The generic name of caring

The company that pioneered generic medicines, Pharex Health Corp., had an evening of great music and inspiring stories for its 20th anniversary at the Grand Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza, Ortigas. The Capital of Health Care Excellence was held to show Pharex’s appreciation to its partners — doctors, pharmacists, hospital and drug store owners and suppliers — who have shared in the company’s vision of providing affordable, high quality medicines.

Present were the executives of Pharex and its parent company Pascual Laboratories, Inc., headed by chairman Dr. Abraham Pascual, CEO and Pharex chairman Manuel Salazar and Pharex president Tomas Marcelo Agana III. Pharex’s “partners” included the social welfare group GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. led by its EVP Mel Tiangco, the drug company’s partner in a recent medical mission in Dagupan. The event was hosted by Suzi Entrata-Abrera and guests were serenaded by Richard Poon and the soothing music of the Holy Family Chorale.

Dr. Josette Talamera Biyo of Philippine Science High School in Iloilo gave an inspirational talk, sharing her story of how one can pursue excellence, despite hindrances and obstacles. Biyo, the first Asian winner of the coveted Intel Excellence in Teaching Award in the US, bested 4,000 candidates from all over the world. Taking off from Biyo’s inspiring story, Pharex reaffirmed its commitment to give something back to the society, particularly the underprivileged, through sponsorships of various free clinics and medical missions, outreach programs for orphans and housing projects. According to Agana, Pharex will be extending these initiatives to health education through the Pharex Community MD scholarship program with the UP Manila School of Health Sciences, which will benefit deserving certified Community Health Workers and Registered Nurses aspiring to complete their medical degrees.

It was truly a momentous evening for Pharex and its partners who reiterated their commitment to work together to deliver quality health care to Filipinos through affordable, high quality generic medicines.

An auspicious dinner

In this lucky Year of the Ox, Ariel Arce and Pinky Tobiano hosted a Chinese New Year dinner in their home where a lavish Chinese buffet was prepared. On each guest’s plate were lucky Chinese charms and beautiful “Hok” miniature cake designed by Penk Ching to attract and magnetize good fortune.

Chinese geomancer Charlie Chao was present to offer advice. The evening ended with two lion dances and fireworks. Richard Poon serenaded the guests during the night together with his sister Eva Poon. Others present during the dinner were Rene and Anne Puno, Mike Toledo, Frannie Jacinto, Jojo Zabarte, Mayenne Carmona, Beth Mendoza, Chito and Anna Sobrepeña, Lorna Tolentino, Rhoda and Vince Aldanese, Cecille Lilles, Phoemela Baranda, Mario Dumawal, Raul Manzano, Khristine Gabriel, Dioceldo Sy, Becky Garcia, Christine Bersola-Babao, Paul Cabral, Cary Santiago, Ruby Chua and Suzette and Arnold Ayson.

Thai high

Thai Airways International earned No. 1 ranking in the First and Business Class Airport Service category by the 2008 Skytrax global survey of airlines.

Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, commented on how THAI has gained recognition on outstanding airport services. “THAI’s new Royal First Class Lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport has the most extensive choice of options to satisfy passenger demands. These facilities, combined with the exclusive staff service attention, offer what our respondents name as the world’s best.”

Not only has THAI moved up from second place to first in both First and Business Classes, in Economy Class, the ranking on THAI’s airport services has also climbed up from fifth to second place.

Nivat Chantarachoti, Thai Airways GM in the Philippines, said the airline’s performance continues to place it in the top echelon of airlines at a time when Skytrax itself pointed to a very tough competition as every airline is also continuing to improve significantly on their products and services.

“We realize that we have to work even harder. Everyone at THAI will strive for further increase in our rankings in the future,” Chantarachoti said.

Skurban style!

Pumping up the new age of sports and street style is Republ1c, the ultimate destination boutique for adventure and sports enthusiasts. Guests witnessed Streetscape the Republ1c Launch Party and its latest Spring/Summer collection held at the NBC Tent at The Fort. Republ1c brings the freshest, most cutting-edge and stylish gear and apparel for Skurban sports including skateboarding, wakeboarding, wake skating, kiteboarding, and surfing!

More than just a stop for water sports enthusiasts, Republ1c houses apparel and gear reflective of the emerging phenomenon known as Skurban. Influenced by the skate and street wear fashion and lifestyle observed in skateboarding origins in Los Angeles and New York, the Skurban style illustrates heavily branded and graphic tees, hoodies as a layering piece, skinny, tapered or baggy jeans, flat-billed, baseball caps and skate shoes.

Pro wake boarders and skateboarders exhibited moves at the Republ1c insta-wake system and portable skate park.

The event kicked off with a simultaneous fashion show, an off-the hook dance performance and skate exhibition. Models strutted down the skate park-inspired stage in pieces from the Spring/Summer 2009 collection by Republ1c brands such as C1RCA, KR3W, SUPRA, Skullcandy, Dragon, Pull-in, RONIX, Liquid Force, Helium, Hyperlite, The Hundreds, New Breed Girl, RVCA, Bern, RYGY, B Swim, L space, Lisa Lozano, Hurley, plus a lot more. Meanwhile, the hip and award-winning All Star Philippine Dance Group showcased adrenaline-pumping actions as skaters glided through the ramps.

Visit Republ1c at Unit 5&6 La Fuerza Plaza, 2441 Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati City or contact 864-0774 or 710-9089 for more info.

Also visit the other branches at the 3rd level of TriNoma, Westgate Alabang Center, Eastwood Citywalk 2 as well as H2o by Republ1c at the 2nd level of Eastwood Mall.

It’s diwal time again

Diwal or the angel wing clam is finally back in Pepato! Chef Margarita Fores had diwal festivals in the past but she said she will probably have the formerly endangered succulent clam in the menu for good. One can try diwal simply grilled or in truffle oil and pasta or in French butter for starters. The diwal linguine is quite popular for a main course.

Check out why the Filipino gourmands savor this clam. Try it in Pepato at the ground floor of Greenbelt 2. Call 757-2636 or 0917-8990155 for reservations or inquiries.