The birth of the country's first and only designer residences

It was indeed a groundbreaking feat in the real estate industry as the country’s premier real estate developer Robinsons Land Corp., led by president and COO Frederick Go, in joint venture with Security Land Corp., recently unveiled its first residential project in Makati City, the first and only designer residences in the Philippines — Signa Designer Residences. Held at the Peninsula Manila, the significant affair emceed by the lovely lifestyle television host Daphne Oseña Paez together with your columnist was well attended by Manila’s high society and prominent business personalities. The innovative masterpiece — a two-tower, 29-story upscale development located at the corner of Valero and Rufino Streets in Salcedo Village is the result of the brilliant collaboration of three highly-acclaimed names in Philippine design and architecture: furniture and space designer Antonio “Budji” Layug, architect Royal Pineda and furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue. The artist-inspired project with a thoroughly organic and exquisitely tropical theme aims to breathe life to the vision of bringing back the Makati of old, back in the days when the city was open and green. Set to be Makati’s next iconic landmark, the Signa Designer Residences is truly the “Work of Filipinos for the Filipinos.”

Mabuhay!

Two commendations and a birthday

Your columnist congratulates Dusit Thani Manila for once again winning the award for the Best City Hotel in Manila at the 20th TTG Annual Travel Awards 2009 while Camp John Hay for recently celebrating its 106th year with a laudable selfless act. CJH Devco employees and unit owners led by chairman Bob Sobrepeña, COO Alfredo Yñguez III and SVP Shean Bedi pooled their resources together to conduct relief operations to various barangays affected by typhoon Pepeng.

Meanwhile, the affable and lovely birthday celebrator Aida Cobankiat hosted a welcome dinner for the charming Ruby Chua and other close friends at CAV in Bonifacio High Street. More power to Dusit Thani Manila, Camp John Hay and lovely Aida!

(For those who would want to help, please call Donalyn Vizcara at (074) 442-2591.)

Great movies at the Plaza

Premier lifestyle destination Shangri-La Plaza recently played host to Cine Europa. Now on its 12th year, the popular film festival presented both loyal and new followers with the best line-up yet. Cine Europa 12 was formally opened by the Delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines head Ambassador Alistair MacDonald, with Shangri-La Plaza Corp. chairman and CEO lawyer Andy Bautista and EVP and GM Lala Fojas. Congratulations!