MANILA, Philippines - It was a night with lifestyle icons, exquisite food, excellent champagne and illustrious company. So very Belo.True to fashion, these were all embodied when Belo Essentials held a fabulous bash at Lusso and the adjoining gardens of Greenbelt 5. The clever concept of “skin” by Belo and “skins” by Balenciaga, Lanvin, Alia and Marni as two must-haves delivered its promise in perfect harmony for the modern woman.
World-class beauty pioneer Dr. Victoria Belo, and her equally beautiful daughter Cristalle Henares entrusted top brand imaging consultant Joji Dingcong the task of conceptualizing the launch party. True to form, Joji scored another hit. Cleverly titled “Skin to Skins,” this event launches Belo Essentials’ improved line of skin care products.
With food provided by Margarita Fores’ newest highly lauded restaurant Lusso Champagne & Gastro Bar at Greenbelt 5, guests enjoyed a generous selection of tasty, mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening. Master chef Fores designed a skin-inspired menu: roast duck skin with pate, smoked salmon and salmon skin éclairs, foie gras twirl with duck skin crisp, prawn and lobster roll with sea bass skin and potato skins. Clever!
Guests also enjoyed the easy flow of Moet & Chandon Rose champagne and the Chandon pink sparkling wine, which perfectly complemented those chocolate-dipped strawberries. In keeping with the theme, flower arrangements provided by Fiori di M bedecked the venue, and a six-foot sculpture of stylized Belo “B” was adorned with pink flowers.
With invitations that came with chocolate-dipped strawberries in Pink Python jewelry boxes designed by Artemis, this evening was greeted with high expectations.
A section of Greenbelt 5 was transformed into an enchanting garden party, with usherettes dressed in glorious white and guests mingling in this season’s glamorous floral creations and cocktail dresses. Cristalle herself greeted the guests graciously with a warm welcome speech, dressed in a floral cocktail dress that accentuated her blooming beauty.
Spotted during that evening were Renna Hechanova, Conchita Toda, Marivic Vasquez, Menchu Soriano, Sandra Soriano, Maripi Muscat, Margie Moran-Floirendo, Irene Martel, Bea Vasquez-Fox, Malu Gamboa, Mons Romulo-Tantoco, Karen Santos, Cristina Cuevas, Monique Villonco, Tara Yuchengco-Santos, Tanya Lichauco, Sunshine de Leon, Gabby Floirendo, Baby Girl Fricke, Lally Etroit, Cecile Reynoso-Atienza, Wilma Galvante, Jenny Zapanta-Andrada, Joy del Rosario, Vivian Sarabia, Judith Berenger-Testa, and new Belo Essentials endorser, actress Bea Alonzo.
Among the gents spotted were the rarely seen Don Antonio Roxas with Conchita Toda, as well as Johnny Velasquez, Alvin Lim, Maurice Arcache, Gary Gonzaga, Derek Ramsay, Raul Manzano, Louie Ysmael, Jappy Gonzales, Amadito Fores, Inno Sotto, Andrew Gan, Pepito Albert, Allan German, Anton San Diego, Anton Mendoza, Randy Francisco, Sander Tantoco, Randy Ortiz, Anton Mendoza, Randy Francisco, Sander Tantoco, Glenn Carandang, Marco Lobregat, Chris Soriano and Chris Badiola.
The fashion show was staged at the grass-covered garden, while the lounge-style setting for the fashion show created a cool relaxed mood. Beauteous Ruffa Gutierrez and dashing Atty. Adel Tamano hosted the event, exchanging witty repartee that charmed the audience. Master fashion director Jackie Aquino staged a fashion show of gorgeous models dressed in sheer nude costumes to showcase the latest top-of-the-line bags, with styling by creative guru and fashion genius Pepito Albert.
Gorgeous saxophonist Michael Young played with a rhythm that soothed and captivated. What a show!
Appearing on stage in a youthful, demure blush-colored gown, Dr. Victoria Belo talked about the company she built up from a small clinic in Medical Towers, Makati and how this event also serves to mark her 19 successful years in the beauty industry. The Belo Medical Group first started as a small practice in Makati on August 1990 and has since made a mark in the field of dermatology and cosmetic surgery.
Proudly, she also spoke of her young daughter Cristalle Belo Henares, who has made a name for herself as the managing director of Belo Essentials. In 2007, Dr. Belo and Cristalle brought the Belo skin care expertise within reach of the average Filipina when the Belo Essentials whitening and skin care line was made available at a more affordable price.
“I feel like a debutante,” said Dr. Belo, as she smiled at friends who cheered her at this beginning of a fresh new chapter.