Manila welcomes Minotti!

Event: Launching of Minotti
Venue: Fort Bonifacio
Catered by: The Peninsula Manila
Date: June 1, 2007
Time: 6:30 - 11:00 pm

A bubble tent was purchased and flew in from Italy and inside showcased the indoor furniture of Minotti, an Italian brand that is now carried by Living Innovations Corp. handled by General Manager, Ferdinand Ong. The bubble tent was a different and unique way to hold an event. The sofas, chairs, bookshelf were carefully and artistically laid out and gave guests a feeling of comfort and style. It was airconditioned which was a welcome relief from the heat and humidity outside. A long red carpet led the way to the entrance of the tent where 4 bouncers would assist everyone to enter. Psychedelic lights would change the images and colors of the usual white material to vivid orange, red, blue and green. A dj and a singer played and sang cool songs to entertain the guests who were checking out the modern yet classy furniture Minotti has to offer.


Outside the tent was another story. Despite the heat, more people opted to lounge around the open air area where illuminated sofas, tables, pots and side tables were spread out strategically making the whole scene look like a James Bond cocktail party. The outdoor furniture are made of polyethylene and are lit by energy saving flourescent bulbs. You may also change the color of the furniture by using a different color of light inside. It gives off a very nice effect and they surely are conversational pieces. Although if lit too long, the chair tends to become a bit hot so if you don't want to slow broil your butt, make sure you get up to mingle every few minutes.


My favorite piece was this Teepee Hut. It would be perfect for my balcony in our farm. A good place to cozy up with a honey under the stars. The material is waterproof yet it can stand the beating rays of the sun. Perfecto!

Of course the able staff of The Peninsula Manila under Events Manager, Stephanie Chong, took care of feeding the VIP guests of Ferdie like Donnie Reyes, Fro Oliva, Puey Quinones, Carmina Sanchez and so many more. Trays of delicious roasted mini potato with red wine braised beef and mushroom ragout, tortilla wrap with chorizo, asparagus, basil and mascarpone, baked shrimp tart, with caramelized onions and ginger, wild mushroom and asparagus vol au vent, with curry hollandaise and gratinated crespelle with spinach, mushrooms and mascarpone. Need I go on? There's more but I think I should stop here to control the noise my stomach is making.

A continous flow of Hennessy V.S.O.P. quenched the thirst of everyone that was there. It is always good to have an over supply of drinks in a party and that is exactly what Hennessy provided. Bravo Hennessy!

I had just arrived that morning from a 3 week vacation. I was contemplating if I should go to this event since I was tired from the long trip but in the end, I was glad not to have missed it. With the great company, food and eyecandy, how can you go wrong?

By the way, I was told that you may rent the furniture pieces for special occasions. Super great idea to have these for a garden or poolside party. For more information, you may call Debbie at the numbers below.

Minotti
Living Innovations Corp.
2nd Floor, Makati Shangri-la Retail Arcade
Ayala Avenue, Makati City
(632) 8302230
(632) 8122649
moduclasse@yahoo.com

JANINA by Jul B. Dizon Jewellery

It was May 2, 2007 when a dream came true for Janina D. Hoschka, daughter of Jul B. Dizon, along with her husband, Toby, when they finally had their soft opening of JANINA by Jul B. Dizon at The Peninsula Manila. This store showcases the fine collection pieces that Janina designs.

The ultra chic shop was drawn up and executed especially for them by the famous Ito Kish. He worked around the general theme of the jewellery and created something clean, classy, young and modern. Some of the showcases were made by furniture exporter, Rene Alcala, owner of Domicillo.




Her collection is fun, unique and colorful yet elegant. Precious stones such as yellow opal, kunzite. jade, among others, are all designed with a modern oriental feel. They are very conversational and not at all expensive. She tapped on using different kinds of material that make them unique like ivory, carahorn, onyx, oxidized silver, shagreen and wood.



On their very first day, a very important client of mine, Ms. V. Yuchengco wanted to see what Janina has to offer a jewellery lover like her and lo and behold, it wasn't even a good 10 minutes when I showed her a ring that she must have. It was a beautiful rough diamond petalled flower with brilliant cuts scattered around it. It fit her and she never took it off. It is always a great feeling when you make someone happy with their purchase.


