Grand Cebu launch for society magazine

The Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, a magical oasis for all reasons, was undoubtedly the place to be one late summer night just before the rains came. For after all, one of the most aggressive communications networks played host to a cocktail reception to formally launch in Cebu the popular must-read glossy magazine, The Philippine Tatler, for the Cebuano movers and shakers from all sides of power of the neighboring islands.

The Tatler’s very likeable marketing director Irene Martel Francisco, together with the highly visible editor Anton San Diego and Tom Valderama, Smart Infinity brand manager, warmly welcomed guests as they made their way to the foyer of the grand ballroom.

The massive ceiling was completely covered with yards upon yards of white flowing fabric, which was artistically draped, giving the illusion of being inside a grand Arabian tent. Once again, the gracious lady Teresin Mendezona, who never seems to run out of beautiful ideas, certainly outdid herself.

Celebrating the evening were society matrons, such as Rosebud Sala, Annie Aboitiz, Annabel Luym, Lucy Garcia, Irma Atillo, Arcy Gayatin, Miriam Cua, Stella Bernabe, and Tessie Javier.

The younger set of driven-with-a-noble-purpose southern belles included Jaja Chiongbian, Iris Arcenas, Julie Ugarte, Carissa Garcia, Maybelline Te, Melanie Ediza, Maitina Borromeo, and Kristal Garcia.

The promising work-hard, play-hard young executives were also in attendance. There were Anton Quisumbing, Joseph Gonzalez, Blake Go, Javier Sala, Mikel Sala, Jimmy Aboitiz, Alex Klepp, Paco Jarque, and Eduard Loop.

The evening’s hosts, Anton San Diego, and lifestyle and social chronicler Maurice Arcache, conducted the generous raffle of prizes. Many were hopeful, but it was Cebu-based one-of-a-kind designer Joy Berbaldez and tireless social worker Sue Gray who were the lucky winners and brought home gift certificates worth P20,000 each from Marks and Spencer.

Bituin Escalante, the belter one has great difficulty forgetting even after just listening to her sing a single song, treated the invitees to a selection of classical tunes.

It was indeed an unforgettable gathering for the beautiful party people of the central islands of the archipelago who turned out en masse to welcome the Philippine Tatler into their lives.