A night of true romance

Manila’s most beautiful and eligible recently gathered in an elegant get-together of singles (and some who are not really “single”) hosted by Pond’s –– the leading name in skin lightening.  Dubbed Pond’s Fête d’Amour, the event was a first of its kind in the country set in The Peninsula Manila’s Rigodon Ballroom that was luxuriously transformed into the grandest matchmaking venue, complete with lovely blooms and modern interiors. Hosts Tim Yap and Sam Oh welcomed the guests and ushered the grand opening of the doors to the elegantly decorated ballroom. There were “Cupids” present like Mike Jacob, Carmina Sanchez, Paolo Trillo, Rissa Samson, Anna Palabyab, Raymond Rufino, Divine Lee and Adriano Cartuliares.

This special by-invitation-only assembly of singles was Pond’s Flawless White’s way of setting the stage for romance. For those familiar with Facebook, think “Facebook Live” where people could actually poke people, really give flowers or chocolates and all.  There was a caricature corner and the Pond’s Flawless White instant photo booth called Picture Perfect where guests received a special memento of the evening. Pink n Petals, a garden of roses and tulips, enabled guests to send blooms to the one who caught their fancy. There was also Sweets For My Sweet, a chocolate bar where guests sent a box of sweets for their belles of the ball. Love Seek was an oracle reading corner where soothsayers foretold the guests’ future in romance. Heartbeat was a dedication area where singles could dedicate love tunes to be sung by the Akafellas. Heart Arrest was a private area where would-be couples could have intimate conversations. Even pairs were bound by handcuffs reminiscent of our high school fairs! Pink-a-Drink was a pink beverage bar where guests could send a drink to the ones they get attracted to; while Message Send was a message area for singles to post little notes to those they secretly admired, and of course, the Pond’s Flawless White Seven-Day Challenge Center was where everyone discovered the way to visibly lighten skin in seven days.

Lucky winner Margot Tan won the raffle prize of a trip to Paris. Other winners of the evening included Flawless Match awardees Tina Perez and Aaron Litonjua and Prettiest in Pink was Mia Ayesa.

Unilever marketing manager for Skin Mutya Laxa explained, “At Pond’s, we know that beauty is, in fact, the starting point of romance. We understand the pivotal role that beauty plays in finding true romance. And we made it our mission at Pond’s to give the beauty that brings romance to a woman’s life. And what better way to do this than through Fête d’Amour.” Pond’s breaks ground with Pond’s Flawless White Visibly Lightening Day Cream, specially formulated for Asian skin that visibly lightens and reduces dark spots and blemishes in just seven days.

Others spotted were accessories designer Happy David, Peaches Aberin, Abba Napa, Dawn Balagot, Helena Belmonte, Mich Dulce, Kate Torralba, Lala Sotto, Gem Padilla, Cacay Moras, Pinky Amador, Liza Tan, Gaby dela Merced, Luke Jickain, Matteo Guidicelli, Francis Flores, Santi Picornell and Bruno Folster.

Inno Sotto celebrates Alhambra

Inno Sotto’s 23rd gala entitled Alhambra showcased his current state of mind. Collaborating with international accessories and bag designer Bea Valdes, Inno Sotto brought to life the mystery and life of Alhambra at the Shangri-La Makati Hotel.

Sotto has had 27 prolific years in the industry of creating the most beautiful fashion in the country. He certainly deserved this grand tribute with guests of honor Isabel Preysler and Imelda Cojuangco, and Spanish Ambassador and Mrs. Luis Arias Romero.

The much-awaited fashion show was directed and conceptualized by Inno Sotto and produced by his manager Joji Dingcong and friend McC Cuan, with the help from friends and supporters including Sofia Zobel-Elizalde as the creative consultant, Patrick Rosas for the model’s makeup and Ariel Lozada for directing the show.

Each of Sotto’s pieces that was showcased on the runway was perfectly matched by Bea Valdes’ accessories. Superbly intricate beaded necklaces with ribbon ties and evening bags made way for a color play that created a daring palette and completed Sotto’s look.

The evening was made possible by the event’s major presenters NovareTechnologies, Nokia, Rustan’s and Globe Asiatique’s Sky Suites in cooperation with Philippine Tatler, Belo Medical Group Inc., Bergmann, Pond’s, Moet & Chandon, Thai Airways, QTV-11, Petron’s Fleet Card, San Miguel Corp. and together with Vivian Sarabia Optical, Mercedes Benz and Margarita Fores’ Fiori di M for the flowers.

(Proceeds of the show benefit the Virlanie Foundation.  Interested donors may call them at 896-2289.)

Rebirth of the underground

Driven Manila and Warehouse 135 had the first ever Manila Halloween Music Conference. Aiming to be the beginning of a lifetime tradition, this four-day event celebrated the rebirth of the underground movement. It encompassed four genres: Live Acts, Dance Music, Rock and Retro.

Peak of the Conference, hosted by Driven Manila and Certified True Addict, Inc., brought forth a convergence of an extreme fusion of music from the coolest with distinct styles. The DJs in this line-up were DJs Noel Sarmiento (Curv Entertainment), Cao Ocampo (Superfly), Roman Mojica (Stereo Manila/Calypso Events), Jon Naval (NBK), Adrian Cuenca (Rewired/Local://e), Kevin Ruiz (ABGs/78Orange), Ali Nepomuceno (Manila Underground/CTA Inc.), Miko Syquia, Tony Pavia, Paolo Gomez (3logy) and Edge Pamute (Soundsgood).

Event sponsor Motorola hosted the Moto-Thriller Dance where party zombies from all over Manila gathered at Warehouse 135 to dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. The event benefited the Red Cross as Motorola donated P10 for every person who joined the dance. Other sponsors included Technomarine, Morellato, Nooka, Winston and Chivas.

Vertical Horizon live in Manila

This Friday, Dec. 7, Vertical Horizon will perform live in Manila. The new lineup of Rivermaya will have their first major performance at the gig and American actor and standup comedian Jamie Kennedy is also set to perform. Vertical Horizon is best known for their hits Everything You Want, You’re A God and Best I Ever Had. Rivermaya will have their first major performance with their new vocalist. And as a special treat, there will be a set by Jamie Kennedy of that hilarious television show The Jamie Kennedy Experiment. The triple-header presented by Smart Buddy and co-presented by Red Horse Beer is another event under the MTV Philippines Concert Series.

Vertical Horizon Live in Manila is presented by Smart and MTV Philippines and co-presented by Frenzy Condoms and Red Horse Beer, with the participation of Mitsubishi and Samsung. Special thanks to Araneta Coliseum, Armvet Printing Company, Music Management International and Web.com.ph. Official radio partners are Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, Max 103.5 and NU 107.

(Call Ticketnet at 911-5555 for inquiries.)

(E-mail me at [email protected])