A unique Scotch night

It all started in 1843 when Queen Victoria herself granted a Royal Warrant to the Chivas brothers, James and John, to supply premium Scotch whiskey to the royal family. Pernod Ricard Philippines, the exclusive importer and marketer of Chivas Regal, hosted a two-day Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old Exclusive Scotch tasting session at The Republiq Club in Resorts World, Newport City. A number of 18-Year-Old single malt whiskies from the Chivas Regal 18 blend were paired with chocolate shavings, almonds, sultanas and chocolate truffles. An exceptional four-course dinner and hors d’oeuvres were especially-prepared by The Republiq’s own chef Fernando Aracama. Hyatt executive chef Josef Miklavc also created unique chocolates infused with Chivas Regal 18 Year Old for guests to partake.

The key idea behind the unique event was to highlight how Chivas Regal Blended Scotch Whisky can be enjoyed with certain foods and dishes to further enhance the product and bring out the numerous layers of taste found in the blended Scotch.

Regional mentoring manager for Chivas Brothers Limited Darren Hosie flew in from Scotland and led the tasting program. Hosie inherited his passion for the Scottish national drink from his father and grandfather. He joined Chivas Brothers Limited in July 2003 and has since become an International Brand Ambassador, going around the world and educating the people on the distinctiveness of the Chivas Regal. Guests and Scotch lovers seemed to have enjoyed the brief but informative program while enjoying their Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old Scotch.

The Kaogma Festival 2010

Every year, CamSur commemorates its founding with a celebration. CamSur is one of the oldest provinces in the country at 431 years now. Recently, it had a nine-day celebration of the Kaogma Festival.

Dubbed as Kaogma 2010: Everybody Happy!, extreme sports competitions filled the days with much energy and excitement. The Motocross Challenge showcased over 108 motorcycle daredevils; the 4x4 Isarog Challenge was an adrenaline-packed competition with big-wheeled cars rolling in thick mud; the Tour of CamSur gathered over 250 cyclists for a two-day race of speed and endurance over a 200-km route; and some celebrities and media battled it out at the Aquafest Challenge in Lago del Rey. The 5th Philippine Wakeboarding Nationals was held at the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) cable park. The Miss Kaogma beauty pageant glory went to Miss Kaogma 2010 Jaine Hidalgo, Miss CamSur 2010 Mae Liezel Ramos and Miss Kaogma Tourism 2010 Lizl Louise Camille Resoles. Another highlight of the Kaogma Festival was a 12-hour music marathon with Itchyworms, Delara, Pure Vibracion, Philia, Marcos Highway and the Bloom Brothers at the Musicfest.

The Kaogma Festival is bound to get bigger and better every year.

(Visit www.camsur.com and www.cwcwake.com for more information.)

Total therapy

Total Therapy is a home spa service that was started by my enterprising niece (and very first godchild out of the current 18) Timmie Singson Hilado. The spa has well-trained therapists that consistently provide high quality treatments perfect for the tired and stressed out residents of Quezon City, Ortigas, Makati and Global City.

It brings the spa experience to your own home. With each Total Therapy visit, one can expect to be pampered with organic oils, lotions and scrubs, and the option of having fresh towels and soothing music to complete the spa atmosphere. The services are not limited to the regular massage. They have a wide selection of treatments, including hot stone massages, ventosa, lomi-lomi and even body scrubs.

Total Therapy has also done spa parties for groups of eight or more. It’s the perfect way to unwind with friends. The spa is not limited to home visits alone. It can provide treatments at offices, too, at a special corporate rate.

(Check out www.totaltherapy.multiply.com or call the following numbers: QC/Ortigas/Greenhills (572-3104/ 0908-1476655) or Makati/Global City (512 7457).)