A night for an Italian knight

Italian Ambassador Massimo Roscigno nominated restaurateur and professor Paolo Nesi to be awarded the title of Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy).

The ambassador’s recommendation went to the prime minister, which approved it and sent it for signature and final approval to the Italian President. It got approved.

This award was bestowed upon my good friend Paolo for his contribution in expanding the Italian gastronomy culture in the Philippines and other countries, as well as his philanthropic service for the benefit of Filipinos and Italians. In the ambassador’s argument, he also included the good standing and relationship that Paolo has created throughout the years he has been in the Philippines.

Paolo received the award at the Ambassador’s residence. The reception was catered by L’Opera with only 40 guests invited by Paolo and his wife Sirpa. 

Paolo teaches at Enderun Colleges and is one of the people behind Italian restaurants L’Opera at The Fort and Prego in City of Dreams Manila.

Epitome of British luxury

It is a delight to know that Estée Lauder Companies continue to bring the epitome of British luxury to the Philippines through its well-loved fragrance brand Jo Malone. Recently, the brand hosted an exclusive press preview of its latest scent — English Oak at Spices of The Peninsula Manila in Makati City.

The venue gave a Sherwood Forest-like feel where guests were welcomed with a path of dried oak leaves that led them to the “woods” filled with oak trees.

The room was dressed with multiple screens showing the English Oak campaign film and imagery. A mini-box stamping station allowed guests to design their box covers with stamps of leaves and fairies. A Fragrance Arc was also available for them to discover their own bespoke scent.

During the event, Jo Malone London marketing executive Erika Reyes welcomed Jo Malone London Global Lifestyle director Debbie Wild. Debbie introduced the English Oak collection (English Oak & Hazelnut and English Oak & Redcurrant) and gave quick tips for fragrance combining with the new scents. She also gave each guest her recommendation in finding what scent blends would suit one’s lifestyle and the English Oak combination.

(The two new scents English Oak & Hazelnut and English Oak & Redcurrant will be available at Jo Malone London Greenbelt 5, SM Aura, SM Megamall, S Maison, Rustan’s Shangri-La and Rustan’s Cebu starting September 2017.)

Precious, colorful creations

Design, Art, Autism, an exhibit aimed to raise awareness about artists with autism and their designs, was featured at the School of Design and Art Gallery of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in Manila recently.

The paintings of Jorel Alegre, Vico Cham, Julyan Harrison, Chico Joaquin, Samantha Kaspar, Karl Oliveros, Muneer Pena and Daniel Sanchez explored the practice of art therapy and the role it plays in their development. The students of the college’s Fashion Design and Merchandising, Industrial Design, and Architecture courses supplemented functional sustainable merchandise inspired by the works of the artists.

The exhibit was curated by Center for Campus Art director architect Gerry Torres, in cooperation with Unilab Foundation, Center for Inclusive Education and Vico’s Artism. *

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)