All about superior wines

South African Ambassador Pieter Vermeulen and his wife Chrisna opened their home for a dinner to highlight the visit to the Philippines of Linley Schultz, head wine maker at Distell, one of the largest wines and spirits companies in South Africa.

Amongst the wines from Distell distributed in the Philippines are Two Oceans, Chamdor, Fleur du Cap and South Africa’s most awarded and most famous winery, Nederburg.

Over a fabulous meal, Linley, who actually is Australian, entertained guests from the diplomatic community and the food and beverage industry with informed stories about the process of making superior wines. Bizu had prepared a sumptuous four-course dinner that included roasted mushroom salad on a bed of lettuce and broccoli and beef tenderloin stuffed with mushrooms, which Linley paired with South African wines.

Guests included Argentinean Ambassador Mario Schuff and wife Sylvia, Bob and Elsie Colombo, Buddy Cunanan, foodies Mickey Fenix and Myrna Segismundo and representatives from Future Trade International, the importers of Distell wines to the Philippines, including managing director James du Vivier and wine consultant Stewart Dovey.

Romance and luxury in fashion

Plains & Prints and designer Rajo Laurel collaborated to create a fashion-forward collection for today’s Filipinas. The new collection is under the R.A.F. (Rich And Famous) line, the company’s high-end fashion collection which features the stylish creations of top Filipino designers.

The new collection was unveiled in a cocktail party held at its new store at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

Plains & Prints was established 13 years ago with a concept of capturing the simplicity and elegance of Filipinas through its stylish pieces. Owner Roxanne Farillas said: “Plains & Prints has always pushed the envelope in fashion. With Rajo Laurel collaborating with us for our new collection, we’re again offering Filipina fashionistas clothes that meet their individual fashion tastes.” Rajo added: “Working with Plains & Prints gave me the opportunity to reach out to more customers and let them experience my designs. The collection showcases designs that highlight romance and luxury, which show who I am as a designer.”

At the end of the fashion show, Plains & Prints’ newest endorser Paula Taylor was introduced. Also present were the brand’s image models Gretchen Barretto and Celine Lopez. The launch was organized by Marilen Nuñez and her team while cocktails were provided by Cibo.

Hawaiian Airlines to send Filipino athlete to Ironman Triathlon Championship in Hawaii

Leading international carrier Hawaiian Airlines is sponsoring the roundtrip ticket of Philippine triathlon champion Ani de Leon, the first and only Filipino athlete to qualify in the Ironman Triathlon World Championship held annually in Kona, Hawaii. A send-off party was hosted by de Leon’s friends at Mag.Net Café. Photo shows Ani de Leon (center) with Airbridge Travel Inc. (Hawaiian Airlines’ general sales agent) president lawyer Mike Toledo, Weber Shandwick Worldwide’s director for business development and corporate affairs Yvonne Policarpio, Leana Farrales and Hawaiian Airlines in the Philippines operations manager Kevin Blumberg.