Rustan's celebrates a beautiful Philippine-Italian friendship

MANILA, Philippines - It was a night shared with new and old friends when Rustan’s and the Philippine Italian Association hosted a welcome dinner to celebrate the unwavering friendship between two countries, Italy and Philippines.

Guests were gathered in The Spices, The Peninsula Manila, with Italian guests getting acquainted with the Philippine culture and cuisine. Attendees were in awe of the beautiful décor, specially designed by Zenas Pineda and Rustan’s VMD. They were transported to a lovely Filipiniana garden, adorned with anahaw, orchids, tropical flowers, accented with sampaguita strands and capiz hanging from ceiling.

Rustan’s Commercial Corporation president Nedy Tantoco welcomed guests with a speech just before the sumptuous dinner was served. Everyone was given a taste of the uniquely Filipino menu, specially prepared for the event, from appetizers, main course, to dessert. Silvana Fornari, wife of Italy’s ambassador to Manila, Ambassador Luca Fornari, delivered her remarks about the Philippine Italian Association during the dinner.

 To make the evening more festive, the Bayanihan Rondalla provided the music throughout the event, playing original Filipino music and by the end of dinner, the Funiculi, Finucula, which was accompanied by the joyous voices of the audience. In the middle of the program, a surprise song number by Italian actress Pietra Montercorvino delighted the audience. In a true testament to friendship beyond borders, guests from Italy attended this event and celebrated with familiar faces from the Philippines. Italian thespians Marta Gastini, Ennio Fatstichini, and Gianni Paolucci were there with producers Camilla Nesbitt, Carlo Macchitella, and Luciano Sovena. Award-winning director Brillante Mendoza graced the event along with Patrick Jacinto and Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Nes Jardin, Irene Rada, and Ambassador Isabel Wilson.

The night ended with guests taking home special books featuring Diosdado Lorenzo’s paintings and gift items from Rustan’s.