Time to be Imeldific!

The jewelry line of former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, The Imelda Collection, was launched at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

Prior to the launch proper, there was a press preview where questions about the collection were answered by Rep. Imee Marcos and son Borgy Manotoc. The expected media frenzy (especially from the foreign press: Reuters, AP, AFP, London Mail, Time magazine, Al Jazeera) over Mrs. Marcos started as she arrived at 4:45 p.m.

The event was hosted by Daphne Oseña Paez and Borgy who introduced Mrs. Marcos and the collection to the guests. Eleven-year-old singer Miguel Aguila, who has already received two Aliw Awards, serenaded Mrs. Marcos with a few songs. Mrs. Marcos in turn also sang as the microphone was handed over to her. She also gave a short speech about how the collection relates to her life, before proceeding to the exhibit hall to view the vignettes which had the featured accessories. The collection pieces were set against her old ternos, shoes and paintings. Each vignette was specific to a particular time in her life and was done by Zenas Pineda, Chris Seña and Yvette Religioso-Ilagan and their team.

New images of Mrs. Marcos taken by Steve Tirona were unveiled that day, too. These new photos of Mrs.Marcos were meant to be taken in a fun and light way and are also meant to appeal to the younger generation.

Guests were all treated to the sumptuous buffet by chef Jojo Borlagdan which had mini halo-halo, Ilonggo lumpia, Humba, pritchon, bagnet and other local favorites. Guests shopped for vintage necklaces, earrings and other trinkets, all of which contained a little bit of Imelda in them such as half a pair of her earrings, buttons from her old suits which she had worn as First Lady, mini magnifying glass which she had kept in her purse for reading, beads from her trips or Swarovski crystals which she had personally bought.

Among those spotted at the launch were Rep. Cynthia Villar and Rep. Connie Dy, former Central Bank Gov. Jimmy Laya, Ising and Marivic Vasquez, Benjie Yap, pianist Ingrid Santamaria, Tats Manahan, Minerva Tanseco, Firma 8217’s Ricky Toledo and Chito Vijandre, Kara Tolentino, Migs Rosales, Virgil Prieto and Tessa Prieto Valdes.

(Those interested to see more of Imelda Collection pieces, check www.imeldacollection.com or call 706-9474 for an appointment.)

Harness that positive chi

The country’s first and only feng shui artist Lizanne Uychaco’s latest works were launched at Art Elements in Rockwell Powerplant. The exhibit is a prelude to her forthcoming show at the Kee Club in Hong Kong.

Her traditional Chinese landscapes, mountains, waterfalls and boats and the unique abstract calligraphy of her signature lucky coin delight art connoisseurs and feng shui believers. Her minimalist paintings with a play of abstract Chinese calligraphy and her signature yin and yang coin target modern collectors and those seeking harmony, positive energy and good fortune that Lizanne’s works are known for.

Lizanne also demonstrated the ritual, spirit and process of painting feng shui art using her unique painting tools that enhance positive chi. The cuisine was prepared by Vicky Pimentel of Cucina Victoria and wines were sponsored by Ralph’s and Enrique Quimson.

Lizanne Uychaco’s works are exclusive to Art Elements Asian Gallery, located at 3/L Powerplant, Rockwell Center, Makati.

(For inquiries please call 757-6008 or e-mail [email protected])

The ultimate challenge

Nokia and Studio 23 held the Nokia Ultimate Challenge Weekend, a fun-filled day of activities where participants tested their physical limits on different challenges and games such as wall climbing, free throw shooting, dance revolution and Daytona racing.

The event also featured the Ultimate Challenge Race. Participants like Aliya Parcs, Geoff Rodriguez, Joaqui Valdes, Andi Manzano, George Rocha, Thea Froekjear, Ilac Diaz, Michele Bumgarner, del Bacho, Jo Ignacio, Aisa Penafel, Toffer Lorenzana and Mark Bolante accomplished the many mental and physical challenges that took them from the Fort all the way to San Mateo, Rizal.

"The Nokia 5500 Sport combines the passion and spirit of sports with the latest in mobile communications. It’s an ideal companion for an active, urban lifestyle," says William Hamilton-Whyte, Nokia Philippines country GM.

Also introduced during the awarding ceremonies were the Nokia 5500 Sport endorsers – Manu Sandejas, Gaby de la Merced, Rovilson Fernandez, Doug Kramer, Cheska Garcia, Brent Javier, Judah Paolo, Paolo Cabalfin and George Rocha. The Nokia Ultimate Challenge Weekend also featured a body jam exercise with Fitness First, a Futsal clinic and amazing dance performances by the Ateneo Parkour, Escola de Brasiliera Capoiera Philippines and the Wushu Philippine Team.

(E-mail me at [email protected])