Red Cross Charity Ball 2011

The Philippine National Red Cross Ball is an annual fund-raising event supported by generous individuals and corporations who believe in their cause to fight for humanity, independence, neutrality and unity. Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Kaye Tinga co-hosted this year’s Red Cross Ball which happened last October 16 at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

The menu, invite and chocolate giveaway

Tim Yap and Tessa Prieto-Valdes during the auction

Guests were treated to a sumptuous three-course dinner and heavenly desserts before the benefit auction of items donated to Red Cross by Celestina, Subic Leisure and Ethihad Airways. A special raffle from Blackberry was done in a different way -- the hosts drew out the table number and the youngest person at that lucky table was chosen to win.

And the piece de resistance of the evening was the unveiling of the latest collection of notable Dubai-based fashion designer Michael Cinco in his first gala show. The first part of the collection was inspired by Greece and goddesses -- column dresses reminiscent of Greek architecture were adorned with brocade pattern of bead work while bold mini dresses embellished with laser-cut ceramic details showed various ancient Greece symbols. Next came the goddess gowns in bright colors of yellow, orange, red and brown reflecting the sunset in Santorini. The gowns bear Michael Cinco's trademark design -- exquisite bead work, meticulous pleats, dainty laces and flirty feathers. Signaling the show's finale, Georgina Wilson, Claire Unabia and Marina Benipayo sashayed down the runway in fabulous white bridal gowns.

Sighted in the event were some of the most prominent faces in the country showing their support to the Red Cross cause -- celebrities Ruffa Gutierrez, Cherie Gil, Tim Yap, Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez; designers and personalities Rajo Laurel, JC Buendia, Inno Sotto, Ivarluski Aseron, Ingrid Chua-Go, Crystalle Henares, Miriam Quiambao; and the jeweler Dizon siblings Janina, Candy and Lucille, among others.

Michael Cinco with muse Georgina Wilson

Guests at the Red Cross Charity Ball

Support the Philippines National Red Cross and help save lives. To donate, click here.

Thanks to STUDIyo for the photos.

Filed under EVENTS

Full-Flavored Delights Fit for a Queen

I really must have been Italian in my past life (a past life reading confirmed this way back) because I love Italian food such as pasta and pizza...especially pizza!

Premium All-Meat Tuscani Pizza and Fettuccine a la King Pasta

The new Pizza Hut Supremo Tuscani Pizza

Whenever I would crave for pan pizzas, Pizza Hut is my definite destination. Something about the crust and the melted mozzarella makes pizza irresistible to me, more so when Pizza Hut began introducing innovations. From offering the usual toppings and flavors, Pizza Hut began to experiment and have come up with crazy and bold ideas that were translated into delicious pizzas. Since the plain old pizza crusts were usually left uneaten, Pizza Hut then became more creative and introduced pizzas with "improved" cheese or sausage-filled crust -- from Stuffed Crust to Sausage Stuffed, Cheesy Pops to Sausage Pops and the more recent Cheesy Volcanoes -- making eating pizza more fun and flavorful for kids and adults alike. No wonder Pizza Hut has stayed strong all these years despite the fierce competition in the pizza market.

Tuscani Pizza Supremo

Tuscani Pizza Premium All-Meat

Tuscani Pizza 3-Cheese Bacon and Spinach

Tuscani Pizza Gourmet BBQ Chicken

Tuscani Pizza Roast Beef

Because they cannot sit on their glory, Pizza Hut unveiled yet another batch of delightfully delicious pizzas. Introducing the Tuscani Pizza, described as "simple yet abundant, thin yet full-flavored," words that may well describe the young life and achievements of its endorser, Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup. Thinner than ever yet bursting with flavors, Pizza Hut's Tuscani Pizza comes in a variety of exciting tastes -- Supremo, Premium All-Meat, 3-Cheese Bacon and Spinach, Gourmet BBQ Chicken and Roast Beef.

Shamcey Supsup giving me a slice of Tuscani Pizza

At the bloggers meet and greet with Shamcey Supsup, the beauty queen revealed that even though she is slim, she loves to eat and she prefers food that are full-flavored like the Tuscani Pizza, her favorite being the 3-Cheese Bacon and Spinach variant. "I love the soft and chewy crust that is just ideal and not too oily. Pizza hut's Tuscani Pizza's slightly crispy crust is just the right thickness that's easy to hold and doesn't overpower the rich flavors of the delightful toppings."

