Full Speed(o) ahead

Speedo is setting the trend for summer with its Spring/Summer collection for 2010 that features three new distinct lines — Originals, Aqua-Active and LZR-Inspired.

The White Space in Makati became the venue where Speedo rocked the ramp with its new and innovative pieces from its LZR-inspired range. Models paraded the Originals collection with statement swimwear in bright, primary colors, fashionable bikinis and retro-inspired pieces. Rounding up the show was Speedo’s new line of suits for competitive swimming, which included the Speedo LZR Racer Elite and Speedo LZR Racer Pro, developed from the Fastski LZR Racer suit; and finally, the FastSkin XT, which is exclusive to Asia. Worn by the Philippines’ top national and collegiate swimmers led by 2009 SEA Games medallist and Speedo sponsored Kendrick Lim Uy, the suits promise to be the most innovative in swimwear technology with an updated form and style. The new generation swimsuits offer a unique combination of highly technical fabrics, design and construction for a smoother shape, reduced drag and greater flexibility; all within FINA’s new rules for 2010.

Special guests at the unveiling of Speedo’s 2010 collection included Sen. Pia Cayetano and Indira Kumar, wife of the Indian ambassador. Members of the swimming community included Bert Lozada Swim School’s coaches Angelo, Pepper and Anthony Lozada and former Olympian Rene “Guy” Concepcion. Star’s Quinito Henson and Anthony Suntay from the sports media were also present. Guests were treated to food choices from Red Kimono.

Speedo concept shops are located at Bonifacio High Street, Glorietta 4, Alabang Town Center, TriNoma, Paseo De Sta. Rosa, Ayala Center Cebu, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM City Cebu, SM City Davao, The Podium, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Place Bacolod, Gateway Mall, LimKetKai Mall, Eastwood Citywalk 2, Chimes Davao and MarQuee Mall.

(Visit www.speedo.com)

Connectivity and entertainment in style

Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp. launched the latest additions to its range of netbooks, the Samsung N220 and N150, at the Establishment. Business partners were welcomed by Samsung Electronics Phils. Corp. Consumer Electronics CFO Beom Hee Lee, IT head Eric Sulit, business adviser BongWan Kim, marketing director Glenn Glinoga and marcomm manager Coco Domingo.

After the welcome remarks by Sulit, product manager for netbooks and laptops Jeff Cheng shared the different highlight features of the new netbooks. It was followed by an interactive demo by netbook tech leader Bernie Serran.

Designed to provide maximum personal freedom, the N220 delivers up to 12 hours of secure connected mobility, while the N150 keeps on going for up to eight hours. This impressive battery-powered performance is possible because overall power consumption is reduced by their energy efficient LED display, optimized processing performance and Samsung’s proprietary Enhanced Battery Life solution.

The new netbooks come with a range of tools for greater ease of use and safety. Firstly, the “Instant On” capability of the Phoenix HyperSpace tool, featured on the N220, allows the device to turn on and immediately go online without waiting for Windows to boot, while their “Smart Power Management” conserves more battery power without user intervention. The AnyPC remote PC access application enables a secure One-Click connection to a home or office PC, making it safe and easy to transfer and view files while on the go. The Samsung Recovery solution allows easy formatting, back-up and recovery of data without using CDs and allows automatic and regular back up files to the hard drive.

Cathy Azanza emceed the launch. Dinner was served with the bossa nova and samba group Guarana providing entertainment. Lucky guests were treated to a raffle of Samsung Netbooks.

Mabuhay Palace at the Manila Hotel

The refurbishment and changes in the historic Manila Hotel have produced a gem — Mabuhay Palace. Though it sounds like a Filipino restaurant, it is actually a Chinese restaurant renovated from the former function rooms. The restaurant itself resembles a Chinese courtyard with intricately-carved jade panels around the establishment.

Dishes inspired from China, Hong Kong and Singapore are cooked by chefs Hou Zhen Hui, Josephine Yu Tanganco-Candelaria, Lin Jie Min and executive chef Sun Bing.

My expectations about Mabuhay Palace were high because fellow journalist Donnie Ramirez recommended the restaurant to me with great praise. These expectations were actually met. Tessa Celdran and PAL’s Ruth Chua-Unsu have been raving about this restaurant, too. Even the simplest fried wonton chip appetizer in this restaurant is very different as it is served with honey and sesame seeds. Manila Hotel’s GM Leon Keekstra insisted I order the Long Life Prawns, wrapped and fried in angel hair pasta and served with hoisin, a fruity plum or wasabi mayo sauce. The honey glazed chicken with thinly fried ginger strips was something new to me. The almond glazed prawns were excellent as was the homemade spinach flavor tofu. The braised pork belly Zhe Jiang style served with deep fried Chinese buns is flavorful and so tender it falls off the bone. Whatever you order, don’t miss the wonderful yellow egg ice cream served on a Cantonese egg tart.

Mabuhay Palace’s main dining area can sit 140 people and its four private dining rooms can seat over 80 guests. It is open every day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

(Call 527-0011 local 1345 for inquiries and reservations.)