To launch into space

You want action?

Well then Manila is, indeed, the place for you. On any given night there is a major happening, a new club or restaurant is opening, a new brand is being launched, a new concept is being unveiled. Variety is key, the more the merrier, indeed.

Let me give you a rundown.

There’s the Fairmont and Raffles properties right smack center of the Makati CBD that opened recently.  Solaire the casino and entertainment complex holds its grand opening tonight. Cabana Club just opened at the Resorts World complex beside Republiq. The Fort is sprawling with new nightspots and restaurants that seem to open every two seconds.

In the works are hip bars and lounges in almost all the new buildings that are being built. I’ve seen some of the plans and they are definitely worth looking forward to.

Speaking of the Raffles Hotel, I had a grand time at their Writer’s Bar for the launch of Lifestyle Asia’s book on homes. At the event, Anna Sobrepeña, the luxe magazine’s editor in chief, was the epitome of class as she hopped from one guest to another, thanking them for their presence. Anna, who is grace personified, refuses to be featured, prefers to stay in the background but steers her publication and her causes to the forefront. I have utmost respect and fondness for Anna, who is one of the most thoughtful people I know. Hats off to you and for chronicling the lifestyles of the rich on purpose.

Cheryl Tiu, the magazine’s publisher, is another one. Working her way amid the A list crowd that had gathered that night, she gamely thanked each one, posed for pictures and even personally signed copies of the book they had just published. The Lifestyle Asia book, a compilation of A-lister dwellings they had featured through the years, displays a hodgepodge of homes that sets the benchmark for good living. From old school Filipino to modern contemporary styles, the book shows us how the progressive Filipino is living now.

TO THE FUTURE

Mega, the sister publication and flagship of the OneMega Group, launched its digital version at Opus. I remember being in Cebu for the opening of the Movenpick property and pointing out to Sari Yap, OneMega Group CEO and Mega’s editor-in-chief, a little kid playing with his games on a media tablet. “Now how do I get that kid to read magazines?” Sari asked me.

Well, it seems like Sari answered her own question. Go to where the consumers are, and so she made Mega available not just for its current readers, but also for the future ones. A fully futuristic vibe set the tone for the night. LED floors, motion graphics spread around Opus’ walls and ceilings and the whole fashion pack clad in future themed attire by local and international design greats.

The highlight of the night? The arrival of Mega’s cover stars, Ruffa Gutierrez for Mega and Robin Padilla for Mega Man. Onstage, Ruffa asked Robin what makes him look so young. “Sex everyday!” Robin the bad-boy-turned-good said, without batting an eyelash. I didn’t get to see Sari’s reaction.

But when Sari got onstage, she simply raised her glass and told the crowd that Mega is of legal age, “We are now 21, so we can now drink and enjoy the party!” The Mega main woman loves to speak in metaphors. And I love it.

The entire Mega team led by Merryl Yan and Suki Salvador was on hand to welcome the style set. Prizes were given and awards handed out. Phoemela Baranda and I even won matching Super eyewear, a definite favorite of ours. From there people hopped over to Cabana Club, where the party continued. Cabana is the new private enclave of the clubbing Mecca of the Resorts World area, and Thursday is midweek madness, in a fun, private setting. And Thursdays are the new weekends, so as Sari said, let the party continue!

Because it just doesn’t stop. And I’m speaking in metaphor.

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What’s new and who’s now? Tweet me at twitter.com/officialTIMYAP.