Going loco over choco

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! The Max Brenner Chocolate Bar, the "Armani of chocolates," is here to stay in Manila, after recently opening in Greenbelt 3. The sweet affair started with a ceremonial parade as Max Brenner walked down the stairs carrying a big bowl of chocolate fondue, with MTV VJ KC Montero, TV host Boy Abunda, DJ Manolet Dario, and model Paolo Cabalfin in tow bearing bowls of mallows, strawberries, apricots, cherries and grapes.

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the big chocolate machine of Max Brenner’s Chocolate Bar, with the machine’s pipes creating a lofty feel of a real chocolate factory. Attending the chocolate-covered night were franchise owners Arnold Co and Ruth Co, Ayala bigwig Bea Zobel Jr., fashion honcho Inno Sotto, designer Hindy Tantoco, and socialites Margarita Delgado, Mia Borromeo, Ana Buenaventura, Vicky Zubiri, SIA’s secret weapon Rita Dy, and Mary Ann Lumen, among many others.

Happy chocolate eating and see you at Brenner’s!

A Christmas Musical Night At Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental, Manila recently staged an invitational Christmas musical and dinner at the Captain’s Bar which featured renowned Austrian pianist Franz Langer and several local artists.

The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception at the Clipper Lounge where cute little elves went around distributing Christmas balls of all colors for guests to hang in the hotel’s Christmas tree, as special gifts awaited those who chanced on a prized trimming. Everyone was led downstairs to the Captain’s Bar for the ceremonial tree-lighting and concert proper which preceded a special five-course dinner crafted by the hotel’s award-winning culinary team.

The concert’s repertoire included well-loved Christmas classics like Joy to the World, Adeste Fidelis, and White Christmas – Broadway hits such as Memories from Cats, and All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera; arias from various operettas like Granada and O Sole Mio, and even Filipino staples like Maalaala Mo Kaya? Concert director was Franz Langer, a seasoned concert pianist, singer, conductor, and creative director who has produced several well- received musicals in various countries He was joined on stage by noted performers in the fields of classical music and opera, namely soprano Deeda Barretto, tenor Jonathan Badon, and the UP Christmas Chanticleers Chorale, the Sonata String Quartet, and instrumentalists Voltaire Poceo on the keyboard, and Egay Villarino on the guitar.

The musicale was divinely lyrical, highlighting Langer’s prowess as an impresario of many years. The performers did not disappoint in their delivery. Standing out in the vocal renditions were the a cappella performance of Tea for Two and the duets between the tenor and soprano. Mandarin Oriental’s GM Helmut Gaisberger was complimented for being the first to usher in the mood and spirit of Christmas. The genial host described the musicale as a collaboration and "a merging of rare talent and artistry."

Leave it to Helmut and the Mandarin to lead the way!

We’re Back!

Oh, Yes! Johnny’s Back! The long wait is over for we are back on air! Starting tonight at 11 p.m., my party-partner Maurice Arcache and I will enter your home for a late-night rendezvous! Produced by KB Entertainment’s Kitchie Benedicto and directed by veteran TV director Bert de Leon, the revamped celebrity-lifestyle show broadcast on RPN 9 features on its first episode special guest Bea Zobel Jr. and exciting social events in and around the metro! See you all tonight!