"Silken voices, silken roads"

CEBU, Philippines - The night titled "Silken Voices, Silken Roads" was an odyssey of opera, cuisine and couture to highlight the journey of Marco Polo from Italy to China. It was a unique way of celebrating Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's second anniversary. Select Cebu media were invited by Marco Polo Cebu GM Julie Najar to the opera gala dinner, on April 18.

Marco Polo Ortigas GM Frank Reichenbach and Director of Marketing Communications Judith A. Los Banos also  hosted a luncheon at the Lung Hin Chinese restaurant to welcome the Cebu delegation, which was escorted by Marco Polo Cebu's Lara Constantino-Scarrow and Manna Alcaraz.

Prologue to the Gala Dinner were appetizers like the Marinated Chinese Black Fungus, Mango Ginger Slurp, Cod Fish Croquettes with Romesco Sauce and Mahi-Mahi marinated in Citrus and Kaffir leaves. These teasers, crafted by Executive Chef Lluis Pesarrodona, were paired with the 2014 Pluvium Merseguera Sauvignon Blanc Valencia DO Spain.

With the opening pieces of classical music rendered by the Philippine Opera Company under the direction of Floy Quintos, the culinary odyssey began with the Italian Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio, marinated with Herbs, Parmesan and Shaved Black Truffle Dressing paired with 2014 Banfi Placido Grigio Italy. Carpaccio is an Italian dish with raw meat which was first prepared in Venice by Giuseppe Cipriani. The strut of Renee Salud models clad in Venetian fashion was a perfect reminder of the roots of Marco Polo.

The second dish, Baby Calamari and Roasted Duck simmered in Red Curry and topped with Lemon Grass Cappuccino, was served with the 2014 Talamonti Trebi Italy. The pairing of squid with roast duck was a sneak preview to the ultimate destination of Marco Polo's journey.

The 2014 Gérard Bertrand 6éme SENS Blanc France was poured, followed by the Chicken Kebab Roulade with Orange Flavored Hummus and Dried Fruits. This dish cunningly pointed to Central Asia, the midpoint of the silken road where 13th century travelers were eating kebabs, hummus and dried fruits.

The dinner was punctuated by performances of Asia's Got Talent runner-up Gerphil Flores, Francisco Aseniero and, yes, the Philippine Opera Company. Stir-fry Lapu-Lapu and Tiger Prawn in XO Sauce and Soft Tofu was served, paired with 2014 Banfi Placido Chanti Italy. The Chinese dish highlighted Marco Polo's reaching his destination.

The bond between Italy and China was best represented by the Lemon-Ricotta Tortellini and Fried Noodles with Scallops and Morels. A glass of red wine, 2014 Gérard Bertrand Res. Pinot Noir France, sharpened my attention to a very scholarly video presentation about the origin of noodles/pasta, which came neither from China or Italy - but from the Middle East!

In tasting all the dishes - including the dessert, Hazelnut Opera Cake, Coffee Jelly & Tahiti Vanilla Sauce (wine Banfi Bellagio Red) - guests from Cebu had to endure inconveniences for the trip to Manila, like wake-up calls to catch the flight and the heavy traffic both in Lapu-Lapu and Manila. Fortunately, the luxurious amenities of Marco Polo Ortigas, the most gracious hospitality of GM Frank Reichenbach and the wonderful gala opera dinner were, excuse me, more than enough to erase all the discomforts on the way to "Silken Voices, Silken Roads!" (FREEMAN)