All smiles (l-r): Pizza Hut's Edgar Allan Caper and
Tuscani Pizza endorser Shamcey Supsup

Pizza Hut's Marketing Manager, Edgar Allan Caper, was also at the event and explained that the Tuscani Pizza line was borne out of careful research and sensitivity to the Filipino's changing tastes. "We came up with this product because the Filipino consumer palate has evolved and is constantly looking for more flavorful pizzas." Pizza Hut's new Tuscani Pizza come in 10-inch medium size and 14-inch super family size.

Pizza Hut began here in the Philippines in 1984 after Philippine Pizza, Inc. bought the franchise. For more information, visit Pizza Hut's website at www.pizzahut.com or be a fan of Pizza Hut on Facebook.

Filed under EVENTS/FLAVORS

A Definite Treat this Halloween

Rock for HUManity, a group formed in 2006 by young professionals who bonded with passion for music and the arts, brought their passion to a higher level to pursue the advocacy of advancing the cause of humanity by giving back to the community.

Starting with charity drives, RHum has now expanded to other activities such as community bazaars which aims to showcase local products in the community and other interesting items produced by indiepreneurs -- young and independent artists-entrepreneurs. The RHum TRAVELING COMMUNITY BAZAAR brings you: A HALLOWEEN BAZAAR FOR KIDS & KIDS AT HEART, happening this October 30, 2011, Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Bulwagang Claret, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Mahinhin St., U.P. Village, Diliman, Q.C.

The bazaar will will feature food items, handicrafts, junk art, apparel, accessories, artworks, books, paper crafts, toys, vintage items, organic products, indie records, furniture and housewares, novelty items and more. There will also be fun activities for both kids and adults to enjoy: henna tattoo and face painting, photo booth, art and recreational activities, Halloween kiddie costume contest, kiddie fashion show, Halloween cupcake design contest and bazaaristas' trick or treat. Entrance is FREE.

The RHum Halloween Bazaar is for the benefit of child-focused institutions in need of learning materials. The group welcomes any donations of books, school supplies, school bags,toys and other educational materials.

For inquiries on how you can join or support their future events, email rhumobile@gmail.com or contact 0915-2519079.

Filed under EVENTS

PFW S/S 2012: GUESS Goes Young & Sexy

GUESS, a brand I grew up, joined the Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 for its first show with a young and sexy vibe.

The simple but well-lighted runway was already a sight to behold even before the fashion show started. After a brief message from Guess Philippines' vice president Anthony Courchet, the runway came to life with a spectacular display of lights and a hip-grinding party music provided by model/deejay Sanya Smith.

Guess Philippines' vice president Anthony Courchet

The all-American brand known for its edgy apparel and accessories, GUESS presented its new "Lights, Camera...Fashion" collection that was inspired by a party vibe and complements the brand's fun and sexy energy. Fashionable and wearable, GUESS' Spring/Summer 2012 collection is definitely trend-defining in great colors: blacks, grays, whites and reds.

GUESS: young and sexy

The women's collection highlighted two key denim fits: the flare and the cropped cigarette leg, paired with romantic blouses and platform shoes. For the men's collection, the stars were washed out indigo and colorful plaid shirts which can be paired with denim basics. There were also lots of chunky knit cardigans and sweaters, graphic tees plus a lot of stylish accessories -- handbags, footwear, watches, eye wear, jewelry, belts and small leather goods.

To wrap up the show and lock-in the theme, popular actors, singers and models sashayed the runway, among them were R&B singer Jay-R; newbie singer and showbiz royalty Zia Quizon; actress and endorser Maxene Magalona; model John Hall; up and coming talents Jamilla Obispo and Tippy Dos Santos; and model siblings Paolo and Bubbles Paraiso, among others.

(l-r): Zia Quizon and Maxene Magalona

(l-r): Jay-R and Jamilla Obispo

(l-r): Bubbles and Paolo Paraiso

Because all went well, GUESS's first PFW show ended fabulously with an after-party where yummy cocktails were served as the young and hip crowd gyrated to club music.

