Pink October Charity Ball

CEBU, Philippines — Every time you read the phrase “Pink October,” it means that in October, the ICanServe Foundation, an advocacy group that empowers women with breast cancer and disseminates breast cancer-related information join forces with its allies to raise both awareness and funds in the fight against the most prevalent cancer today. The Foundation has a mission to educate women about breast care, focusing particularly on early breast cancer detection.

Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, through the efforts of its general manager Anders Hallden has formed an alliance with the Foundation by hosting the “Pink Exodus,” the first Pink Charity Ball featuring the collection of Philipp Tampus at the Pacific Grand Ballroom last September 29. Oro China and ClothesforLife have joined the coalition in partnership with The Freeman and other local media outlets.

The hotel has stretch out its corporate social responsibility by launching the “Pink October” room promotions and donates a percentage of the revenues to the ICanServe Foundation. It is also a Pink Affair at the Lobby Lounge where Pink Pastries Delights are paired with coffee or tea.

Appetizer served during the first Pink Charity Ball was Pomelo Salad, Pink Onion and Mustard Dressing. The pomelo fruit is often served to welcome guests in fiesta celebrations, especially in the rural areas. There were very sweet varieties that originated from the towns of Carcar and Asturias, long before Cebu imported pink pomelos from Davao. Its high fiber content will detoxify the digestive system. It also fills up the hungry stomachs of guests; hence its popularity, excuse me, as an appetizer. The salad served at the Pink Charity Ball was quite succulent and sweet with the mustard dressing giving a spicy, sharp and mild pungent flavor.

Main Course was the Pink Pepper Crust Mahi-Mahi, Beet Root Risotto and Lemon Cream. A very long time ago, I studied herbs and spices and encountered, for the first time, pink peppercorns. I had seen the white, black or green pepper (dried unripe fruit from the Piper nigrum plant).  The pink pepper comes from another plant, Schinus molle and it is called a peppercorn because of its resemblance and it has also a peppery flavor. It makes a very nice contrast on the white flesh of fish. The fish was delicious with the lemon cream providing an exciting mild tartness and velvety finish.

Dessert was the Pink Royal Surprise, a Strawberry Chocolate Mousse with Cream of Berries. Then the fashion show for a cause began and models displayed the collection of Philipp Tampus. The runway was highlighted by Greek-inspired columns and lighted by huge chandeliers. Additional entertainment was provided by the Vaudeville Theater Company, with a sampler of their upcoming Broadway Musical on October 20 and21, “The Addams Family.” Nice!

It was a beautiful dinner and such a lovely “Pink Exodus!”