New fashion store opens

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu's well-heeled crowd welcomed the weekend with an exclusive cocktail at The Abaca Group's Tavolata in celebration of the opening of Zara at the Ayala Center Cebu Expansion, on March 14.

The guests at the private cocktail were surprised to see their favorite hotspot, Tavolata, transformed for the evening affair. A black carpet covered the concrete floors, silver mirrored panels rose up all the way to the restaurant's high-ceiling, chic all-white floral centerpieces decorated the venue, and candles scattered all over for added drama. Wine and champagne flowed throughout the night.

 Part of the celebration was the giving out of awards to the evening's best-dressed. Teresin Mendezona and Gretchen Uy were awarded as the evening's Style Queens, while Protacio Empaces and Michael Sanchez were Style Kings. Derek and Mary Anne Arculli were named Chic Couple of the night, while mother-daughter, Anna Hyatt and Reona Ido shared the Style DNA award. The winners wore pieces by Zara, but their style was all their own.

Anton Huang, Executive Vice President of Stores Specialists, Inc., the company that brings ZARA to Cebu, was impressed by the stylishness that the Cebuanos displayed. Most of the guests at the affair came fashionably dressed in Zara. (FREEMAN)