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Finest in Dining and Wining<\/strong><\/p>\n The Philippines continually embraces new influences and exciting developments in living la dolce vita<\/em>, and one that we cheerfully welcome is the restaurant boom. There is no better way to discover the latest and the best dining hot spots, or learn of the finest in culinary art and expertise than through a restaurant guide of elite brand recognition – the Philippine Tatler T Dining, Best Restaurants Guide 2019. This is a feat achieved with team effort led by Philippine Tatler managing director Irene Martel Francisco and co-editors Maritess Garcia Reyes and Shauna Jay Popple Williams. The BRG team has spent an enormous amount of time and energy to make a big splash in today\u2019s dining landscape. Held a few evenings ago, the event gathered together the country\u2019s celebrated restaurateurs, chefs, oenophiles and invitees. Now on its 15 th<\/sup> edition, BRG is a quick and easy reference to an overall dining experience, with 173 restaurants listed and a compilation of a cross-section of establishments across Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Baguio and Boracay.<\/p>\n A legend in the luxury magazine publication, Irene announced two upcoming T-dining events \u2013 a T-dining Best restaurants week at Rockwell in March and T-dining culinary journey through SM Aura in July. These events will offer special dishes as well as discounts from participating T-dining establishments. Irene thanked all the restaurant owners, chefs and foodies, her co-host and partner Shangri-La at the Fort, HSBC major partner for the 2019 book. The most anticipated moment was the awarding of the Top 20 (now on its 4th<\/sup> year) 2019 award recipients: Bar Pintxos, Benjarong Royal Thai, Blackbird, Bondi & Bourke, Canton Road, China Blue by Jerome Leung, Cru Steakhouse, Donosti, Finestra, Foo\u2019d by Davide Oldani, Gallery by Chele, Kyo-To, M Dining + Bar, Man Ho, Mireio, The Pig & Palm, Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar, Sirena, The Tasting Room, Wildflour restaurant. \u201cBest of class\u201d awards: Best interior design: Harlan & Holden glasshouse; Best new bar \u2013 Shangri-La at the Fort Manila – The Back room; Best service – Sala Bistro; and most innovative chef- Chele Gonzalez. First time Hall of Fame award went to chef-owner Tony Boy Escalante\u2019s Antonio\u2019s .<\/p>\n ***********************************************************************************<\/p>\n Philippine Tatler Homes and Living Innovations Launch<\/p>\n Evoking a fairy-tale dreamland in the spirit of the holidays, Philippine Tatler Homes and Living Innovations recently collaborated to host an intimate launch held at the luxe Minotti showroom. On display was Minotti\u2019s 70th<\/sup> Anniversary collection of contemporary furniture pieces, where its notably fine craftsmanship truly made standout statements. Powerhouse tandem Philippine Tatler Irene Martel Francisco and Mia Borromeo together with Living Innovations energetic Ferdie Ong, welcomed the fashionably chic set.<\/p>\n The tablescape was whimsical and holiday bright. Seated beside me was vivacious Sofia Elizalde; we talked ballet and an interesting footnote was when I asked her if she had seen the recent Snow White at the CCP, she excitedly told me that she was the first Snow White in the previous ballet; and at the same time she took out her phone to show me her beautiful photo. Being a creative force, Mia knows that her attendees love fun and excitement, and as such, a raffle was conducted with an array of exciting prizes, such as a Hurricane vase by Ro; Brooklyn-born design brand West Elm home accessories; festive baskets from artisanal chocolate Auro; Nespresso coffee sets; Rustan\u2019s Diptyque holiday 2018 collection; Millefiori scented candles; Natori picture frame; Rosenthal porcelain plate and Hermes perfume and silk scarf. Florabel Co-Yatco\u2019s spread was a dramatic stage with crowd-pleasing delectables such as Roast turkey with sweet potato casserole, pecan oatmeal, Eggs Benedict, wagyu beef skewers, fresh porcini pasta in white truffle cream sauce.<\/p>\n