Well-loved cognac Hennessy XO, known for its complex and bold blend, recently highlighted its distinct facets in a rare collaboration with some of today’s iconic personas.
A grandiose affair was held at the Sky Garden of Zuellig Building in Makati City to welcome the Hennessy XO Exclusive Collection, which speaks of the brand’s art of excellence while staying true to its original heritage and incomparable quality.
Moët Hennessy Philippines invited a handful of its business, media and society friends for an intimate gathering to usher in Hennessy XO’s new, innovative and modern look.
Hennessy, together with self-taught designer Tom Dixon, created the intricately crafted and award-winning decanter design for Hennessy XO’s Exclusive Collection. Likewise, renowned photographer and video pioneer Nick Knight brought to life this object of art to highlight the cognac’s bold new look through his understanding of its architecture and overall aura that became vital in capturing the essence of the collection.
Guests were ushered in the tasting area where they were each served a round blend of cognac as a starter. Each sip connects to the four elements that make up Hennessy XO from its deep amber color, boldness, roundness and complexity.
During the event, it drizzled but the guests gamely moved from the Sky Garden to The Conservatory of The Peninsula Manila. There, guests indulged in a menu designed by the Château de Bagnolet of Hennessy and prepared by chef Samuel Linder and the chefs of Old Manila.
Nicole Ascencio with the Manila String Machine prepared a musical treat for guests who enjoyed the fancy dinner and their Hennessy XO.
Amelie’s charm
The start of the Year of the Goat ushered the official opening of Manila’s newest boutique hotel: Amelie Hotel Manila. The opening celebration was hosted by Tessa Prieto-Valdes amid the traditional lion and dragon dances.
The event was held at Amelie Hotel’s roof deck where guests were treated to snacks and cocktails prepared by Galleon by Mario’s Kitchen (the hotel’s restaurant and bar). The roof deck offered a breathtaking view of Manila’s skyline and the Manila Bay. Guests partied the night away.
Located along J. Bocobo street in Malate, the hotel offers rooms that feature modern interpretations of traditional design schemes prevalent in pre- and post-war Manila. Interior stylist Anton Barretto designed the rooms, as well as the hotel’s public areas, to bring back hints of Old Manila’s past glory while incorporating contemporary accents.
Named after owner lawyer Roberto Uy’s three-year-old granddaughter, Amelie, the hotel combines the dainty charm of Old Manila and the eye-catching appeal of modern architecture and interior design schemes. It offers 70 rooms in three sizes: single room (24 sq. m.), double room (33 sq. m.) and suite room (31 sq. m.). The rooms have been designed in modern minimalist style with chic furniture, bohemian-inspired accent decor, framed photos or visual representations of fascinating facets of Manila’s culture. An oversized map of Metro Manila acts as a decorative element as well as an actual guide to help tourists navigate the streets of Malate and the rest of Metro Manila.
The rooms all feature an interesting design motif: a stylized, linear canopy that sets the bed apart and gives the room more depth and dimension. All rooms come with large and comfortable queen-sized beds and equipped with essential amenities such as a large flat screen LCD TV and Wi-Fi connection.
Inspired by the bohemian spirit of Old Malate, Amelie, managed by the Paramount Hotels, displays the works of contemporary artists in Manila today. The hotel’s brand director Mark Abellon said, “We wanted to bring something new to the Malate scene by giving our guests a sampling of Manila’s contemporary and hip culture. We will be collaborating with the new wave of painters, graphic designers, fashion designers and musicians in Manila and give them the venue to showcase their art. By doing so, we will be able to give our guests a well-rounded experience of Manila — Malate in particular.”
Hallways leading to the rooms all feature niches where works of young Filipino contemporary artists are on display. Artworks will be rotated on a quarterly basis to give guests the opportunity to get acquainted with Manila’s flourishing art scene. The hotel curates the music being played in all public areas to include independent and underground artists playing their own brand of world music.
Service is an important aspect of the Amelie experience. The hotel’s general manager Jose Antonio Sacluti said, “There are many structures like Amelie Hotel Manila in the Malate area, but none offers the kind of service we give. We are a boutique hotel offering five-star service to our guests. This will be carried out through our professional, efficient, but extremely warm service. It is the small details and sincere gestures that set Amelie apart.”
Present during the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Ruy Group Hotel Corp.’s chairman lawyer Roberto Uy, Nuclear Medicine and Rheumatology consultant Dr. Federico Cruz, Mabalacat City, Pampanga Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales, Ruy Group Hotel president Giselle Abellon, Uy Group of Companies senior vice president Amor Cruz and Paramount Hotels and Facilities Management Co. Inc. president Jose Mari del Rosario.
(Amelie Hotel Manila is located at 1667 J. Bocobo St., Malate, Manila. For inquiries and reservations, call 875-7888, fax 995-3972, e-mail inquiry@ameliehotelmanila.com or visit
Education for future leaders
Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship program funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organizations. The scholarships are awarded to outstanding established or emerging leaders to pursue one-year master’s degree (although some awards are for tailor-made short courses) in any subject and at any of the UK’s leading universities.
Chevening Scholarships operate in more than 160 countries and territories worldwide, and this year the program will support over 1,500 individuals.
The scholarships are an important element in Britain’s public diplomacy effort and they afford young professionals, who have already displayed outstanding leadership talents, to study in the UK. The objective of Chevening is to support foreign policy priorities and achieve FCO objectives by creating lasting positive relationships with future leaders, influencers and decision-makers.
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