A European sojourn

Basking in the splendor of fine furniture and the magnificence of period pieces is what the hardworking pair of Muebles Italiano, Noel and Eileen Gonzales, does for a living. Their passion for objects of opulence and majesty turned into an obsession, thus Muebles Italiano was born. Holding the largest collection of Louis XIV style sofas and beds, stately chandeliers and other grand masterpieces, Muebles Italiano is always well-stocked with regal furniture that it is known for. The Gonzaleses’ recent sojourn in Europe took them to breathtaking sights, as well as to the production houses of Porcellane Villari, Gallo, Creaciones Cordon and Le Ore. Here they sampled the latest products which they will soon bring to loyal Muebles Italiano clients in the Philippines. Keep up the good work, Noel and Eileen!

Beauties in Japan

Elegant Kay Siazon, wife of our efficient and hardworking Ambassador Domingo Siazon Jr., was recently selected as one of the judges for two important cultural events in Japan: the pre-judging for the Miss International 2006 beauty pageant, and the selection of Miss International Japan 2007. It was an evening to remember as Miss Philippines International 2006 Denille Lou Valmonte gracefully displayed her white Filipiniana gown in the parade of contestants. The star of the parade was our very own 2005 Miss International Precious Lara Quigaman. The Miss International Japan 2007 pageant was equally grand, and Hisako Shirata was selected as the winner. Keep up the good work in Japan, super Kay!

Coming of age

Nicole Dominique, daughter of Tek and Emcy (Corteza) Faustino, celebrated her debut recently with a dinner-musicale. The debutante looked lovely in her fuchsia cocktail dress. Her uncle Mon, a well-known musical director, opened the evening with an inspiring invocation. With her dad as the emcee, the program included musical performances from her talented brothers and cousins. One of the highlights of the evening was a beautiful ballad rendered by her ninang, the gorgeous Regine Velasquez. Songstress Kyla was also in attendance looking sweet and pretty as ever. The night became even more meaningful when her dad sang "Baby of Mine" to the debutante, bringing tears to the eyes of everyone. The highlight of the evening though was the touching speech of the debutante herself which she dedicated to her parents and her loving grandmother Lita Faustino. Nicole Dominique is presently a student at the Philippine School of Interior Design.

Fun holiday wear

Celebrate the holidays and precious little moments with Cinderella Kids and OshKosh’s latest holiday wear. Cinderella Kids recently came out with a new range of party wear for children with vibrant-colored full-skirted dresses, sparkling diamond accents or floral prints. Bright prints of OshKosh’s holiday collection make any kid stand out – from smart polo shirts to snappy cargo pants and T-shirts for boys, and pretty crocheted sweaters, denim minis and khaki jackets for girls. Have fun with fashion only by Cinderella!

A Wilcon trip to Argentina and Brazil

Wilcon Builders’ Depot, the country’s pioneer in homebuilding depots, recently participated in a trip to Argentina and Brazil, courtesy of Mariwasa. Wilcon was one of the dealers rewarded by Mariwasa for their excellent sales of Mariwasa products. Representing Wilcon was hardworking EVP for marketing Rose Ong with her dashing husband Antonio, Wilcon VP-comptroller Lorraine Belo and Careen Belo, daughters of visionary Wilcon president William Belo. Congratulations to Wilcon for continuing to be the leader in the homebuilding industry!

A chocolate Christmas

If I were you, I’d take the time to drop by Dusit Hotel Nikko, one of the most elegant hotels in the Makati area. They have an eye-catching Chocolate House near the Deli Shop. The edible Chocolate House is made of rye bread coated with chocolate and decorated with assorted cookies and chocolate candies. You can immediately smell the enticing aroma of chocolate upon entering the hotel lobby. Guests will find assorted pralines, mini-chocolate house, mini-gingerbread house and other Deli items for sale inside the Chocolate House. Also available for sale at the Deli Shop are the Holiday Hampers, cakes, wines, breads and many other treats in line with the hotel’s celebration of "Christmas for the Young and Young at Heart." See you at Dusit!

(Dusit Hotel Nikko is located at Edsa corner Pasay Road, Ayala Center, Makati. For inquiries, please call 867-3333.)

Johnny congratulates...

CrownAsia, the country’s largest homebuilder, and its master landscaper, our very own Bobby Gopiao, for winning the Grand Prix of the World Bonsai Competition recently held in Tokyo. Bobby’s entry, a Phemphis acidula (Bantige), cascade style, entitled Bagtikan, bested over 3000 entries from all over the world. The competition was rigorously screened by Japanese judges composed of the most respected experts in bonsai. Bobby designs landscape themes for Crown Asia, who encourages his artistry. "I like working with Crown Asia. From my first project Cottonwoods to the most recent, Valenza, they always opt for new treatments." We hope to enjoy more of your landscape masterpieces in the elegant communities of CrownAsia!