Grey Goose golf invitational

Grey Goose vodka hosted its first invitational golf tournament in the country at the Sta. Elena Golf Club. Gracing the event were Louie Ysmael, Tonyboy Floirendo, Chito Melo, Mike Toledo, Charles and Anton Palanca, Johnny Velasquez, Rep. Martin Romualdez, Bob Sobrepeña, Conkoy Tuazon, Peng Perez de Tagle, Argentine Ambassador Mario Shuff, James Duvivier, Gelo Singson, Tonyboy Cojuangco, Choy Cojuangco, Tony Garcia, Eric Alberto and many more.

Winners of the tournament were businessman Richie Garcia for low gross score, McDonald’s Greg Yang in the Class A division, Phil Adamson in the Class B division, and Embassy/Member’s Only’s GP Reyes in the Class C division. The ladies champion was Marjorie Lopingco.

Grey Goose organized the by-invitation-only tournament to resonate with one of the passions of the Grey Goose drinker: Golf, as a luxurious sport, which fits naturally with the brand’s image. The after-party and awarding ceremony followed at Nuvo in Greenbelt 2 where the vodka brand obviously flowed freely for all the guests. The specially made Bloody Mary Oyster shots became quite the favorite. 

Beaming all throughout the evening was the man behind the event, Grey Goose’s Rajiv Ghumman, who explained the reason why his brand is definitely one of the world’s best tasting vodkas. He said, “Grey Goose is made in Cognac, France, home to the world’s most respected experts in spirits making, and the vodka benefits from the region’s rich history of creating luxury foods, wines and spirits. The maître de chai (cellar master) for Grey Goose vodka ensures that every element of its production is of the highest quality. He selects 100 percent of the finest French wheat, the same wheat used to create delicious French pastries, and employs an exclusive five-step distillation process to concentrate its exceptional flavor. Pure spring water naturally filtered through champagne limestone is then blended with the spirit. Only when the spirit has reached its optimal taste that the maître de chai is truly satisfied. Our vodka is lush, smooth and rounded and melts in the mouth with a long-lasting, satisfying finish.”

Rajiv added that it is this attention to detail and luxury that makes the vodka so special. “And bringing this group of special people together for this tournament is truly in line with our brand. It was a joy to have this event and we look forward to an even better one in 2010,” Rajiv concluded.

Check out www.greygoose.com.

‘Spain on the road again’

Guests flocked to the culinary fiesta and exclusive screening of “Spain on the Road Again” at Spotlight, Makati City. Organized by the National Tourist Office of Spain, in partnership with the Asian Food Channel, Tapella by Gaudi, BPI Mastercard, Gastro Chef, Trucco, Fuego Hotels and Properties, L’oreal, and Amoroso, the event allowed guests to experience Spain as a fine culinary destination. VIPs from the Spanish community, travel trade specialists and valued clients of BPI Mastercard enjoyed Spanish cooking demonstrations from chef Xandra Cacho of Tapella by Gaudi, flamenco performances from the Fundacion Centro Flamenco and Yerbaguena musicians, and a preview of the Mallorca episode of the Spanish culinary adventure series “Spain on the Road Again.”

Swarovski’s 2009 annual edition collection

Launched in 2008, Swarovski’s current trilogy “Endangered Wildlife” is dedicated to endangered species. After highlighting the panda and the Yangtze River, the 2009 edition features the gorilla and Africa. This is exclusive to the Swarovski Crystal Society (SCS) members who choose to buy this limited annual edition where certain proceeds will be used to support a project on sustainable water management at the Nile.

Held at Rustan’s Makati’s Heaven on the 5th, the venue was fashioned into a rainforest. This collection continues Swarovski’s dedication to supporting social and environmental projects. 2008 marks the beginning of a series of three-to-four-year projects on nature conservation: Water for Nature.

Area sales manager of Swarovski Singapore Iris Leong explains the belief of founder of Swarovski Daniel Swarovski, saying that the “support of social and environmental projects is the obligation of any responsible business.” It has been the company’s commitment that has never faltered since 1895.

Made with black diamond crystal, the gorilla’s designer is Anton Hirzinger. Its color, black diamond, is the first time Swarovski has used this in its designs. Along with the Annual Edition Gorillas are the bracelets with charms that come in ruthenium plated gorilla in black diamond crystal and a banana leaf which is also ruthenium plated with emerald and light peridot crystal.

This SCS event also welcomed new members who received the SCS complimentary gift of the year, the Water Ornament. Founded in 1987, the SCS is the world’s largest collector’s society. It unites 370,000 collectors from 130 countries, who share the same admiration for the beauty of crystal, quality craftsmanship and creative design. The SCS membership opens the door to the fascinating world of crystal with a range of events and other opportunities to meet fellow crystal enthusiasts as well as enjoy special privileges such as personalized membership card; exclusive SCS crystal products; yearly membership gift; quarterly Swarovski magazine and a dedicated area on the Swarovski website.

(For further details and application on Swarovski Crystal Society, visit www.swarovski.com/scs.)