Diamonds are also part of the Janina line and it is good to know that she uses only top quality stones for her discerning clientelle. This is a magnificent pendant with multi-shaped diamonds set in an invisible mounting. It falls beautifully on the neck and the sparkle of the diamonds add glamour and class to any woman who wears it.


Big chunky rings are also abundant in her collection. This is a 10 carat citrine with tsavorite mounted in black gold. This design is a conversation piece because it uses a different technique to mount the stone. It takes a certain kind of personality to be able to carry this off because of the very unique design.


South sea pearls with diamonds all around it with a dangling oval kunzite is displayed but I am almost certain that it won't last long in the showcase because this pair of earrings has got SOLD written all over it. The pink hue and brilliance of the kunzite shows that it is of top quality. A pair that truly belongs to a someone who knows the value of a great art work.


This creation is a new take on tennis bracelets. It is designed as a chain that you normally purchase in a hardware store but this time, it is studded with multi colored sapphires in blackened silver. It can also be connected to a ribbon or a simple chain to lengthen it so that you may wear it as a necklace as well. A terrific way to stand out and show off your superb taste on jewellery to your friends.


Ms. V. Yuchengco fell in love with this ring as well. This is an oval jade with diamonds and rubies set around it. The band is also made of jade and we all know that it is a very valuable stone. This baby is to die for but utmost care must be taken when wearing this piece because of it's fragility. Nevertheless, I would forget that Louis Vuitton bag and go for this magnificent ring that will bring not just beauty to your hands but also luck to your life.


So here's a toast to the success of JANINA by Jul B. Dizon! May it be a source of tremendous joy to women who love wearing great pieces of jewellery and for the men who will pay anything for the happiness of their partners. (hint hint)

CHEERS!

It's so ZARAp!!! (Part 2)

Now for the good stuff. The food, drinks and my friends at the ZARA event at Rockwell.

The Peninsula catered the show handled by no other than the greatest Events Manager, Stephanie Chong. Truffle filled with icecream served on a bed of crushed ice, pecan tarts (my favorite), Camembert cheese on Italian cracker with fig, parma ham wrapped in Old Manila grissini sticks and other delicious treats were served alongside the overflowing glasses of champagne and orange juice. The outcome? 3 pounds and an inch at the waist. THANKS a LOT Steffie.




The fountain was transforned into a stage and the DJ's playground. White drapes hung on the ceiling that created a tent-like enclosure. Playful colors of lights played around against the white cloth that matched the chairs that were sprawled out on the floor area. BEEAAUUTIFUL work. I told Steffie that I had to get Sunday Alcaraz, who was also responsible for the set up of the fashion show, to do my future events but I was told that he is exclusive to Store Specialists, Inc. How snobby!!! Now, I want to hire him even more! BRAVO Sunday!




White lit up balls were scattered everywhere and added a real modern touch to the whole set up. They had this cutest ice bucket that I have ever seen. When I get married, I would totally have this on my gift list that one of you MUST get for me. Deal? DEAL!!!


Outside, about 15 drummers were doing their act and was amazing how they can coordinate with one another despite all the other noise around them. They were all in white and danced as they beat their assorted percussions. Another must for me to make note of for my future parties.

Good friends, talent scout-Pia Campos, Miss Earth 2005-Priscilla Meirelles and Annabelle Chavez of Naturalizer were around to enjoy the evening.


One of the best make-up artist in the country, Mr. Patrick Roxas, who is sooooo slim now poses with yours truly, his new cover girl for his upcoming book (Hihihihi, I wish).


Ok, now for a promise that I made to a friend...here goes:


The beautiful, talented, funny, SINGLE model/actress Wilma Doesnt was there to grace the occasion. She was all smile and ever so gracious as she posed for me and my overused red Sony Cybershot. Wilma Does-it again! ( I am sure she gets that a lot)

So to those who care to know that I say about this experience of mine, do the ff:

1. Hold a party
2. Hire Sunday to set it up, if you dare (he's exclusive remember?)
3. Get Steffie to cater (just don't do it on a Sunday, that's her dog day)
4. Go to Zara and buy a great outfit
5. Invite Wilma for a guaranteed good time (Wholesome fun lang, silly!)

ZARA
Rockwell, Glorietta, Shangri-la
Mall of Asia, among others...

