All things Swiss

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila officially started its very own celebration of the 725th Swiss National Day.

“All Things Swiss,” held in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland, saw the hotel’s Swiss partners, the media and society guests gathered for a day full of Swiss food, cheeses and wine.

Guests were welcomed by Swiss model Raphael Kiefer and Marco Polo Ortigas Manila general manager Frank Reichenbach, who is also a Swiss national. Guest-of-honor was Embassy of Switzerland Deputy Head of Mission Raoul Imbach, who gave a speech about Switzerland, its diverse culture and food.

At the event, guests experienced the culture of Switzerland via a musical journey made possible by a special performance of the Swiss Army Band of 14 talented musicians led by Lt. Col. Patrick Robatel. As they listened to the sound of Switzerland, guests indulged in a flavorful Swiss set menu, specially prepared by the hotel’s well-trained chefs.

Chef Rolf Jaeggi from Marco Polo Hongkong opened the two-week long celebration by teaching how to cook Swiss favorites at a cooking class.  A wine-dinner that featured a special four-course set menu that brought in the flavors of Switzerland was also offered at the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Cucina.

There are more treats coming. Indulge in a wide selection of Swiss dishes for a food festival at Cucina every day for a lunch or dinner buffet. Discover a wide variety of Alpine Pralines at Café Pronto. Relax and unwind the Swiss way over an unobstructed view of the metro with Swiss cheese buffet and wine, available every night for the whole duration of the promo that ends on Sept. 4.

Thank you, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, for bringing Switzerland to us!

(Seated, from left) Angola Consul Helen Ong, Jazz Carreon, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur councilor Chavit Singson and Jess Bartolome; (standing, from left) your columnist, Dr. George Sarakinis, Aficionado Germany Perfume president and CEO Joel Cruz, Joy Fong, Mel Bartolome and Glenn Gale.

For the love of friends

Aficionado Germany Perfume president and CEO Joel Cruz recently threw an intimate birthday celebration for his close friend, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur councilor Chavit Singson at one of his favorite Japanese restaurants — Makati Shangri-La’s Inagiku.

The restaurant’s service manager Ishikawa Yoshio, together with his award-winning culinary team and efficient wait staff, made sure Chavit and his guests would relish the night. Everyone enjoyed an indulgent spread of authentic Japanese dishes specially prepared for the occasion.

Cheers to Chavit and his zest for life!

(Seated) Catholic Women’s Club president Estela Lopez and steering committee chairman Rose Marie Lazaro; (standing, from left) Terry Tambunting, Thelma Gana, Tessie Rodrigo, Nene Leonor and Chloe Periquet.

A grand Philippine fiesta

The Catholic Women’s Club (CWC), under the leadership of president Estela Lopez, celebrates its 95th anniversary with a grand ball dubbed “Pista sa Nayon” on Sept. 1, 6 p.m., at the Main Lounge of the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.

At the helm of this notable affair is the hardworking steering committee led by chairman Rose Marie Lazaro with co-chairs Tessie Rodrigo and Karen Macasaet.

The said event is a fundraising activity that will feature performances from the world-famous Bayanihan Dance Company with special participation of the CWC ladies who will do a parade of Philippine ternos. Proceeds of the event will go to the various civic, scholarship and outreach programs of the Catholic Women’s Club.

(For inquiries, call Violy at 843-2869 or 0917-5165757.)