Yu; Aquarium Venetian carnevale masks etched in sculpted Murano crystal by Maestro Roberto Camozzo, went to new proud owner Alberto Lina; Centerpiece in liquified gold Murano crystal by Maestro Stefano Toso was picked by Ambassador Colesanti; Madonna and Child decorative wall creation delicately hand-chiseled in 24-karat gold fusion in Murano crystal by Maestro Bruber was the object of a battle between Gov. Tony Leviste and philanthropist Belen Martel, who in the end generously gave way to Tony L.; Ruby crystal chandelier Murano quartz creation by Maestro Fratelli Zanchi went to young collector Paolo Martel; and Triumph Vase in magnificent gold and cobalt blue Murano crystal by Maestro Stefano Toso was Silvana Diaz’s choice.

This was one anniversary, palanggas, that will definitely be an affair to remember, one of pure Venetian magic.

Alabang’s newest Buddies

One of moi fave Buddies, dahlings, which happens to be the newest and coolest quick service local resto specializing in wings, burgers, and fries, just opened another outlet. Now, palanggas, all you guys out there in Alabang can get all these yummies right in front of Cinema 5 of the new Alabang Town Center’s Expansion Building.

Just like their fun opening party at the Meralco Avenue branch, face painting activities and an animal show were the highlights of the afternoon. Only this time, there was a colorful motorcade around the Alabang Town Center vicinity. The ceremonial ribbon snipping was led by Buddies part-owner, workasonic mover and achiever Manuel Zubiri and dedicated marketing manager, attractive Sandra Vidarte, who assisted popular Muntinlupa Vice Mayor Jojay Alcaraz.

Naturellement, tons of clients and familles of the company behind Buddies, Tequila Joe’s and California Pizza Kitchen, the Global Restaurant Management Group, palanggas, were absolutely delighted by the overflowing food and drinks courtesy of Lipton Ice Tea.

Apres, dahlings, it is only at Buddies where global favorites wings, burgers and fries come with variety of glazes, sauces and dips. The popular choices are the Philly Cheeseburgers; Swiss Onion Mushroom Burger; Teriyaki Wasabi Burger; Bleu Cheeseburger; Garlic Adobo Burger; Pappi’s Peppercorn; the Double Decker Burger with Potato Pogs, Curly Fries, French Fries; and Potato Chips with assorted dips from French Onion to Wasabi Mayo.

And what better way to wash them all down in pure savory pleasure but with Lipton Ice Tea, the official cool drink of Buddies?

Buddies’ first outlet is jumping as ever at the Millennium Place, Meralco Ave., Pasig City.

It started with a needle and a thread

Three cool and attractive socialites of the new guard pack decided to put up an outlet where personas who don’t have the time or know-how in sewing a missing button, or how to shorten trousers or shorts, or worse, how to fix favorite pants, shirt, blouses or sweaters that have been ripped. Our hip trio put up their first outlet simply called Alterations Plus.

They now have fabi outlets, the latest of which was inaugurated only a couple of sleeps ago, palanggas, at the Podium in Ortigas. Their long line of tres satisfied clients, moi must admit, includes yours truly. After all, Alterations Plus does the best job in getting our valuable and favorite clothing fixed by experts in handling delicate clothes and fabric.

Just check out its one-of-a-kind service and you’ll understand what I mean, dahlings. They do all kinds of excellent repairs: resewing, patching, made-to-order clothing, plus, plus, and even bridal packages.

Check them out at their branches: Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Center; Oakwood Premier in Glorietta; Greenbelt Mall in Ayala Center; Goldcrest Bldg. in Ayala Center; Shangri-La Plaza Mall; The Podium in Ortigas; Alabang Town Center and Festival Mall in Alabang.

Yes, palanggas, it all started with great imagination–a needle and a thread–which is now definitely part of the mainstream.

Easter Party for kids at Dome Café

Dome Café, dahlings, an Australian-based franchise known for its fine selection of gourmet foods and coffee, will offer a special Easter celebration for kids on March 31, 12 noon at Dome Shangri-La, Ground Floor, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City. There will be a clown, balloon twisting, magic show and lots of games and prizes. The highlight of the party is the Easter egg hunt where all participants can win many prizes. For inquiries and reservations, please call tel. no. 635-9746. So do join in the fun, dahlings!

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It was a week, palanggas, when the Carnevale of Venice came to Cosmo Manille, found a new buddy in Buddies at Alabang and a week for having yourr favorite clothes cared for by Alterations Plus, natch! See you.