In support of Virlanie

The Virlanie Foundation is a socio-civic organization that has been working hand in hand with AMADE Mondiale Foundation in providing shelter and guidance to abused children. It was founded in the Philippines by Dominique Lemay.

The Virlanie Foundation launched the Virlanie cuff through a ticket-only event held at Mezze and Nuvo in Greenbelt 2. The orange colored Virlanie cuff is a symbol of advocacy in safeguarding the Filipino children from violence and exploitation. Dubbed Royal Chill-out, the party was graced by Andrea Casiraghi, eldest son of The Princess of Hanover, Princess Caroline of Monaco, who herself came to Manila before for the same cause. Casiraghi visited various charity works of his mother with the AMADE-Virlanie Foundation while in Manila.

The launch of the Virlanie cuff was hosted by Virlanie Foundation’s executive committee of Casiraghi’s visit with the gracious and very hardworking Marietta Santos as chairwoman and Josine Elizalde, Deeda Garcia-Verzosa and Tony Protacio as members who worked closely with Lemay, also the foundation’s president.

The event was made possible through the generosity of Globe. Other sponsors included Ayala Land, Rustan’s Essenses with Inno Sotto’s ISM cologne line, Moet & Chandon, Prestige Cars, Mezze and Nuvo. The party was produced by Joji Dingcong and set designed and styled by Robert Blancaflor.

(For those who would like to avail of the cuff or help in any other way, please call the Virlanie Foundation at 896-2289 or 895-5260.)

Bulgari launches Rosette

Bulgari Manila recently launched its latest collection, Rosette, in a private sit-down dinner at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. The hotel’s fine-dining Chinese restaurant, Shang Palace, was transformed into "Sapphire Room" for the night where guests had cocktails before the multi-course Chinese dinner. The top notch drinks (as expected from a Bulgari event planned by Mario Katigbak) included Moet & Chandon and Hennessy XO courtesy of Olga Azarcon. Also served were Grey Goose vodka and Penfolds Koonunga Hill wines. Robert Blancaflor of 1816 did the floral arrangements.

The Rosette collection and the new Astrale pieces were presented in a fashion show directed by Jackie Aquino. Twelve models with hair and makeup done by Toni & Guy went around the room to allow guests to view the jewels up close, wearing dresses by Nicole Miller, Jun Escario, OC by OC, Tadashi and Jessica McClintock, all of which are available at Rustan’s.

Bulgari’s Rosette Collection takes its name from the cut of the stones it features; an incredibly chromatic range of fancy color sapphires. The Rosette Collection combines colored sapphires, diamonds and pavé diamonds set in yellow with unique designs.

Others spotted were Nini Licaros, Joy Wassmer, Tessa and Dennis Valdes, Raul Manzano, Gigi Mabanta, Irene Martel-Francisco and Allure’s Philip Cu-Unjieng.

Sleek and slim

Samsung just launched its Ultra Edition which has an incredibly slim figure, sophisticated design, and state-of-the-art technology. The launch was shown as an art form seen through the eyes of two of the most sought-after fashion and beauty photographers in the Philippines, Ronnie Salvacion and Paolo Pineda.

The walls of The Crown Plaza were lined with original and creative photographs by these two young photographers. As their photos were unveiled, so were Samsung’s Ultra Edition 6.9 (X820), Ultra Edition 9.9 (D830) and Ultra Edition 12.9 (D900). The new mobile phones were ready to be tried and tested by the lucky winners in a raffle.

Samsung takes "mobile communications" to a whole new level with a fusion of art and technology. The Ultra Edition 6.9 boasts to be the world’s thinnest phone, only 6.9 mm. The Ultra Edition 9.9, a brand new clamshell handset, is 9.9 mm thin. The Ultra Edition12.9, the world’s slimmest slider, has a depth of only 12.9mm and a three megapixel camera. Samsung Electronics Philippines president and CEO Spencer Shim adds, "With the Ultra Edition’s exceptional sleek and ultra slim design, Samsung’s mobile will effortlessly integrate into the user’s everyday life, connecting him or her to the rest of the world."

(E-mail me at peppertstar@yahoo.com)