‘Birds in Paradise’ let scholars fly high

The intrepid crew of Birds in Paradise. (From left) José Macicior, Jenny Paradies, Chona Mercado, Becca José, Sylvia Singson, Tessa Tayag, Luisa Valdés, Pilar Roxas de Areilza, Merce Tovey and Beng Aspillera.

In 2004, some members of  the Assumption San Lorenzo High School class ‘68 (ACSLV68), namely Jenny Paradies, Isabel Aspillera, Madlen Faustmann and Elsie Com, established a scholarship program to help economically disadvantaged students get their college degrees. They called their group the “birds of paradise” because, jokes Jenny, “We are a bunch of birds and we live in paradise — the Philippines!”

It’s been 15 years since the happy, not angry, “birds” began their noble project, and the project has continued to soar because, “We share the conviction that education is one way out of poverty, thus our class has persevered in finding ways to fund the program,” says Jenny.

Christmas party with the scholars. (Second row, from left) Cherry and Aisya Salazar, Ging Naguiat, Tessa Tayag, Sylvia SIngson, Kathy Romero-Salas and guests.

With the wings given to them by the “birds in paradise,” to date, 22 students have successfully completed their college degrees in various fields such as Chemistry, Civil and Electronics Engineering, Accountancy, Physics, Education, Political Science and Journalism. Some of the scholars have graduated with honors: magna cum laude (Chemistry, Physics and Education) and cum laude (Accountancy, Education, HR Development Management and Journalism). Two others are working to complete their postgraduate degrees in Molecular Medicine and Law!

A mélange of cobalt blue glass.

There are 13 scholars currently enrolled in Medicine, Architecture, Management, Customs Administration, Accountancy, Development Communication, Civil Engineering and others, at UP (Manila and Los Baños), Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Batangas State University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Jose Rizal University, Don Honorio Ventura State University (Pampanga).

One of the class’  fundraising activities is its annual “Birds in Paradise” pop-up bazaar, which unfurls it wings once more on Feb. 14 to Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Makati Garden Club, Recoletos St. cor. Ayala Ave., Makati City.

Carefully curated vintage tableware and décor.

Now on its seventh year, the pop-up Birds in Paradise has become a much-anticipated annual event in Makati. Selling exciting, unique and exquisite items sourced from countries in Europe and Asia, it provides financial support to the ACSLV68’s  education assistance program.

Have a Valentine’s brunch

Just in time for Valentine’s, Perry’s launches its delicious lineup of brunch specials.

(From left) Ro Cortez, Hatch Bodegon, Grace Capuyan, Nervin Nepomuceno, Jobi Relacion, Reena Cortez and Danni del Carmen.

Offering a wide selection of international dishes, Perry’s was named after a traveling pug named “Perry,” which the restaurant’s owners were very fond of. Given that travel is the restaurant’s overall inspiration, diners can expect the menu to be filled with a selection of dishes that its owners have tried and enjoyed during their own travels.

Now catering to the growing demand for brunch specials — perfect for those who don’t want to wake up too early yet don’t want to wait  till lunch, Perry’s new brunch menu offers a delightful assortment of dishes that diners would surely enjoy.

Compared to its lunch specials, diners can expect Perry’s brunch menu to have “lighter” offerings but are still equally filling. It’s perfect when you want to catch up with friends or loved ones.

Perry’s Scrambowl, Patatas Bravas and Braised Pork Hash.

From brunch staples like pancakes, granola  and eggs, Perry’s brunch menu goes a little more adventurous with Patatas Bravas, Cheese Shoe and Braised Pork Hash. One thing to take note of is that even with classic items like pancakes, Perry’s added something new to it by giving it a unique flavor — tangy, buttery and sweet but still with a side order of bacon.

On why they chose to focus on tea, Perry’s owners would like to promote a better appreciation and understanding of tea time. Thus, their gift boxes are filled with special tea selections that they sourced from different parts of the world plus Perry’s own breads and jams.

In addition, Perry’s has also launched its Amuse-Bouche selection. These are single-bite hors d’oeuvres that are usually served for cocktails. This is perfect for small parties or as an addition to bigger parties. Perry’s team will happily assist clients on the setup they want to achieve at their party.

A typical setup for Perry’s grazing tables include breads (pretzel buns, sourdough rolls, sweet buns) and mini-jams (whipped butter, anise langka jam), cold cuts, cheeses, fruits, as well as Perry’s signature desserts (pumpkin truffles, chocolate truffles and oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies). It’s definitely worth adding to your get-togethers this year.

Breakfast Sub.

So whether you want to enjoy some quality time with loved ones over Perry’s brunch specials, you want to enjoy its take on tea time at home or serve something impressive to your guests, you will definitely not be short of options at this fun, new restaurant.

Perry’s is located at the second floor of Upper G/F One West Campus, McWest Blvd. cor. LeGrand Ave., McKinley West, Taguig City. It is open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

(For more information, visit www.perrystea.com or call 400-6705 and 0945-1775589 for reservations.)