Mandarin holds GM's farewell party

Mandarin Oriental, Manila held a grand cocktail to bid farewell to its outgoing GM Helmut Gaisberger and to welcome incoming GM Mark Bradford. The two welcomed guests together with Manila Mandarin Hotel Inc. chairman AB Colayco and wife Tina, and director of operations, Asia for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Andrew Hirst.

Gaisberger said: “I am grateful and proud of these 14 rewarding years at Mandarin Oriental, Manila. We had our share of triumphs and moments of success, as we had our share of challenges brought about by the socio-economic environment and healthy competition. Through those years, the hotel broke new ground and set impeccable standards, and for this I thank my colleagues for their unqualified support.”

A handshake symbolized the turnover of the 442-room hotel to Bradford. Hirst noted: “With his many years of international luxury hotel management experience, I am sure Mark will prove an invaluable asset to the hotel, and we are delighted to have him here at the helm in Manila.”

Others seen during the festivities were Mandarin Oriental’s group director of human resources Paul Clark, Makati Rep. Teddyboy Locsin Jr., Carina Garcia Guerra of the Embassy of Mexico, Philamlife’s Joey Cuisia, Japan Airlines’ Toshiro Morita, Arthur and Letty Lopez, Basil Ong, Mike Toledo, Deedee Siytangco, Tonette Salcedo, feng shui expert Joseph Chau, Fortune Ledesma, Agnes Huibonhua and Barbara Cumagun of Kipling’s.

Thai Prime Minister’s one-day visit

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva visited the Philippines for bilateral talks with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The Thai head of state’s official visit was part of his courtesy call to familiarize himself with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and leaders.

The 45-year-old Vejjajiva arrived at Villamor Airbase together with 18-member delegation of Thai ministers, advisors, businessmen, a press secretary and Thai media onboard Royal Thai Airforce’s Airbus A319, operated by Thai Airways’ crew, for a one-day visit. Upon arrival, he was met with full guards of honor by Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez of the Philippine Navy and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo together with Thai Ambassador Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhaya who was accompanied by Group Captain Nathpong Viriyakupt, and Captain Wilers Smabut, Thai Trade Minister Suree Jirattikankul and Thai Airways GM Nivat Chantarachoti .

Upon arrival, Ambassador Singhara hosted a private lunch for Vejjajiva and his entourage at the Thai ambassador’s residence in Forbes Park before proceeding to Rizal Memorial for the official wreath laying ceremony. The British-educated Thai Prime Minister checked-in the Imperial Suite of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza for exclusive interview with The Philippine Star and People Asia magazine; followed by a private audience with Sen. Noynoy Aquino to convey his sympathy, on behalf of the Thai people, on the passing away of former President Cory Aquino, an internationally recognized icon of democracy. He also met the local Thai community.

President Arroyo later hosted a black tie dinner reception at Malacañang Palace with a cultural performance by the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company and song numbers by Christian Bautista and Rachelle Ann Go.

Taking a leap into the future

Canon Marketing Philippines launched seven new cutting-edge cameras in Canon Future Nation. The event was an exciting showcase of innovation and passion, as embodied by its latest gadget offerings: the prosumer PowerShot G11 and S90, the telephoto PowerShot SX20 IS and SX120 IS, the slim and stylish Digital IXUS 120 IS and 200 IS and the much-anticipated EOS 7D DSLR.

Guests witnessed the forefront of technology unfold. Held in the 600-square-meter hall of Whitespace Makati, photo enthusiasts were the first to touch, feel and experience Canon’s latest creations. Welcoming them were president and CEO of Canon Marketing Philippines Ramon Arteficio, assistant director for consumer imaging and information Agnes Fernando, Canon Hong Kong’s director Vincent Cheung and Canon Australia’s managing director Kenji Kobayashi.

Canon again proves that there is higher potential that is yet to reveal itself. With these new products, Canon just goes to show that there are limitless possibilities, taking technology way above and beyond.

Springfield’s 2009-2010 Autumn/Winter collection

Springfield will soon be presenting its Men’s and Women’s collections for the coming Autumn Winter 2009-2010 season, featuring the exciting new Ride My Bike line and the launch of Sofing by Springfield for Men, as well as the Grunge de Luxe collection for Women.

Photographer and creator of the campaign images Javier Pla has added a special touch of gloss to all the garments Springfield will be presenting for this Winter. Ride My Bike and Sofing by Springfield are the new looks for the season. The first is inspired by the urban trend for bicycles, created to dress the active, sports-loving man. Sofing by Springfield features the kind of garments that the Springfield boy’s wardrobe was crying out for: a homewear line — versatile sport styles that are perfect for relaxing in at home.

(In the Philippines, Springfield is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Rustan’s Makati, Greenbelt 3, Rockwell, Bonifacio High Street, Megamall, TriNoma, Malate Pedro Gil Wing and Cebu.)

Katy Perry and Boys Like Girls live in Manila

All Youth Channels, Inc. bagged the hippest concert of the year: Katy Perry Live in Manila on Oct. 3 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. The concert will also feature a special performance from Boys Like Girls! The one-night-only concert is another event under the MTV Philippines Live Concert Series. 

Katy Perry rose to fame in 2007 with her Internet hit Ur So Gay, a kiss-off to a metrosexual ex, a song that even Madonna grew fond of and later scored in 2008 her breakthrough single I Kissed a Girl, a provocative ode to the beauty of women that ruled radio over the summer of 2008. The video was nominated for five MTV Video Music Awards, including a nod for Perry for “Best New Artist” and became the No. 1 most viewed music video of 2008 on MySpace. A No. 1 airplay smash in 22 countries and the 2009 People’s Choice award winner for “Favorite Pop Song,” I Kissed A Girl has sold more than six million tracks worldwide. Perry was also voted “Best New Artist” by readers of Rolling Stone and PerezHilton.com. Shortly after, Perry released her first album One of the Boys.

Boys Like Girls gained mainstream recognition when they released their self-titled debut album Boys Like Girls. They have a more radio-friendly pop rock sound. Hence, Boys Like Girls has been labeled “an album full of hit singles” or “the soundtrack to summer,” emphasizing the up-and-coming quartet’s potential to write mainstream compatible tunes.

(Get your tickets now at P3,500 for VIP, P2,200 for Gold, P1,200 for Silver and P400 for Bronze plus 3% Service charge! For ticket reservations, check out TicketWorld at www.ticketworld.com.ph or call at 891-9999. For more information log-on to www.mtvphil.com)