A star-studded moment

Vice President Noli de Castro, Rep. Jose de Venecia, Taguig Mayor Freddie Tinga, IPS chairman CEO Koji Miyashita, singer Pops Fernandez and Japanese journalist Kiyoshi Wakamiya led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the new Japanese restaurant Toki.

Toki, Japanese for “moment,” redefines what Japanese cuisine and contemporary dining is all about with the distinct and authentic Japanese taste of the food it serves. It boasts of having chef Shinsuke Yonekawa, the 2007 Master Chef of Japan who worked at the Hyatt Regency and Mandarin Palace Hotel in Japan. He also won the Gold Award at the Second California Rice Masters Chef search. He ensures maintaining the authentic Japanese taste in the restaurant while incorporating mostly fresh local ingredients. Their local fatty tuna belly is local and both delectable and affordable. The (imported) salmon sashimi is served with local cashew nuts. He creates new and innovative dishes, tweaking traditional Japanese recipes.

Other guests spotted during the opening were Kaye Tinga, Gen. Mitch Templo, Gener Gozum, Mildred Ortega, Sari Yap, Joebelle Salvador, Yayo Aguila, Eva Eugenio, Jonathan Dizon and Toki’s Aster Amoyo.

(Toki is located on the second floor of the 32nd & Fifth Building, 32nd Street corner Fifth Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Call 856-9528, 856-7295 or 0917-8635035 and ask for Toki’s service manager Keitaro Kawasaki for reservations.

Log on to www.toki-jp.com)

A new Jewelmer at Greenbelt 5

Jewelmer, producer of exquisite South Sea pearl jewelry, formally opened the doors of its newest showroom at the second level of Greenbelt 5 with cocktails that began at 3 in the afternoon.

Models Bianca Valerio, Isabel Roces and Girlie Benitez, dressed in designs by Rhett Eala, modeled some of Jewelmer’s fine pearl jewelry.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was done by Jewelmer president Manuel Cojuangco with Kris Aquino. Two of Jewelmer’s special-edition 30th anniversary pendants were raffled off. Lucky winners were Anna Sobrepeña and lawyer Gaby Concepcion.

Guests enjoyed an exhibit featuring select pieces of fine Palawan South Sea pearl. New in-store images which are set to appear in all Jewelmer showrooms were on display.

A proudly Filipino brand, Jewelmer has been cultivating South Sea pearls in Palawan for nearly 30 years. Once harvested, these gems are set in designs specifically crafted to showcase the beauty of each pearl.

(Jewelmer’s other showrooms are located at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, Manila Peninsula Hotel, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Alabang Town Center, Glorietta IV, SM Megamall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Ayala Center Cebu.)

Off to Dinelli

Husband-and-wife team Anthony and Kristine Meehan, who both have an extensive background in the hotel and wine industries, have opened their second branch of Dinelli Gourmet at The Fort.

Dinelli offers quality gourmet produce, dishes and wines. Anthony says, “Dinelli is about the convergence of good products that don’t normally make it to the market.” Ninety percent of the products are imported from his homeland Australia. Dinelli puts great importance in quality and affordability with its offerings of savory cheese, cut steaks, fish, bread, chocolates and vegetables. The center stands bakery style shelves and crates carrying herbs, teas, antipasto, salad dressings, dips, pates, marinades and many more. Aside from the store and wine cellar, it offers great food from a menu created with the help of chef Robby Goco.

Go there for a casual laid-back dinner with friends or try its famous wagyu beef. I’d personally go there just to eat and then shop!

(Dinelli Gourmet is located at One McKinley Place, 25th Street corner 4th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City. Call 703-4282 or 856-0498 for reservations.)