Eat and be merry at Manila Pavilion

Manila Pavilion Hotel is now part of the Waterfront chain of hotels.  The hotel recently unveiled two new lifestyle concept restaurants – Boulvar and the all new Patisserie. 

Excitement was palpable that night as the crowd roamed the cocktail stations replete with fresh whole tuna sashimi, an assortment of sandwiches, mini pizzas, dimsum, tempura, roasted prime rib and an array of desserts and pastries. 

Magician Eric Mana opened the evening’s program performing his extraordinary tricks. Manila Pavilion Hotel’s president Rexlon Gatchalian then formally welcomed and thanked the crowd for being part of the dawning of the new Manila Pavilion Hotel.

An audiovisual presentation of the Patisserie began playing on screen that featured the evolution of the restaurant, from being a pastry stand to a full-pledged walk-in shop. As the curtains covering the Patisserie were unveiled, a five-foot tall croque-en-bouche tower of desserts specially created by executive chef Nicholas Anderson was found at the entrance. Taiko dancers also entertained the crowd and models showcased the latest fashion creations from designer Ignacio Loyola.

Another audiovisual was shown moments before the unveiling of Boulvar, not just an ordinary lobby lounge. Wave patterns can be found all around Boulvar, indicating a place where people can have fun and freely move around. For the opening night, Zsa Zsa Padilla performed.

Others spotted were Mary Jeanette Kuo-Gatchalian, Lia Andanar, Angelette Calero, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Rajo Laurel, Bryan Chua, Leah Puyat, Liza Ilarde, Lita Potassy, Ton Lao and Robby Mananquil.

(For more information, call Manila Pavilion Hotel at 526-1212.) 

Happy birthday, Donnie!

Couple Philip and Ching Cruz rarely throw parties at their beautiful home in Makati but when they do, they go all out and one can expect a perfectly styled party! One of those rare occasions was an intimate affair the couple threw for the birthday of their dear friend, publicist Donnie Ramirez.

The dinner was held at their sprawling garden with a mouth-watering array of grilled dishes. Giant rock lobsters, maya-maya, prawns and juicy steaks were served together with Philip’s Mediterranean salad. 

Guests included Palawan governor Joel Santos, Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson, Club Paradise owner Jurgen Wanke, former Senator Loren Legarda, Philip Lo, Becky Garcia, Rachel Singson, Nomer Pabilona, Ramon Tulfo, Nena del Rosario, Offie Recto and Marietta Santos. 

Happy birthday, Donnie!

8 cheers for V-Bar

All roads lead to V-Bar tomorrow as it celebrates its eighth anniversary!

It was Venezia for five years before it renovated to become V-Bar. The bar, the only one in the country to make it to the "Hot List" of Conde Nast Traveler magazine, is still packing the crowds after eight years. The by-invitation only anniversary bash is hosted by Louie Ysmael and Steve Mills. Classic Venezia music will be played by resident DJs Arnel G. and John Monreal, with DJ Genna. Open bar from Cruiser Ice, Vodka Ice, Amarula, Skyy Vodka, Jack Daniels, Jagermeister and Johnnie Walker. 

Awards night for Rotary Club of Forbes Park

Recently, the Rotary Club of Forbes Park held a dinner and dance at the Manila Polo Club to celebate awards night for the just concluded Rotary year.

Club members who were given Club Service Awards were Ed Escano, Leo Garcia, Edwin Salonga, Bob Cullen, Nandy de Jesus, past president Efren Palabyab, Palmy Layug, Manch Carpio and Resty Tiongco.

A Community Service award went to president-elect Bobby Rodrigo. Partners in Community Service who were invited and given awards were Dr. Joey and Mabel Abano representing Manila Hearing Aid, Mrs. Carrie Bautista representing Mirant (Phils.) who facilitated the club’s outreach in Pagbilao, Quezon and Mr. Ramon Moreno Jr. and his group of Philippine Coastguard Auxiliary volunteers who airlifted the relief goods of the club to the typhoon devastated areas of Quezon province last year.

Given presidential citations were Rotarian and former Rep. Renato Dragon for his fund raising project and Rotary Anns Kim Lokin, Linda Pastoral and Tessie Rodrigo for their collective efforts in setting up a preschool at Gawad Kalinga site in Makati.

After the awards, the Rotarians and their lovely Anns danced the night away.

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