Mezze opens

Mezze is not an Italian restaurant so don’t call it "met-se." Mezze, pronounced meh-ZAY, is Persian for small portions of something delicious. That’s what was printed on the invitation for two great days of partying for the two openings of Mezze, the new restaurant cum bar of Bobong Velez (of the legendary Faces disco) in Greenbelt 2.

The two events held five days apart were packed with people, especially party people of the Faces days. The first event had Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay cut the ceremonial ribbon as Fr. Armand Tangi blessed the premises. DJ Boyet Almazan took over the DJ’s booth to play music of the ’80s and ’90s for people to party as if Faces was reborn.

The second opening was organized by the new PR whiz on the block, GP Reyes. With his guest list, hip party people arrived and another ribbon-cutting ceremony was done by Robbie Carmona, Stephen Ku, Avi Siwa, Nicolette Bell, Xeng Zulueta, JM Rodriguez, Jigger Antonio and Faith Amigo.

Kiehl’s is coming!

Cult cosmetic brand Kiehl’s has been around since 1851. After 154 years, it will be introduced in Manila. Best-sellers such as Lip Balm #1 and Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion (which I use as an aftershave) will now be available locally.

Kiehl’s started as an old-world apothecary in New York City and has become successful because of its unique and extensive background representing a blend of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, herbal and medicinal knowledge developed through the generations.

The L’Oreal Philippines team hosted the international development team of Kiehl’s with an intimate dinner at Embassy’s restaurant, Quisine. Kiehl’s Philippines brand manager Tina Tinio (who was also responsible for the phenomenal success of Shu Uemura in the country) hosted the fun evening primarily attended by fashion and beauty industry personalities. Guests were Kiehl’s VP for international development Catherine Roggero, Kiehl’s international development marketing manager Patricia Rodrigo, L’Oreal Philippines’ David Ennes, Vicky Encarnacion and Leica Carpo.

Watch out for this brand. I myself can’t wait.

More than just a soap

Women gathered at Balai Taal in Tagaytay with a breathtaking view of Taal Lake for them to experience Dove. Present were the women of Dove namely Monique Villonco, Agot Isidro-Sandejas, Susan Reyes, Christine Jacob-Sandejas, Jul Dizon, Felicia Atienza and Barni Alunan-Escaler.

Angel Aquino had a leg/foot scrub using ordinary soap on one leg/foot and Dove soap on the other. She said, "The leg with Dove is smooth and soft." Romina Urra-Gonzalez noticed that Dove felt more creamy on the skin even after rinsing and drying.

Dove’s Jenny Infante said, "The soap was designed to be a skin moisturizing bar; hence, the 1Ú4 moisture cream ingredient. All over the body, it cleanses and moisturizes, nurturing skin to stay beautifully young-looking." Felicia Atienza said, "It’s so mild my dermatologist recommends Dove even for my baby. My family uses it."

Photographer Isa Lorenzo captured their natural beauty in a photo session executed with natural lighting, emphasizing the real beauty of each of the Dove ladies.

New bags from Louis

Louis Vuitton Philippines brand manager Rhea de Vera welcomed the press to the intimate event held at the Lumiere where they had first glimpse of the new colors and shapes of the latest Louis Vuitton bags.

The new Louis Vuitton Monogram Denim line with names such as Neo Speedy, Pleaty and Sac Plat Denim make use of natural cowhide. A limited collection of the Monogram Denim, which features the Sac Fermoir PM, Sac Fermoir GM, Pleaty and Speedy bags come with red alligator trimmings. Also featured at the event were the new elegant shapes of the Monogram Vernis – natural cowhide bags with embossed patent leather such as the Maple Drive, a square bag with oval handles and the Roxbury Drive, a functional city bag with removable strap. The Suhali collection introduced a new color Géranium. New products for Damier and Monogram Multicolore were also on display.

(Louis Vuitton is at the ground floor level of Greenbelt IV, Ayala Center, Makati. For inquiries, call the customer information service hotline at 756-0637.)

Gas up!

Italian denim brand Gas Jeans recently opened its new store at Greenbelt 3. The opening coincided with a special stylist’s preview.  Its latest offerings for Spring/Summer 2005 are inspired by the 10-year period from 1955 to 1965. This was a period of economic boom and of biker jackets and dark denims.

85 cheers for ISM

Teachers and alumni of the American/International School of Manila, in cooperation with Jeepney Gang Alumni Association, recently celebrated its 85th anniversary (1920-2005) with a spectacular jamboree for all its international teachers and students who attended either the pioneering American School or its successor, International School of Manila (ISM).

Alumni from around the world converged at the Hyatt Hotel in sunny San Jose, California to recollect, reminisce, rekindle and ripen old friendships. The affair jumpstarted with Mabuhay Mixer – a cool and casual poolside affair with an outdoor barbecue and a no-host bar, followed by an evening of frenzied intermingling and festive camaraderie in a friendly, relaxed setting.

Attendees also had the choice of touring surrounding city attractions or simply lounging around the hotel grounds, catching up with old schoolmates and getting the juicy lowdown and chismis about each other. Evening action, dubbed Saturday Night Fever, showcased native Filipino fare, fun and lively entertainment, and an appreciation and awards presentation. Some classes threw individual anniversary parties.

It was 85 years ago that a group of American multi-national executives founded the private American School, Inc., a non-stock, non-profit place of learning within the walls of Santo Tomas University in Manila for the children of US military personnel, expatriate businessmen, government officials and Protestant missionaries. Sustaining the students’ command of English and bridging the cultural gap were integral functions of the school, which subsequently moved its grounds to a new location and re-opening in the summer of 1946. While students admitted were still predominantly Americans, some Europeans and a few select Filipinos came on board. By 1960, students from all over the world began to filter through the school, auguring a name change for the once exclusively white teacher and student bodies and relocating to the affluent suburb of Makati.

Today, the International School’s spanking new edifice sits on a well-developed parcel of land within the Fort Bonifacio Complex in Makati. Its grade school, middle school and high school facilities are equipped en suite with art and music classrooms, the latest science and computer labs, audio-visual media centers and a competition-level sports multiplex.

(E-mail me at [email protected])