An Evening of Masters

People do have high expectations of the dinner celebrations of the country’s first luxury magazine, Lifestyle Asia, with its original thematic events, in its efforts to be the first and the best. “RSVP Lifestyle Asia” a glitzy celebration of 29 years, was a significant occasion which opened with a huge bang and an unexpected surprise to everyone’s thrill. Held recently at the Grand Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, it was a Thanksgiving party for friends, patrons, and for the people who have contributed to its success. Sofitel resident manager Alfredo Denager with director of Marketing and Sales Alice Jenkins, and director of Public Relations Yasmine Hidalgo were on hand to welcome the well-heeled invitees. A Volvo dominated the anteroom of the ballroom where champagne was overflowing.

One of the forces behind the success of Lifestyle Asia is its editor in chief, the dynamic and energetic Anna Sobrepeña, who gave the opening remarks. At the end of her speech, Anna asked everyone to look back and lo and behold, panel doors parted, unveiling a spectacular array of Spiral’s legendary buffet. “Only the best of Spiral,” Anna chimed, and it was definitely a powerful visual statement. The tres chic guests donned happy faces as they headed for a multicourse thrill ride on the iconoclastic Spiral buffet, the delectable feast of which included: a raw bar of sashimi which nestled in a huge tuna; an overwhelming array of oysters laid out on an ice carving of a huge shell;  smoked salmon with different spices;  the freshest sushi; a fromage flight from the Spiral cheese mecca with a miniature Eiffel Tower and a towering ice-carving with a model pouring cocktails enthralled the chic set eliciting moans of delight. The classical and artful tablescapes were by famous florist Robert Blancafor.

With three decades of blessings, Lifestyle Asia has discovered a way of giving back via a generous donation to Vice President Leni Robredo’s chosen advocacy. Another highlight of the evening was the brand’s latest online platform: The launch of Lifestyle Asia.ph.

The after-dinner performance of crooner Jed Madela completed the enchanting evening. Major sponsors were: Volvo, Jo Malone London, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Arla, Titania Wine Cellar, and Coca-Cola.

Read more at http://2016.mb.com.ph/2016/07/17/an-evening-with-a-spectacular-surprise/#0jorR1y4tkiZR8PR.99

The splendid ballroom setup of the RSVP Lifestyle Asia event held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.
The Volvo display at the ballroom foyer where champagne was overflowing.
One Mega Group EVP Archie Carrasco, OMG CEO Sari Yap, OMG Chairman Jerry Tiu, Aika Robredo, Lifestyle Asia Editor In Chief Anna Sobrepena and Lifestyle Asia Publisher Ryan Calmante
Marites Tantoco Enriquez, Anna Sobrepeña and the author
One Mega Group Advertising Manager Carmelli Daet, OMG EVP Archie Carrasco, Lifestyle Asia Editor-at-Large Cheryl Tiu & Lifestye Asia Publisher Ryan Ros Calmante
Consul Louie Ablaza, Consul Mellie Ablaza, the author and Jun Jun Ablaza
One Mega Group VP Archie Carrasco, Tina Cuevas, Hera Geriene and Linda Ley
Consul Helen Ong, Aivee Teo, Consul Evie Costa and Consul Betty Chua
Rene Puno, Cat Antonio, Hilda Antonio and Ann Puno
Lifestyle Asia EIC Anna Sobrepena and One Mega Group CEO Sari Yap
Paolo Lobregat, Donnie Tantoco, Dina Tantoco, Crickette Tantoco, Katrina Lobregat, Nena Tantoco, Bea Tantoco Reyes and Rico Tantoco
Nena Tantoco and Rico Tantoco
Consul Evie Costa, Nympha Valencia and Mabel Abaño
Lino Palenzuela and Toni Gregory Palenzuela
Claire del Rosario-Bernabe, Aisa Atilano and Camille Anton
(standing l-r) Anna Sobrepena, Tina Cuevas, Jed Madela, Julie Boschi and Ann Ong (bottom l-r) Sari Yap, Linda Ley, Hera Geriene, Tessa Prieto Valdes and Richard Tiu
first cousins Yasmine Hidalgo Director of Public Relations, Sofitel and the author
Alice Jenkins, Director of Sales and Marketing, Sofitel Manila
Cathy Huang
Rosemarie Ong
Edd Fuentes
Glen Llamas
Jed Madela rendered several numbers.
Yasmine Hidalgo and Nick Hamilton
Tita Trillo and Paige Meneses of Titania Wine Cellar
Surprise of the evening was when the panel doors were opened to reveal the sumptuous dinner buffet of the Spiral.
The buffet spread
The Peking duck corner
The lavish display of assorted cheeses with the Eifel Tower in the background
The oysters laid out in an ice carving of a shell
One of the dessert area
One of the dessert area
One of the dessert area
Tuna sashimi station by Spiral
Salad bar by Spiral