A touching farewell

A touching and memorable gathering was recently held in honor of the outgoing Portuguese Ambassador Joao Caetano da Silva and his lovely wife Ulrike. The couple, distinguished members of the country’s diplomatic community, bid goodbye to their Filipino friends. The cordial gathering was hosted by prominent society couples Louie Ablaza Jr. and amiable Guatamelan Consul Mellie Ablaza, and Dr. Sonny Ong and wife Angolan Consul Helen Ong, whose luxurious residence was the locale for the affair. The get-together recalled the happy memories of the Da Silvas in our country, and celebrated the friendships they had fostered with Filipinos throughout the years. Have a safe trip and see you again soon, Joao and Ulrike!

A sweet launch

Lovely and talented sisters Penk Ching and Shen Ratilla of the Pastry Bin launched their much-awaited coffee-table book Caked in Sugar at the Rigodon Ballroom at the Peninsula Manila. The book is lavishly illustrated with the fabulous cakes that Penk and Shen created for some of the most publicized events in the country, including the wedding of Fernando and Kit Zobel and the Malacañang weddings of Presidential offsprings Jackie Ejercito to Beaver Lopez, Mikey Arroyo to Angela Montenegro, and Dato Arroyo to Kakai Manotok. Guests from high society, business and media were amazed at the centerpiece of the room – a giant sugar rendition of a Chinese Pagoda, with four magnificent theme cakes created by Penk and Shen for the event. The creations were testimony to the sisters’ artistic expertise and creative genius as masters of the sugar art.

Congratulations for a successful book launch!

Quiet time in Boracay

The stillness and serenity of Boracay during the off season is more to the liking of people like me who prefer reading books and just spending time with my grandchildren. That is why every year during habagat, I never fail to pay my friends there a visit, and stay in my most favorite Boracay hotels and resorts.

Swept away at Sea Wind

Entire families frolicking by the beachfront, moms and dads feasting on the sumptuous breakfast buffet, best friends having drinks at the bar – Sea Wind is where Boracay vacationers spend time with the people they love the most. The resort, with the genuine provincial warmth and a deep respect for the Filipino heritage, has its own museum, thanks to the pioneering efforts of Sea Wind president Boy Jarantilla and amiable wife Ruth to trace the history of the island. Antique furnishings abound and secret places where guests can meditate are just few of the reasons why guests keep coming back to this charming spot. Be swept away at Sea Wind!

(For inquiries, call 924-0995 or e-mail seawind@pacific.net.ph.)

Rest and recharge at Regency

Where else in Boracay can you find a hotel with the widest beachfront, the most number of rooms, the largest convention facility and numerous dining and leisure choices? Boracay Regency Beach Resort & Convention Center has all the amenities guests need for a most pleasurable stay, even in off-peak season. Their coffee frappuccino is a hit with diners at Café Christina, while the large and colourful kois in ponds surrounding the property is much-loved by little kids. Boracay Regency chairman and president Henry Chusuey and assistant GM Jade Estardo conceived all of these delights to bring every Regency guest the best possible pleasure.

See you there!

(For inquiries, call 523-8707 to 08.)