Filed under SHOWS and FASHION

PFW S/S 2012: L'Oreal Paris presents Michael Cinco

Michael Cinco is a Filipino fashion designer who is based in Dubai and known for his fabulous couture gowns and his attention to details. Fresh from the success of his first solo show in the Philippines at the annual Red Cross Charity Ball, he joined Philippine Fashion Week's Spring-Summer 2012 through another solo show last October 24 at the SMX Convention Center, this time presented by L'Oreal Paris.

The invite

The collection was inspired by beautiful goddesses, bringing to life fabulous couture gowns of white, orange, brown, gold and red left the audience gasping in awe -- classic silhouettes done with a modern twist with delicate fringes, lace, and intricate beadings.

Also noteworthy are the "Greek gods" who paraded in nothing but underwear with metallic crotch accents.

Just when I thought that the usual runway walks were done, a group of muscled male models and one female model clad in skimpy but classy beaded body suit posed in the middle of the catwalk and bam! a simulated rain-shower drizzled and drenched their perfect bodies. My first time to actual see such a theatrical fashion show.

It's raining men!

As if this stunt was not enough as a show finale, out came Anne Curtis in a fire red body hugging gown said to cost P500,000.

Anne Curtis

Over-all, Michael Cinco's Spring/Summer masterpiece collection strongly underscores his fierce fashion prowess and extensive working knowledge of the female wearer.

Filed under SHOWS and FASHION

Up Close with David Foster & Friends

David Foster, the Canadian musician, record producer, singer, songwriter and arranger noted for discovering talents such as Michael Buble, Josh Groban and Charice Pempengco, and responsible for producing records for the likes of Celine Dion, Toni Braxton, Madonna, Air Supply and Michael Jackson, came to the Philippines in 2010 for a concert titled Hit Man: David Foster & Friends where friends were Peter Cetera, Natalie Cole, Ruben Studdard, the Canadian Tenors and Charice.

Hit Man Returns: David Foster & Friends

(standing l-r) Philip Bailey, Michael Bolton, David Foster

and Russel Watson; (seated l-r) Ashanti and Charice

The Hit Man returns for the second time in the Philippines, again with Charice, but this time with new friends -- Philip Bailey, American R&B and soul singer, and one of the longtime members of Earth, Wind & Fire; Michael Bolton, American singer and songwriter, best known for his soft rock ballads and the long curly blonde hair he used to sport way back; Ashanti, American R&B, hip-hop and soul singer and actress; and Russel Watson, English tenor who released albums with both operatic-style and pop songs.

Charice

At the press conference for the Hit Man Returns: David Foster & Friends last October 24 held at the Marriott Hotel Manila, Charice was the very first to arrive. She gamely posed solo and even called her mom to join her when a photographer requested it. Then the rest of the performers arrived with their entourage consisting of road managers and burly bodyguards and at once, the exchange of pleasantries with the press started.

Ashanti and David Foster

Opening the press conference, David Foster expressed that he brought back the tour in the Philippines,"It is only in the Philippines that I've experienced people singing every line of every song in the concert. It's just amazing!" But he also shared the news that he ended his long stint with Warner Bros. and signed up with Universal Records and since Charice stays on with Warner, David Foster will no longer produce songs for his protege and goddaughter. "December 1st will be my first day at Universal Records so come December 1st, I won't be able to produce for Charice anymore because I can't take her with me." However, he assured that he would continue to perform with Charice on stage, "As for touring, I hope for many years that we will always tour together as long as she has the time, " he adds, "I love having her and she loves being with me and that's not going to change."

Philip Bailey and Michael Bolton

Charice echoes the same sentiments, "I always tell David that I'm always here for him. He's always been there for me and if he needs me, I'm in. We're a team."

Charice's self-titled international debut album under Warner Bros has reached the Platinum level in the Philippines and a surprise awarding was done at the end of the press conference.

Platinum Record Awarding

The Hit Man Returns: David Foster & Friends took the Smart Araneta Coliseum by storm last October 25, even if two other concerts happened on the same night -- Black Eyed Peas in SM MOA open grounds and Libera at PICC.