The Peninsula Manila
Stephanie Chong
(632) 8123456
www.peninsula.com
stephaniechong@peninsula.com

It's so ZARAp!!! (Part 1)

I have two words for this event. Super delish!

Because there's so many photos that I took, I have to do 2 separate blogs for this 1 event. There was just so much eyecandy that I need to share with you peeps. I honestly do not know where to start so I will go with my gutt feeling and tell you first about the fashion show, my 3rd this week alone. I am all runwalked out.

Event: Zara's preview of the new collection
Venue: Powerplant, Rockwell
Date: April 26, 2007

The set up, AMAZING. All white, huge, more than life version of photo frames and vanity table, rotating platform elevated for all to see, even those seated in the back. Because the Rockwell tent was full, I had no choice but to remain standing near the front which I really did not mind because I was able to take better photos. See, that's how dedicated I am to entertain and update my millions of avid readers.




I didn't pay much attention to the clothes because I know I can always go to the store and check them out more closely. I was focusing more on getting a good photo of this hunk of a model that everyone was going gaga about. Whenever he would stop to pose, a lot of the girls would literally scream with delight. He knew he was handsome because he would totally flirt with the audience by showing a great big smile. I have to admit, he was gooood looking. Obviously not a Flipper, he must be Brazilian or some kind of god that the Greeks failed to identify.




There were super cute kids that modelled as well. They were so adorable and a lot of oooohhhs and aaahhhhs could be heard a mile away when they would come out of the backstage. These mostly came from the parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins, classmates, neighbors, yayas and the drivers that each kid had brought along. There was this kid that stood out because he knew how to work the crowd. I thought he was the cutest as well until I chanced upon him outside the tent. Steffie and I greeted and congratulated him for a job well done and his reply to us was an exxagerated,

"WHOOOO ARE YOU PEOPLE???" (shaking his head as he says this)

Ok, in my book, this cute boy turned out to be Chucky's long lost little brother. He was the biggest brat I have ever encountered. I wanted to reply to him with an even more exxagerated,

"You messing with me boy? You want some of this? Chill with a sleeping pill."

But of course all I could do is give him and his mom my fakest smile I could make.




The store remained open till late to accommodate late night shoppers and I saw these 2 shirts that were cute but I would never wear. So no need to get these for me (yeah, you know who you are). Don't worry, when I find things that I want, I will make sure to write a very long and detailed blog about it. (wink wink)




There was a party after the show but that's a whole new story. Watch out for it.


Now, I gotta get this brat's name so that I can reunite him with his brother.

A few of my favorite blings.

Ok, you know that I am into jewellery. So, of course I will write about it. (This is the part where my male friends/readers will skip to the blogs where there is drinking and partying involved.)

I need to show off some of Jul B. Dizon Jewellery's creations. I mean after all, this blog is all about my ego so please, read, enjoy and add your great comment (no negative comments allowed).

Colors. That's what we are all about. Of course we also deal with diamonds. Quite a lot in fact but it is the colored gems that make our creative juices explode (ooh that sounds sexy).



Let's start with this pair of diamond mobile earrings. No it doesn't make phone calls but it will surely call the attention of your friends when you wear this piece. Super flirty. This design is by my sister, Ginny who won an award in Korea. So wearing something similiar to this pair automatically puts you in the AWJPG (Award Winning Jewellery Piece Gang).



Multi-colored, flat, pastel colored sapphires mounted in unplated yellow gold. This baby is to die for. It is so light in the ear despite the wideness of it. It covers the whole earlobe and falls midway from the neck to the shoulder. It gently sways so every move you make will twinkle in the eyes of onlookers. And you will be amazed at the price of this pair. Surely your honey can afford to get this for you for all the hard time he gives you. Making you go through pain of giving birth to his children, preparing his food every single night. Making sure he drinks his vitamins and all the other things that a woman has to go through with their spoiled partners. So if I were you, send him over my way and I will make sure he leaves the store with a goodie bag for you.



This is called the Garden necklace. White mother of pearl carved flowers with diamonds in the center and diamond leaves scattered on the vine. I have done many designs using this theme and it always amazes me how happy my clients are when they pick up their order. I usually do this with colored stones so imagine the array of vibrant and brilliant sparkles on your neck. Only problem with this piece is if you wear it on a hot date, the lips of your date will be snagged on some pointy leaf when he kisses you on your neck. What Candy would say? "Kiss me on the lips instead please because the necklace stays."



