Envied parties at Nuvo

Yes, it was usually held only on one Saturday of the month but that time there were too many birthday celebrators that two parties had to be thrown for them on two consecutive weekends. The first of two “envied parties” at Nuvo for the month was celebrated on a Saturday that had Skyy Vodka and Luxasia sponsor the booze and gifts for birthday celebrators Dr. Jay Ongsiako, Maite Matute, Harold Pradal, Cherry Miguel, Vangie Montalbo, Michelle Divino Bennett, MC Perdon and Claudine Lee-del Rosario. They got gifts from Guerlain and Bulgari courtesy of Sigrid Villamil.

The second party was held on a Friday that saw an equally great celebration, this time sponsored by Absolut Vodka and L’Oreal. Celebrators included couple Vicky and Butch Lagdameo, Markus Schmidt, Sari Jorge, JR Ramos and Charmaine Casals. They received L’Oreal products from Yves Saint Laurent and Kiehl’s courtesy of L’Oreal’s Pam Picazo.

Both were great nights and packed as usual. Happy birthday to all of you! We certainly had a great time at your birthday parties!

Filipina high-heeled warriors

Women achievers gathered at Salon de Ning of The Peninsula Manila to celebrate the growing power of today’s Asian women. Hosted by Universal Networks International, the event showcased the research findings of a study dubbed “High-Heeled Warriors.”

Conducted by Synovate, the research sampled female TV audiences from Manila, Singapore, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur to uncover their lifestyle habits, psychological motivations and self-identity. It encompassed eight key human motivations that influence women’s decisions: conviviality, belonging, security, control, recognition, power, vitality and enjoyment.

The study showed that urban Asian women’s duties (as mother or daughter) do not hinder their personal ambitions. The study further revealed that Filipina High-Heeled Warriors are educated, go-getters, optimists, strong-willed, big dreamers, entrepreneurial, bursting with enthusiasm, creative and innovative and expressive of their identity.

Flying in from Hong Kong to grace the event was Christine Fellowes of Universal Networks International. On the other hand, NBC Universal’s Natalie Gee and Marlene Ee. Flew in from Singapore.

Representing the banking sector were Aneth Lim and Bubbles Salvador of Citi, Ginbee Go of BPI and Irene Taylo, Ruzzell de la Cruz and Rowena Mariazeta of RCBC Bankard. Women achievers in retail were Millie Dizon and Melody Bay of SM Retail Group and Rhoda Campos Aldanese of Rustan Group of Companies.  The entertainment industry was also well represented by Singapore’s Anita Kapoor while Dr. Karen de Asis of De La Salle University-Manila represented the academe. Marlyn Villapando of Campaigns & Grey and Pia Campos of W Talent Management represented women in advertising while Ria Domingo of Philippine Airlines led women achievers in the travel industry. The payment solutions industry was represented by Ailea Zialcita and Rochelle Mayuga of MasterCard.

People should not be surprised if today’s achievers are climbing the corporate ladder in high heels.

Home of the Idols

Patterned after the hit TV show American Idol of Star World, Fox International Channels held a similar event that featured singing talents from several media agencies. For its fifth year, the event creatively chose a theme of movies turned Broadway musicals and vice versa, and was staged at the state-of-the-art Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila. Media planners highly anticipated the competition, with 12 agencies highlighting the event: Universal McCann, Zenith Optimedia, Mediaforce, Carat, Masscom, Starcomm, Maxus, Mindshare, MediaCom, Starlink, PHD and OMD.

In January next year, Star World will be airing another season of the American Idol. This promises another exciting round of auditions across the US and, of course, breathtaking performances from handpicked hopefuls.