Lifestyle Asia editor in chief Anna Sobrepeña with chefs Robert Bolanos, Dedet dela Fuente, Jordy Navarra, JP Anglo and Margarita Fores
Lifestyle Asia celebrated its 27th anniversary at the Ballroom of Raffles and Fairmont Makati with the theme “Spreading the Table,” which featured the best of Philippine cuisine as prepared by five of the country’s top chefs: Margarita “Gaita” Fores, Dedet dela Fuente, Jordy Navarra, JP Anglo and Robert Bolanos. It was a feast of the senses as the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir sang Ama Namin as thanksgiving before the banquet began, while a lively rigodon de honor was presented while guests enjoyed their dessert.
A Filipino-inspired menu was impeccably prepared and paired with wines. We just couldn’t get enough of Gaita’s Philippine Sea Panuelos and Dedet’s popular Lechon Truffle.
The rigodon de honor featured diplomat couples Ivo and Gracita Seiber, Massimo and Agnes Roscigno, Louie and Mellie Ablaza. They were joined by Joseph and Stephanie Tay, Freddie and Jo Borromeo, Paqui and Lilibeth Campos, Rene and Ann Puno, Rikki and Beng Dee, Carlo and Cat Antonio, Nes Jardin and Anna Sobrepeña, Mario Katigbak and Nympha Valencia, Mike Toledo and Tina Jacinto, Cristalle Henares and Javi Martinez, Jaime Laya and Dina Tantoco. It only took them one to two rehearsals to master the rigodon that was choreographed by Bujing Danao and Dalah Pia.
The elegant black-tie affair proved that charity and celebration go hand in hand with the presentation of two causes close to the publication’s heart: Filipino flavors that champion and support our local produce and farmers, and typhoon Haiyan’s rehabilitation efforts. This year, Lifestyle Asia donated to Caritas Manila for its relief and restoration programs in different parts of the Philippines which were severely devastated by the killer typhoon.
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