A taste of Italy

Gondolas, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Roman Colosseum, the poet Dante, the artist Leonardo da Vinci, the composer Antonio Vivaldi, pizzas and pastas! Italy is an international hub for culture and the arts. Apart from producing the most notable Renaissance men and the most sought-after fashion brands, Italy is also known as the leading furniture exporter and the second largest furniture manufacturer in the world.

The success of Italian furniture lies in its quality workmanship, technological innovation and a strong sense of design. Career woman Florence Ko’s search for furniture of the finest quality and most inventive designs led her to the industrial furniture districts in Italian cities and provinces. Her next step, which proved very successful, was to give Filipinos a chance to experience the most upscale Italian brands through her lifestyle store FurnItalia. Three years after, she has built a strong presence in the furniture industry with a continuously expanding client base and an instinctive feel for Filipino taste.

Visit the FurnItalia showroom at the Designmix Building, 59 Connecticut St., Northeast Greenhills, San Juan, or call 722-0156.

Birthday Boy Helmut

The progressive and visionary Mandarin Oriental Hotel general manager Helmut Gaisberger celebrated his birthday on the eve of the new Tivoli’s opening. As is the usual, everything was done to make this celebration a special one – from the overflowing gastronomic surprises, to the beautiful venue and the equally beautifully people who attended the event. Gracing the cheerful gathering was Helmut’s lady love Vina Gaisberger, Ralph Peter Jentes, the charming Baby Arenas, the jovial pair Lita and Paul Potassy and other friends who are close to Helmut’s big and kind heart.

Cheers to you!

The Spanish Invasion

Spain once again invades the Philippines! Fuego Hotels and Properties, in cooperation with the Economic and Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy, brings "Flavors of Spain 3" to the breathtaking Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay, the world-renowned Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Samal Island, and the exclusive Club Punta Fuego in Batangas.

In its third year, the authentic Spanish food festival once again recaptures the gastronomic experience of a country vibrantly alive and teeming with cultural treasures. The festival will kick off with a launch on October 4 at the Top of the Citi with friends from the media, diplomatic corps, and Manila society. With authentic Spanish c hef Mikel Arriet at the helm, original and popular Spanish dishes will be featured on the menu and Spanish buffets during weekends. Taal Vista Hotel will host the festival for the entire month of October, Pearl Farm Beach Resort is the festival’s venue for November, and members of the exclusive Club Punta Fuego will enjoy the festival for all the weekends of December. The festival is co-presented by Mastercard International with major sponsors Smart Infinity, Citibank, and Ramon Bilbao.

Viva España!

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For inquiries and reservations please call Taal Vista Hotel at 886-4325 / (046) 413-1000, Pearl Farm Beach Resort at 750-1896 to 98 and Club Punta Fuego at 751-4025 to 27, or visit www.fuegohotels.com.