Spain’s lifestyle magazine ‘Hola’ is here!
MANILA, Philippines - It was an elegant evening for Manila’s elite as Hola!, the international lifestyle magazine, launched its first Philippine issue last September at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel.
The festivities officially began with the live music of Mel Villena and his 19-piece orchestra, and a surprise performance by acclaimed jazz singer Renee Olstead and alto saxophone player Tots Tolentino. Host Solenn Heussaff, dressed in a crystal encrusted Francis Libiran gown, then sang renditions of Fever and Summer Time before launching into the program proper. This, as guests were treated to a sumptuous cocktail spread from Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila and free-flowing drinks courtesy of Pernod Ricard, headlined by their Absolut Elyx Vodka.
Maricris Cardenas Zobel and Maria Palacios from Hola! Spain welcomed the crowd to the festivities. With the editorial team and cover girl Jasmine Curtis-Smith called on stage, the premiere issue unveil was underway. The Hola! video played and was capped by a curtain drop, revealing the 35-foot premiere issue cover with Anne and Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and guests were invited to raise their glasses for a champagne toast. The celebration continued well into the wee hours with an afterparty set by DJ Callum David.
Joining Jasmine Curtis-Smith for the celebration were the premiere issue’s featured personalities: sports royalty Anton del Rosario and fiancée Samantha Richelle, “Lady Danger†fashion editorial model Natalie Soderstrom, and boutique owner Joanna Preysler Francisco.
Supporting their wives at the event were Iñigo U. Zobel and Endika M. Aboitiz Jr., joined in celebration by tycoons Robert Coyiuto of the Coyiuto Group of Companies, Peter Coyuito of First Life Financial Company, Ramon Cojuangco Jr. and wife Marissa, Beaver and Jackie Lopez, Tessie Sy-Coson of SM Prime Holdings and members of the Aboitiz family. Ambassador Lani and Conchitina Bernardo, Al and Carla Tengco, Margie Moran, Cong. Anton Lagdameo, Marivic Madrigal Vasquez, Jonathan Matti, Andrew Gan, Bito Mantecon, Ado Escudero, Charles Lhuillier, Connie Araneta, Eduardo Garcia, Florence Ko, Freddy and Anne Gonzalez, Atty. Katrina Legarda, Marilen Gonzalez-Elizalde, Joe and Vicky Zubiri, Neny Montinola, Rina Ortiz, Techie Hagedorn, Veana Fores, Johnny Velasquez and Maripi Muscat, Nicole Ortega with daughter Natalia, and Marco Lobregat joined in on the festivities.
Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano and daughter Kiana, Atom and Cristalle Henares, Bianca Manalo, Cloie Concepcion, Andi Manzano and fiancé GP Reyes, Edward Mendez, Stephen Ku, Louie Ysmael, JM Rodriguez, Javi and Lexi Berenguer-Testa were present.
The Hola! Philippines launch event was made possible by co-presenters Audi, Guess, Globe Platinum and Visa; official venue partner Sofitel Philippine Plaza; and official super premium vodka Partner Absolut Elyx.
Hola! Philippines offers a slice of the good life for only P160. Hola! is available in both print and digital editions, within Metro Manila and in key provincial retail outlets. Digital subscriptions are available via the Zinio. Visit ph.hola.com, join the conversation on Facebook (#holamagph) or follow Hola! Philippines on Twitter and Instagram (@holamagph).