Filed under SHOWS

Herword.com's "A Day of Treats"

HerWord.com is turning 10 this year!

And to celebrate this milestone, HerWord is staging a special 10th anniversary fair dubbed as " A Day of Treats" at the Eastwood Mall Central Plaza on November 30.

HerWord will bring to life its various sections -- Pantry, Her-o-scope, Tester, gallery, Healthdesk, Her Rights, Her Money and Unwind -- through a full day of talks, activities, and entertainment which will be held at the stage area from 11am to 9pm. Simultaneously, there will be booths for bazaar shopping, until 11 pm, with unique finds that will help you get started or will let you finish on your Christmas list.

We invite you to come and join us for a day of bonding with your family and friends. All you have to do is go to HerWord's Facebook event page and click "attending" to be updated on the event as the date draws near. To gain entrance to the seminars and get food, special discounts and freebies from sponsors and exhibitors, secure an event passport at P100. One passport is good for one person only. The event passports will be on a limited quantity so get yours as soon as they become available in early November.

For passport reservations, please send to marcom@bworld.com.ph the following information:
Name -
Contact number/s - Number of passport/s -
Mode of pickup - in BusinessWorld Office or in Eastwood Mall

P100 for each passport. Mode of payment will be emailed to you.
Passport pick up will be at the BusinessWorld Office - 95 Balete Drive Extension, New Manila, Q.C. or during the event in Eastwood Mall.
Purchase of 5 or more passports gets free delivery.

Cancellation of passport purchase:
Before November 18 - 50% refund
November 18 Onwards - No refund

Passport holders will get the following:
Entrance to seminars & workshops, game participation, food, give-aways, makeover, mystic reading at the Her-o-scope booth, one (1) printed photo at our photobooth, consultation with lawyer at Her Rights booth, massage or manicure and more!

We are also inviting companies and bazaaristas (with products and services for women) to join the event as a sponsor, an exhibitor or a partner! For more details, please contact 5359923, 5359901 local 706 to 710 or email marcom@bworld.com.ph.

For Herword Fair updates, keep posted to HerWord.com by registering online and subscribing for free at http://www.herword.com/site/main.php?id=Join.

ABOUT HERWORD.COM

HerWord.com is BusinessWorld Publishing Corporation's online community for women (http://www.herword.com) which started in 2001 as a website aiming to provide everything that a woman would want and need. Herword.com brings to its pages various points of interest -- career, money matters, leisure, health concerns, legal rights, recipes and products -- for women always on the go, be it in the boardroom, classroom or household.

EXTRAS:

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1) by "liking" My Happy Realm's Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Happy-Realm/162903540457269);

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3) by following My Happy Realm in Twitter (@MyHappyRealm).

Filed under EVENTS

Wine Depot Restaurant Week at M Cafe

Even a rainy evening could not stop me from going out to enjoy good food and wine with people I am close with. So on one such Saturday night, me, my mom and a high school friend trooped to M Cafe at Greenbelt 4 to wine and dine for Wine Depot's Restaurant Week. They offered a very good deal of just P650 for a three-course set menu plus dessert and your choice of wine. This is my 3rd time to dine in M Cafe but this time and their food creations are absolutely delish, but it will be more interesting to be sampling the special wine and food pairings specially prepared for the occasion.

For starters, an interesting looking salad was served -- Sweet Crispy Beef Shreds and Fresh Herbs. It had tomatoes, cucumber, mint, lemongrass, basil, cilantro and leeks, drizzled with lemon vinaigrette, and topped with sweet crispy beef shreds. What can I say? This is one unique salad that gave me a medley of flavors -- sweet, citrusy, salty and minty. The cucumber strips are juicy and crunchy. The basil gave the salad its sweet flavor, providing good contrast with the citrusy flavor of the lemongrass and vinaigrette. The crispy beef on top adds a touch of saltiness and gives added texture and point of interest. This salad is so tasty you would forget that it is healthy.

Sweet Crispy Beef Shreds and Fresh Herbs

Next came the soup -- M's Signature Spicy Curried Pumpkin Soup -- which at first glance looks like any other pumpkin soup. Just a spoonful delighted me with the smooth and creamy texture and the full zesty curried pumpkin flavor. The spice is just right and the peppered crunchy papadum jived with the soup.