Turquoise with garnet, tsavorite and diamonds mounted in yellow gold. Now you tell me that this isn't one of the prettiest things you have ever seen and I will tell you that you need to get your head examined. No seriously, when we finished this pair, it wasn't even a good 10 minutes when our client tried it on, wrote a check and left the store. Nobody else was even lucky enough to see this. It hung beautifully on the ears and the mixture of colors and diamonds just makes the world seem a better place. Ok, that might be too dramatic but you know what I mean.



This type of bangle is one of our best sellers. It is in silver, plated in yellow gold and embedded with colored stones and pearls. The combination of colors and the pearls give it a very young look. It is best to do this design if you have your own stones that you do not know what to do with. Just mix them all up and voila....a too-cool-for-words bangle. Of course having this done by JBDJ is the best part because of the personal service and great smile that I offer to everyone that comes in...FOR FREE!!!



It's all about rubies for me since it is my birthstone. July 31, to be exact so if you want to give me a gift, let's start with rubies or a trip to France. (yeah, you know who you are!) This set has a total of 7 carats of Burmese rubies with G color diamonds all around set in 18 karat white gold. The most beautiful red you have ever seen, the rubies are certified and anything with a true certificate has, of course, a greater value.

This is where I advertise the store. If you know it already, feel free to come by and spread the word. If you want to be part of the AWJPG, you better get moving and get your butt over JBDJ. If you want to feel special and loved, make your husband/boyfriend visit the stores and rest assured Lucille, my sister-in-law and I will handle everything.

Jul B. Dizon Jewellery
The Peninsula Manila
Mezzanine
(632)8864638

Jul B. Dizon Jewellery
EDSA Shangri-la Hotel
Lobby level
(632)6347448

www.juldizon.com

Peninsula's 30th Anniversary

What a night. Was deciding on what to wear till the last minute. The green or red dress? In the end, I opted for the green because my friend, Dennis Lustico, made it for me for that evening. My friend, Steffie, didnt get to wear her Dennis because the color was exactly the color that Rajo designed for the waitresses in the lobby. So she wore a very nice black brocade dress that reminded me of Audrey Hepburn.






The lobby was filled with the classiest people in Manila. Food was everywhere! Lobsters, prawns, tuna, sushi in the lobby. In the pool, Brazilian food so a lot of grilled steak, sausages and seafood. In the Rigodon ballroom, was heaven. Chocolate fountain, pralines, chocolate covered strawberries, trufffles, cake and we are talking expensive imported chocolate, well we are in THE PENINSULA after all. The aroma would lead you to the room from a mile away. In the Conservatory, nonstop of pass around cocktails and the Dj that played through the entire evening. But everywhere in the hotel, OVERFLOWING champage, white and red wine. I must have drank 6 glasses and was dizzy at the end of the night.














My gang for the evening, Lawrence, Christine, Chase, Clark and my date, Bryan. I am telling you, the best time of my life will be because of 3 things and 3 things alone.

1. You are amongst good friends. My gang was the perfect group of friends I can hang with that night because Christine's dad, is a director at Pen, so the waiters would leave the whole bottle of champagne on our table as per requested by Lawrence.

2. I had my hair done. My dress made by a great fashion designer and somehow, with all the alcohol in me, I felt pretty enough to mingle with the A class guests. And as long as I have lisptick on, I feel that I can conquer the world.

3. It was all for FREE. I dont know what to say more about all the food and drinks being given to you with such great service and not having to shell out a single centavo for it.

Do I make my point clear about how to have the best time of your life? I had a date that night (although it wasn't really an official date) and Bryan took care of this zigzag, dizzy dizon girl who had a lot to drink that night. The great part of the evening was when Bryan gave me a bunch of really nice flowers that were displayed in the newly renovated gym/spa of the hotel. He had the trainer take the flowers from the vase and handed them to me. So against my really green dress, were really red flowers and that made my night even better because red happens to by my favorite color.

So if I were you, I would try my best to be in the guest list to these parties that offer great company, superb ambiance, excellent entertainment and delicious food. If you can, this will all amount to a very unforgettable evening.