A taste of luxury

Guests and clients got a glimpse of the good life when Camaya Coast inaugurated its new sales and marketing office along EDSA in Mandaluyong City. Luminaries who led Camaya Coast’s office launch included former Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr., Rep. Ruffy Biazon, Bataan Gov. Tet Garcia, Balanga Bataan Mayor Joet Garcia and Parañaque City Mayor Jose “Jun” Bernabe.

The event started with a blessing ceremony led by the executives of Earth&Shore Leisure Communities Corp., headed by its president Manuel “Goody” Ilagan and officers Luis Carmelo Valenzuela, Gene Reyes and engineer Emilio Morales. Guests enjoyed the delicious victuals inspired by the luxurious coastal resort and especially created by chef Billy King of The Manor in Baguio and Tangerine in Greenhills.

Earth&Shore Leisure Communities Corp. is spearheading a massive facelift project at the 350-hectare tract located in Bataan. Redevelopment and expansion of the property is expected to make Camaya Coast into one of the country’s most prestigious community development.

Ilagan added: “When the development of Camaya Coast is completed, we expect it to re-establish itself as a tourist haven for both local and foreign tourists.”

Camaya Coast is a prime beachfront property and is an affordable investment opportunity. House-and-lot and lot-only packages are available with in-house financing at seven percent interest rate per annum for up to 10 years. 

(For further inquiries, visit its new EDSA Showroom at G/F Prudential Bldg., Annex, No. 31, EDSA, Mandaluyong City, or call 539-1960, 535-1857 or 535-1593. E-mail [email protected] or check out www.camayacoast.com)

Modern renaissance

Il Ponticello celebrated its relaunch to mark 10 years of fun and memorable parties. Guests relived the history and experienced the restaurant-bar’s rebirth for 2009 with free-flowing booze and endless spuntini (bar chow), along with the tasting of its new lunch-dinner menu. Owners Patrick and Vincent Santos and Albert Besa were on hand to welcome guests. The night was capped by live performances from wonder trio, live chillhouse electronica group The Techy Romantics and insiders’ fave alternative rock band Overtone.

 The restaurant also has spruced up its interiors to highlight the polished but laidback vibe that the Ponti (as it is fondly called by regulars) crowd loves. Interior consultant Tey de Castro was brought in for the event, together with graphic designer Thomas Mercado, who worked closely with Patrick and Albert for the relaunch.

Ponti has renewed its commitment to excellent cuisine and drinks for its growing loyal patrons. It is celebrating the success of its crowd favorites as well as spicing up its offerings with an innovative take on modern Italian food, in addition to its popular traditional Italian cuisine. In its new menu, inspired by the Renaissance period in Italy when creativity flourished, executive chef Romeo Garchitorena has created original dishes to spice up the culinary landscape in Manila. Dishes include Branzino Tartufato E Risotto Rosso (Truffled wild seabass with beetroot risotto), Agnello Di Campo, Marmellata Di Cipolle, Tartino Di Spinaci E Ricota Su Raviolone Aperta (Farm lamb, pearl onion jam and spinach ricotta tart on open raviolone), Rotolo Al Salmone Affumicato (Rolled pasta with smoked salmon) and Carpaccio Di Polipo E Sott’Oli Di Casa (Variety of seasonal crispy greens on a bed of steamed marinated octopus). Old favorites include Gorgonzola Pizza, Four-Cheese Pizza, Boscaiola Risotto, Lamb Ravioli, Asparagina Pasta, and Grilled Seabass. The bar chow is also famous for its blue drink, the Azzurro, best with the Squid Sisig, Spicy Chicken Wings and Angus Salpicao.

(Il Ponticello is located at 2F Antel 2000 Building, 121 Valero Street corner Rufino, Salcedo Village, Makati City. Call 887-7168 or 887-4998.)