Miss Universe\u2019 Birthday Dinner at Home<\/p>\n
At her beautifully well-appointed condo done in modernist aesthetics and with a panoramic view of the city, former Miss Universe and current president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Margie Moran Floirendo was an image of a woman who does what she loves, and loves what she does.\u00a0 The space is her sanctuary and hubby Rupert\u2019s elegant portrait of her was displayed prominently at the hallway, and which simply cannot go unnoticed when seated in the dining room.\u00a0 Noting her personal style, she highlighted sentimental framed photographs on console tables and paintings on the walls of her green themed dining room; such as a painting by famed artist Sandra Gfeller, which was a gift from the Board of Trustees of Ballet Philippines, of which she heads.\u00a0 Margie is a natural at arranging her collections, as well as her objets d\u2019art. A kinetic sculpture by Gabby Barredo is accented with a Manansala painting. Other walls boasted of a Tabuena, Westendorp, Alcuaz, Garibay, Rubio among others. It also had a portrait of Margie dressed in Filipiniana by Dante Silverio at the entrance of the living room; the likeness of which was taken from Rupert\u2019s humongous Centennial coffee table book, \u201cPortraits of an Era: A Celebration of the Filipino\u201d,\u00a0 which featured Margie taken at Jose Rizal\u2019s shrine in Calamba Laguna. Despite her worldwide super-fame, Margie was her most authentic self with close friends:\u00a0 \u201cI organized intimate casual dinners with friends in Manila when I got back, to bond in a way with enjoyable conversations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wearing a vacation glow and with a renewed sense of calm, Margie narrated over a delicious sit-down Japanese dinner that the first part of her birthday was spent in Iceland, a frozen wonderland, the Arctic known for its sheer scenic beauty. She said that the special cruise ship was equipped with ice breakers; it was a snowbound hotel with Michelin meals and a prodigious wine list. This ice safari was a combination of addictive rush and spectacular dreamscapes.\u00a0 Not wanting the expedition to end, Margie was so captivated by the majestic display of the northern lights; so much so that her praises for this amazing spectacle of nature had her guests wanting to sign up for the next voyage.\u00a0\u00a0 The evening was capped with music and singing by divine songbird Ping Valencia as she regaled us with her angelic voice. After the toasting, the birthday song and the cake, the ever regal Margie said: \u201cFriendships matter as we grow older and I appreciate moments like these.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mayenne Carmona Birthday Celebration<\/p>\n
\u00a0Marriott Hotel\u2019s Director of Marketing and Communications, the effervescent beauty and brains Mitch Garcia recently organized an intimate dinner for friends to celebrate the birthday of Faaabvlous party gal, dance enthusiast, wellness advocate and \u2018Angels for\u00a0 Street Children\u2019 charity leader, Mayenne Carmona .<\/p>\n
Held at their Chinese restaurant Manho, it was a well-attended dinner with twenty close friends, which included surprise guest, U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim. Mayenne was thrilled with his presence, since his office had sent regrets that he was hosting an event that same evening. Dining at Manho was a gastronomic bliss, with countless courses which showcased an array of surprising tastes. The succulent peking duck appetizer was one of the best we have experienced and the feast of dishes served was the expertise of chef Meik Brammer.\u00a0 A birthday cake was brought out, accompanied with cheers and toasts to the glamorous and vivacious Mayenne.<\/p>\n
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