Thursday, November 27, 2008 Club events, celebrators By Chinggay V. Utzurrum The Scene
Doesn’t the unmistakable scent and sound of Christmas set you in a holiday mode? You can’t deny the scent of Yuletide goodies and the merry sound of carols in the air, can you?
Well, setting the mode (and mood) for the holidays is Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s (MPPC) "Voyage en France," a 14-day cultural journey featuring French cinema, exhibits, and gastronomic delights! Enjoy "Parcours Culinaire" until Dec. 5 at Café Marco, with no less than French chef Marc Aubry as guest. We had the privilege of tasting the most sumptuous French delights: traditional coq au vin with Lyonnaise potato; prawn bisque enhanced with anise; veggie ratatouille and goat cheese salad with zesty lemon vinaigrette, and many more.
Over at El Viento Bar & Grill, there’s "Itineraire Cinematographique," a French film festival in partnership with Les Amis de la France (LAF). The event showcases 14 top films, and free viewing is from 7-9 p.m. until Dec. 5.
Be mesmerized with Parisian views in "Promenade Parisienne," an exhibit and visual sojourn through Paris, brought to you by LAF.
Of course, the culminating grand event is "Soiree Beaujolais 2008," on Nov. 29 at the Grand Ballroom, in cooperation with Le Club French Chamber of Commerce (it's celebrating its 20th anniversary in the country). Without doubt, the most prestigious French wine event of the year, the affair is called "Vive La France/Mabuhay Philippines." It will feature the uncorking of Le Beaujolais Nouveau, a raffle of two round-trip tickets to Paris from Qatar Airways, and non-stop entertainment from vocalist Janet Basco and the Renaissance Band. It will be hosted by Johnny Revilla. Reserve early through MPPC's Belle Lumapas.
******
The Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) Mother Ignacia Movement (RVM-MIM) Visayas Region will hold an MIM Regional Assembly at Betania Retreat House, Lahug, Cebu City, from Nov. 28-30. The theme is "Venerable Ignacia Del Espiritu Santo: A Woman of Strength."
******
The Philippine National Red Cross Cebu Chapter is sponsoring a dinner-concert featuring the Piano Teachers Guild of Cebu Inc., on Monday, Dec. 1 at the Grand Majestic Convention Center at 6:30 p.m.
Its truly amazing being regaled by six talented musicians, namely: Abescar G. Base Jr, Neca A. Caingles, Noneluna P. Deligero, Aida B. Labra, Anita C. Trasmonte and Menchi L. Ybud. If you missed them in the past, don’t pass up this chance! They will perform pieces by the masters Schubert, Bizet, Strauss, Tchaikovsky and many others.
This group has spread its talents to neighboring cities, like Iloilo, Dumaguete, Cagayan de Oro, Mandaue and Maasin, Leyte.
Be entertained, and know you’re doing this for a good cause, the Red Cross!
******
Atta girls, we’re lauding the glam gals of Zonta Club of Cebu 2 for another feather in their fashionable hats! After recently participating in the South East Asian Grassroots Women’s Convention held in Cebu with Zonta Club of Cebu 1, they’re at it again!
The overseas visitors they entertained were benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Togikawa from the Sharaki Memorial Foundation, Hawaii, and Larry Biron of the Medical Supplies Network Inc. from Oklahoma, USA.
They checked on their pet project beneficiaries, the kids enjoying the Zonta Children’s Reading Corner at the Rizal Memorial Library and Museum, and they were welcomed by Ruth Chua.
Being a Zontian must really attract a special breed of woman: recently inducted at Patio Isabel was new member, Jennifer B. Go, who was welcomed into the fold by president Elsa Basubas and her officers. Here’s to a red carpet reception for Ms. Go!
******
Thai silk table skirts and linens, and elaborate centerpieces were de rigeur at the birthday bash of call center whiz Kingsley "Kings" Benedict Medalla, who turned not quite 30, the other day. He reserved the entire second floor of Krua Thai Resto in Banilad Town Centre for his many guests.
"Make a wish, make a good wish," we exclaimed as he was posed to blow his birthday candles. Echoes came from close-knit family members, club ladies from the Angel Society of Cebu, Amigos de España (yes, Kings is fluent in Español because he handles Hispanic clients at the call center) and friends.
When asked what he wished for, the enigmatic Kings answered, “Secret!” He then delivered a brief address in fluent English and Spanish, thanking all for being there for him.
******
Another celebrator was Minnie Yuvienco, who’s pretty busy with her RTW high-end line, best of New York. At present, she’s abroad where she regularly updates herself with the latest in haute couture. But before she left, her St. Theresa's College (STC) classmates feted her with a birthday lunch at Chikaan sa Cebu. Balik dayon, Min!
