Boracay once more

Have you got your holiday vacation booked yet? Better schedule it now, before others beat you to that special deal.

Me, I don’t need to think twice when planning an out-of-town leisure trip. I always find myself going back to Boracay Regency Beach Resort, the only AAA-rated establishment on Boracay’s strip of crystalline sand. A consistent magnet for celebrities, the Regency is conveniently located in front of Boat Station 2 and is just a short walk away from the talipapa and Boracay Mall.

The hotel boasts five-star amenities, a swimming pool, Alfons’ Bar, and five restaurants, namely Prince Hendrik’s Cafe, Tapas Tapas Spanish restaurant, Bulgogi Korean House, Tribu Filipino restaurant and Mey Lin Chinese cuisine restaurant. Prince Hendrik’s has had its share of VIP diners, among them taipan Lucio Tan, Century Park’s dapper GM Bobby Carpio and former Northwest Airlines GM Laurie Lofgren.

During the lean season, the hotel offered reasonable Regency Escapade Packages. Among the guests were Ambassador Wang Chungui of China and his wife Wang Suoxin, and Unilever marketing director Marcel Kerkmeester.

And in case you haven’t heard yet, Boracay Regency is home of Wave, the first underground beach disco bar. After a dip in the waters, I’d chill out in Wave, meet new friends (preferably female, lovely and svelte). That’s my idea of a Boracay night out.

* * * Bulacan Birthday Bash

Bulacan’s "Construction Queen" Gloria "Aying" de Leon was feted with a grand birthday dinner at the Casa Armas at the Podium recently by good friend Pachot Mapa of Old Asia. The beaming celebrant was joined by close friends such as Trees Company’s Monette Guevara, Malacañang’s Ricky Alfonso, former Mayor Tony and Elvie Halili, Dr. Joey de los Santos, Armand Racquel Santos and Rep. Willie Villarama of Bulacan.

Aying’s daughter, Cheryl de Leon, who flew in from abroad for the occasion, was accompanied by friend (and beau?) James Bosch.

Thanks to Dyen, general manager of Casa Armas, the guests enjoyed the scrumptious menu matched with imported wines and delectable desserts to make the event a truly memorable one.

* * * Le French Wine Fest

Le Club French Business Association of the Philippines will celebrate the arrival of Le Beaujolais on November 26 at the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Philippine Plaza at 6:30 p.m.

This soiree tres francaise is the major annual social affair organized by the French business community in Manila. Ever-flowing young Beaujolais wine, more than 180 kinds of cheese, charcuteries, traditional delicacies and prestigious raffle prizes (including two Air France tickets, Manila-Paris-Manila) on which the event has built its reputation, awaits you.

Aside from dancing the night away to the music of The Jewelmer Jazz Band, a surprise show awaits guests. To discover the aroma of the 2002 Beaujolais Nouveau wine (it varies every year as connoisseurs know) and join the fun, call Le Club for reservations at 813-9005. Tickets are at P1,800.