Songkran at the Dusit

In wanting to continue its promise of offering “heaven on earth,” the Dusit Thani Manila successfully launched its newly renovated lobby as it celebrated the Songkran “Thai New Year” Festival at the Benjarong Royal Thai Restaurant. Notable guests were welcomed by Philippine Hoteliers Inc. president and regional vice president for Dusit International Gerhard Kropp as the hotel’s food and beverage director Gilbert Uy and PR manager Danelle Palang hosted the evening’s program. Dusit Thani Manila’s new GM Prateek Kumar commenced the program with a warm welcome while Thai Ambassador Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhaya gave some inspiring remarks as they also headed a solemn fragrant water pouring ritual with the hotel’s resident Thai managers. It was a glorious celebration of everything truly Thai!

Cheers!

110 years of Spanish friendship

A remarkable night of history and refinement recently occurred as the Camara Oficial Espanola de Comerci, Industria y Navegacion en Filipinas, more popularly known as La Camara, celebrated its 110th founding anniversary at the Ballroom of the Renaissance hotel in Makati. La Camara is the oldest Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and possibly in Southeast Asia. The chamber’s president Jose Luis Romero Salas and executive director Emmanuel Gamboa welcomed over 150 members and their guests to this auspicious occasion. Spanish Ambassador Luis Arias presented the prestigious “Premio Andres de Urdaneta” award to Compania General de Tabacos de Filipinas or Tabacalera represented by Serafin Gonzalez. The “Premio Juan Luna” award went to Sen. Edgardo Angara, accepted on his behalf by his wife Gloria. With everyone having a taste of Amoroso, a brandy made with all the love and tradition from Spain, it was indeed a splendid celebration, worthy of the grand old institution that is La Camara.

Enhorabuena!

Johnny says, ‘Check this out’

Come rain or shine, the merry month of May is just perfect to chill and forget about your worries and the unpredictable weather. Head to Liberty Center — the ultra chic place to hang out with your friends which is located at 312 Shaw Blvd., just behind the Archbishops palace. Relax to the rhythm of crowd favorite FanZnote on May 15, to the soulful music of Silk on May 22 and to the impressive musical diversity of Atmosphere on May 29. See you there!

(For inquiries call 534-5648 to 50 loc. 120)

Under the Ponticelli sun

Leave it to Crown Asia, a subsidiary of real estate giant Vista Land and Lifescapes, Inc., when it comes to creating amazing developments. Just recently, the grand blessing of the new Ponticelli Clubhouse and swimming pool took place, led by Crown Asia CEO Mark Villar, corporate communications head Camille Villar, production head engineer Earl Millanes and Lakefront sales and marketing head Nova Noval. Ponticelli reflects the picturesque Italian countryside towns for which it is designed after.

(For property previews, contact 837-1400 and 837-1406 or visit www.lakefront.com.ph)

Finding treasures at home

If you wish to provide an excellent place to reunite with your friends and loved ones, A.Venue is indeed the newest destination of choice for comfort food, fine dining and relaxation along Makati Avenue. Recently, it became the ideal hangout for lovely New Yorker Jesusa, wife of brilliant Dr. Anthony Calanog, who spent a superb and memorable lunch get-together with long-time chums Nenuca Blardony, Alice Briones, Antel Group president Elena Jao and your columnist. Dining at Oki Oki, an elegant restaurant which serves the most authentic Japanese cuisine, was indeed a pleasant get-together. Cheers!