M's Signature Spicy Curried Pumpkin Soup

Since we are three at the table, we decided to order different dishes for the main course so we can try them all. Mom ordered the Oven Roasted Labahita Fillet with Aligue Cilantro Butter Sauce and red wine, my friend Gesel choose the Spicy Adobo U.S. Rib Fingers and white wine while I decided on the Crispy "Binagoongan" Liempo and white wine. Old practice was that red wine is paired with meat dishes while white wine goes with fish and seafood but nowadays, anything goes with what your heart (and tastebuds) desires.

Oven Roasted Labahita Fillet with Aligue Cilantro Butter Sauce

The Oven Roasted Labahita Fillet with Aligue Cilantro Butter Sauce was a very good choice -- the fillet is soft and buttery-smooth, and seasoned just right. The generously served aligue butter sauce was delicious and gives the fillet a distinctive seafood flavor, especially enhanced by calamansi. No need for rice because the fillet rested on a bed of bok choi, a healthier option.

Spicy Adobo U.S. Rib Fingers with Langka Chutney

Gesel's Spicy Adobo U.S. Rib Fingers is a refreshing adobo dish for me as I've only eaten pork or chicken adobo and adobong kangkong. My first time to taste beef adobo and the U.S. rib fingers were really tender. The adobo sauce I found too salty for my taste but I love the garlic flavor brought by the garlic chips. When eaten with the langka chutney, the dish tasted like patatim and the sweet chutney balanced the saltiness of the sauce.

Crispy "Binagoongan" Liempo

The Crispy "Binagoongan" Liempo is a pretty sight on the plate as each ingredient was neatly layered on top of another, garnished by shreds of green mango. The liempo is well-cooked, crispy yet juicy; when eaten as is, the meat is devoid of any flavor from seasonings but it was just right because the bagoong gave it flavor I expected. The homemade bagoong gave a surprising texture as I felt the crispy alamang in every bite -- a new experience as opposed to the usual smooth and paste-like texture of bagoong. The dish has a good balance of sweetness and saltiness that when you eat one perfect bite (a fork full of each ingredient: a piece of liempo, eggplant, and green mango dipped in bagoong), you'll feel pure ecstasy!

Chocolate Stuffed Black and White Buchi with Gelato

For dessert, Chocolate Stuffed Black and White Buchi with Gelato was served. The combination of warm buchi and the cold gelato was a clever yummy creation. I felt like a child trying to dip a lollipoped buchi into a shot glass filled with creamy gelato. This east-meets-west dessert is sinfully divine -- imagine a chocolate stuffed buchi with sesame seeds becoming more chocolaty with the gelato.

Arzuaga wines (l-r): La Planta Red Tempranillo

and Fan D’Oro White Chardonnay

The red and wine wine featured for the night is from the Arzuaga winery of Spanish winemaker Ignacio Arzuaga. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Arzuaga in February 2010 at Wine Depot's Arzuaga Wine Dinner and it was where I first encountered Fan D’Oro White Chardonnay and La Planta RED Tempranillo. (See my post on the Arzuaga Wine Dinner here)

Fan D’Oro White Chardonnay was mildly aromatic and has a burst of flavors -- sour at first then salty before exploding with a bit of spice at the end. This wine was perfect with the labahita fillet and the crispy liempo. La Planta Red Tempranillo, on the other hand, had strong fruity aroma and was salty at first sip then turned mildly fruity with a refreshing smoky aftertaste. This wine complemented the adobo rib fingers very well.

M Cafe's dinning area

The serving counter

When we finished dinner, it started to rain again but overall, it was a good night of bonding and M Cafe was the right place to spend time with loved ones while enjoying great food and wine, and sharing good laughs. The seats are comfortable and the service personnel are courteous and attentive. And I love how the round lights that loomed overhead gave a warm glow to the simple but classy interiors.

The amazing "light balloons"

M Cafe's exterior with al fresco dining area

M Cafe is located in Greenbelt 4, Makati Ave., Makati City right in front of the Ayala Museum. For your wines and spirits requirements, visit Wine Depot branches or their website for good buys and special offers.

Related post: Arzuaga Wine Dinner

Filed under FLAVORS