Thursday, February 21, 2008 Utzurrum: A special evening of song and sparkling wines By Chinggay V. Utzurrum the scene
WHEN the four Rs—Robert, Ralph, Ronnie and Raymond, also known as the Joseph Brothers—and top honchos of Philippine Wine Merchants organize a happening, you can be rest assured that it will be a qualified success! As it was during the Second Grand Wine Experience held at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.
Hailed as Southeast Asia’s most sophisticated and best-attended wine fest, the event commenced with favorite host Johnny Revilla. He welcomed not only the movers and shakers of the tourism industry, but also visitors from out-of-the-country.
To add zest and zing to the affair, guests were treated to a string quartet, as the arresting array of over 200 wine varieties from 14 countries were presented to the cocktail crowd.
Marco Polo’s celebrated chef Luke Gagnon outdid himself with a flood of cheese and wines at strategic stations within the ballroom. There were lavish selections of roast sirloin, lamb and what-have-you!
As if this gastronomic invasion were not enough, guests had a feast for the senses with stunning models serving the drinks. Commendations were in order for hotel GM, Hans Hauri, who also arranged for an impressive parade of waiters earlier.
And what grandiose plans are afoot for the wine Industry next year?
With the unstinted support of the Dept. of Tourism, enter Club Gran Cru., an incentive program for loyal clients of Ralph’s Wines and Spirits and the Joseph Brothers. And get this . . . the construction of the country’s very first wine museum, which will bring in an even bigger, more spirited grand wine experience!
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It had to take the creativity and passion of singing doctor Warfe Tupas Engracia to get the Cebu Malay Society of Artists/Authors, Composers and Producers (Cemscap) to present “Handumanan,” a concert event during the Sinulog week.
This group chose SM City cinema One as the venue, which was packed with locals and out-of-towners.
Dr. Engracia, who leads Cemscap, gave us the info that their group encourages Visayan artists, supports them, as well rising and up-and-coming and veterans in the game.
The “Handumanan” concert’s finale was the awarding and recognition of these Visayan artists. We might add that doc Warfe’s super-talented daughter, Athens, is definitely a chip of the old block.
