Painting Alabang red

The group that created the famous “Red Restaurants” recently threw a grand celebration for the opening of the first co-branded store at Westgate, Alabang –– Red Kimono and its brand new American counterpart Painted Red.

 Owner of the chain Michael Dargani says, “We wanted to introduce the restaurant to the residents of the neighboring residential areas.” Red Kimono and Painted Red’s spot at Westgate was the most packed place in Alabang the night it opened. Nameeta Dargani, who heads the marketing department, adds, “We worked with chef Robby Goco on the Painted Red menu and came up with a medley of great tasting American favorites as well as dishes with Asian, South American and Mediterranean influences. People are now quite familiar with Red Kimono so we thought we’d focus on our star collection of best sellers at Painted Red for this evening’s menu.”

 The generous spread spanning three separate buffet areas included a refreshing Chinese chicken salad, assorted pizzas, Spicy Kung Pao chicken pasta, a selection of oysters and Buffalo Wings with a blue cheese sauce and of course, sushi! Overflowing wine and chilled sake filled the glasses the entire evening and each guest received a complimentary privilege card for both restaurants.

(Red Kimono is located at Fort Strip, Fort Bonifacio, tel. no. 816-6642; UP-Ayala Techno Hub, Quezon City, Westgate, Alabang, Silver City Mall, Pasig, The Atrium SM Megamall, Ortigas. Painted Red is located at Westgate Alabang and soon to open at The Atrium, SM Megamall.)

You’re the inspiration

David Foster, one of the greatest singers, songwriters and producers, keeps the inspiration alive in You’re the Inspiration: The Music of David Foster and Friends. The album has held the number one spot in the retail charts for over 12 weeks in the Philippines! Released late last year, the compilation includes the outstanding performances from an ensemble of artists including our very own Charice Pempengco.

 Foster shines in the role of host and ring-master as well as keyboard accompanist to the slew of stars on the CD+DVD that features live performances by Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Katharine McPhee, Blake Shelton, Kenny G, Peter Cetera, Brian McKnight, and of course the much-talked about performance of the 16-year-old Charice Pempengco, who belts out a powerful medley of Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing and I Will Always Love You. 

Fifteen-time Grammy winner Foster says of Charice: “She reminds me of Celine when I saw her singing in a tent when she (Dion) was 18.” Foster, who was nominated for an unprecedented 45 Grammies, won two Emmys and was an Oscar nominee, has worked with Barbra Streisand, Madonna, Michael Jackson and scores of other music heavyweights. Foster has three Grammy “Producer of the Year” Awards. In 2007, he produced Groban’s Noel, which was the biggest selling CD of 2008.

 The CD continues to be the number one album in the Philippines. The Live DVD+CD includes two hours of live concert footage and 12 live audio tracks plus behind-the-scenes.