It’s sparty time!

When sweet and gentle Mia Borromeo turned a year older, she was feted not just once or twice, but thrice.  Surrounded by a select group of friends, the first mini celebration was a day of pampering and bonding for a spa party that Monique Toda prepared at the newly opened Willow Stream Spa of the Raffles and Fairmont Hotels Makati. This tranquil retreat in the middle of the country’s bustling financial district is acclaimed for finding innovative ways to pamper guests. The delectable meal was served in beautiful bento boxes. The “sparty” was so refreshing and rejuvenating.

Soon after, this same hotel served a tea party in the spacious Presidential Suite with more of Mia’s friends who wanted to make sure they would be around to celebrate with her. The sweet and savory treats were temptingly scrumptious that we could not stop at one serving, what with the solicitous staff ready to add more goodies to our plates.   We enjoyed the Makati skyline from all of the suite’s windows and the spacious layout made us tarry till the early evening.

Lulu Tan Gan hosted the final gathering with a specially catered lunch by goodlooking chef Bruce Ricketts in her modern house.  We were treated to a degustation meal that featured eight courses — a blend of East and West cuisine. Despite our protestations that we were full, we kept on as the lunch progressed and the delicious dishes continued to flow. It certainly was worth our calories even if we had to exercise the extra pound or two the next day.

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