Gracia

Artist Tessa Mendoza held her first solo exhibit dubbed Gracia at the Writers Bar of Raffles Makati.

Gracia represents the revival of Tessa’s artistic career, which began in her childhood until she took a hiatus for a few years as she focused on her growing family. Gracia embodied Tessa’s acknowledgment of the grace of the Creator in her creations. She said, “Mine is but the hand that wields brush to canvas; it is Christ’s abounding grace that inspires, conjures, creates and blesses.”

Opening the successful exhibit were Washington SyCip and Oscar Lopez. Helping them were Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., Connie Lopez and Tessa’s parents architect Toti and Maribel Mendoza. With her artwork almost completely sold out on opening night, Tessa displayed her stunning gold leaf portraits. Her Kalikasan series pays homage to nature and the environment.  Her vibrant Cathedral Glass series was inspired by her first visit to Barcelona and Cuenca.

Tessa describes herself as a self-taught artist who began doodling on her notebooks in school. She then took a private workshop with watercolor artist Jonah Salvosa. Tessa had a joint exhibit with Marivic Rufino entitled Nuances at the Hotel InterContinental Manila.

While living in Canada, Tessa became an elected member of the Société des Artistes Canadiens and an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. She is also a member of the North Vancouver Community Art Council. She moved back to Manila in December 2012 and is now poised to formally mark her entry into the Philippine art scene.

A portion of the proceeds of the exhibit was donated to Assumption High School Batch 1983 for the benefit of the Assumption Alumnae Association, which is engaged in various charitable initiatives around the Philippines.

Gracia was sponsored by Raffles Makati and Ralph’s Wines and Spirits. 

(For more information, visit tessamendoza.artist on Facebook or e-mail [email protected].)

Beauty in luxury

It has been more than 10 years since the first Bulgari store has opened its doors in Manila. Its flagship store at Greenbelt 4 has been renovated and was re-launched. 

Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., Italian Ambassador Massimo Roscigno, Bulgari High Jewellery senior marketing director Giampaolo Della Croce and regional managing director for Asia Pacific Wei Ling Wong led the ribbon-cutting ceremonies as Moët Chandon champagne flowed freely to toast to the re-opening of the Bulgari flagship store.

Guests discover the latest pieces such as the new MVSA High Jewellery creations, the new DIVA collections as well as the recently launched LVCEA watch collection. 

Black carpet and candles marked the way from the Bulgari boutique to the Ayala Museum where the festivities continued. The museum was transformed to give homage to the brand’s Roman heritage — the image of the iconic Bulgari Via Condotti store was the main backdrop to the elevated white platform with four Roman pillars.

Monique Wilson performed as she was accompanied by the 30-piece String Minstrels Orchestra.

Five food stations were conceptualized especially for the event by Shangri-La Makati’s executive chef Paul Lenz and executive pastry chef Romain Renard. Each station was inspired by the gems or precious metals used by the luxury brand and they were meticulously translated into a gastronomical experience broken down into cold dish, hot dish, dessert and drink pairing that added sparkle to the evening.

A new home for Property24

Online property search engine Property24 Philippines continues its success in the country as it moves to a new home in the heart of Ortigas business district. Complete with modern layout and playful furnishings, the loft-style office is also the biggest hub of its parent company Property24 in Asia.

Its chief executive officer JP Farinha said, “The expansion of the Property24 Philippine office is a testament to the company’s commitment to the country’s real estate industry and its confidence in the Philippine economy.”

Guests were welcomed into a spacious, urban-themed workspace with an open office design. Property24 Philippines country manager Steve Santos added, “We wanted a space that encourages out-of-the-box thinking — creative, non-traditional and innovative — and promotes employee collaboration.”

Launched earlier this year, Property24 Philippines boasts over 400,000 monthly visits and its property listings are viewed around 10 million times in a month. The site also has roughly half a million property listings of studios, houses and offices for sale or rent, making it the biggest online real estate site with the largest number of choices for any property search in the Philippines.

(For more information, visit www.property24.com.ph.)

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)