Ballet dancers and celebrity chefs

Philippine Ballet Theatre celebrated its 25th anniversary with the love story of Romeo and Juliet at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The gala presentation was a sold-out affair with homegrown favorite, prima ballerina Maniya Barredo, as the production director. To set the tone for the event, the PBT trustees wore elegant jewel-toned Juliet-inspired gowns that were reminiscent of the romantic era.

The production of Romeo and Juliet was a big hit, as guest dancers Naomi Hergott, 17, a protégé of Maniya from the Metropolitan Ballet Theatre in Atlanta, and David Kiyak, 21, from the Orlando Ballet, danced their roles with precision and great artistry.  FILharmoniKA, under the baton of Gerard Salonga, skillfully performed Prokofiev’s powerful and haunting music.

It was food, food, and more good food with two of my favorite hotels having special culinary events that gave us a chance to partake of more delectable goodies.

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The Marriott Hotel Manila, in cooperation with Thai Airways and the Royal Embassy of Thailand, has prepared Thai Kingdom Come, a month-long food festival at the Marriott Café for the whole month of July. One need not go to Thailand just to have a taste of spicy and delectable specialties, since two culinary ambassadors from JW Marriott Bangkok, headed by Thanatorn Krobsuay, are in town to create authentic and innovative dishes. Sawadee kah!

The Dusit Thani Manila had good-looking model, author, TV star and celebrity chef Daniel Green share his healthy and delicious dishes, which will be integrated in the hotel’s menus. One will definitely feel less guilty when indulging in his “Eat Well, Feel Well” dishes as the ingredients used are less fattening, fresher, and super-delicious.

“It is such a great honor for me to work with Dusit International,” says chef Green. “My passion is in Asia and with this collaboration, there will certainly be a lot more culinary knowledge exchange and innovations to help people manage their life through healthy eating, every day. I believe healthy food can be cooked to a brilliant standard, full of flavor with great eye appeal, and Dusit has let me showcase this.”

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For comments and ideas, please e-mail: jacinto.fa@gmail.com.