Still the place ‘two’ be

Everybody’s favorite hangout – the place to see and to be seen – Nuvo celebrated its second anniversary with a big bash attended by Manila’s swinging A-list. Johnny Walker, Tanqueray & Cuervo Tequila from Diageo and Skyy Vodka & Chivas Regal from Premiere Wines and Spirits, as well as Absolut vodka flowed freely all night. The mouthwatering food was prepared by Nuvo’s uber talented chef Martin Bracker.

Night life impresario and Nuvo owner Louie Ysmael and his lovely wife Cecille welcomed the guests in the jam-packed interiors beautifully decorated with white silk drapes on the huge bay windows with gorgeous flowers in every corner (all done by Cecille herself!). Nuvo’s trademark outdoor tent was beautifully laid out with a champagne tower courtesy of Moet & Chandon as gentle jazz music added to an ambiance of stylish chic which Nuvo has been known for since it opened two years ago.

Seen partying the night away were Nuvo partners Philip Cruz and wife Ching; Iñigo Zobel and wife Maricris; couples Pedro and Gina Roxas; Carlos and Mindy Perez Rubio; Paolo Trillo and Emma Rose Policarpio; sisters Rose Montenegro and Angela Montenegro-Arroyo; Bicho Bilbao with constant companion Anna Garcia; in-demand designer Rajo Laurel; Absinth’s Christine San Diego; Elbert Cuenca and wife Liza Ilarde; Andy Soriano; Vince and Ana Bitong; Manolet Dario; Rachel Lobangco; Asian Spirit’s Noel Oñate; models Phoemela Baranda, Rachel Soriano and Pia Cabrera; beautiful couple Juan Elizalde and Bianca Araneta; Rosanna Escudero; Chavit and Rachel Singson; Sigrid Villamil; Jojo Silverio; Jenny Serrano; Noel Bautista; Lexi Schulze; Javi Berrenguer-Testa; Francisco Delgado; Renee Araneta; KC Concepcion; fun couple Ritchie and Faith Lavaro; Dudo Vaca; and Miguel and Barbara Aboitiz.

Congratulations to Nuvo for continuing to be the place to be this side of the Metro!

Shades of summer

Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani launched its 2004 eyewear collection at the Sunglass Station in Shangri-La Mall. Safilo Far East sales manager Matteo Baldo flew in to grace the event with Safilo Far East sales manager for frames, Steffano Perer.

This year’s collection features refined, elegant and sophisticated models. Most styles are already designed to be unisex.

Others seen at the launch were Bob Mirani, chairman of New Trends, the local distributor of both Giorgio and Emporio Armani eyewear; New Trends president and general manager George Mirani and Murli Menon. Celebrities spotted trying out the new collection were singers Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragoza; Jay Manalo; Alessandra de Rossi; Angel Aquino; model-turned-TV host Phoemela Baranda; model Rissa Samson; and Studio 23’s Toni Gonzaga.

New fun drinks at Starbucks

n a trip to Singapore recently, my friend and Star Lifestyle columnist Celine Lopez drooled over the new Starbucks Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino. She wanted to try it so bad even she was too full from lunch. She got on her phone and called Manila to ask if they also had it in Starbucks Manila. Even with the "yes they have it in Manila already" reply, she still couldn’t resist so we had to buy one each – and were so satisfied!

The new drink from Starbucks is made of cream, milk, ice and real strawberries blended into a marbled Frappuccino that tastes likes eating strawberries dipped in cream. Customers who purchase every P350 worth of Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino can get a chance to win any of 18 three-day and two-night vacation packages to Palawan, Boracay, or Samal Island.

The Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino are available only until Aug. 30. Also try the Coffee Jelly Frappuccino Blended coffee which will be in Starbucks only until Oct. 15.