Fun Dining at Casa Marcos

Nothing beats a simple dinner that brings together the best of friends, feasting on an appetizing meal while everyone puts a fun conversation on the table.

I’ve heard of Casa Marcos for quite some time but it was only when I met Kevin and Kendrick Khoe - the people behind Casa Marcos - that I was able to drop by and sample their food.

Some weeks back the Khoe brothers hosted a dinner for me and my friends to try their dishes. Casa Marcos is a Spanish resto that apparently has been around for decades, transferring and evolving from being a small resto in Manila in the 40's to becoming one of the more famous spots in Burgos Circle at Fort. It’s a pretty laid back place that fits a quiet family lunch or a night out of laughs and chats among friends.

The start of the dinner was heavy as we were served their famous Paella con Saffron. For some reason, I’ve always loved risottos, paellas, and most anything that transforms rice by turning it into a totally different dish. It was sheer delight for me to get a spoonful of it, taking one scoop after another.

One of the next dishes was pretty different. Have you ever tried a Tapang Baboy Damo? Warthogs might not be a usual meal for most people but this was an interesting order.

Marbee Go, one of my friends who was also at the dinner, loved their Gambas. Well, I did too. The shrimps were juicy! It wasn’t too salty and had the right garlicky taste. 

But my ultimate favorite was the Almejas - baked clams topped with bits of crispy garlic and cheese. I'm used to having baked oysters and I didn't know that the baked clams will be pretty good as well. 

I'm sure there are still some more dishes that I need to try but my palette and appetite was happy that evening.

Kevin Khoe, Kendrick Khoe, myself, Ram Bucoy, Ingrid Go, Nika Bucoy, Marbee Go

Again, thank you to the Khoe brothers for such an enjoyable dinner!

Casa Marcos

F121 Forbeswood Heights, Rizal Drive, Bonifacio Global City

552-3781

http://www.casamarcos.ph/

BVLGARI Serpenti Collection

Be mesmerized and tempted with pieces of high jewellery, crafted with passion and sophistication, signifying wisdom, life and eternity.

Bedazzling, bewitching and beguiling. Bulgari, the ultra-glam Italian jewelry house, recently launched its Serpenti collection in Manila. In one evening, Makati Shangri-la's Red was transformed into the Bulgari Lounge, serving wines and champagnes as soon as one enters the venue. The dimly lit room exuded utmost class while guests awaited the unveiling of the collection. 

Balladeer Bo Cerruda opened the program with an array of classical songs. Models in white long dresses slowly appeared behind the glass walls as live mannequins that gave a full view of the exquisite pieces. The snake like figure of the Serpenti collection symbolizes immortality and has been one of the more prominent and famed creations of Bulgari. 

two stunning models, my friends Girlie Benitez and Raya Mananquil

Mel Meer of Bergamo and the man responsible for Bulgari's continuing success, Mario Katigbak

me and my event partner for the evening, Alexa Santico

For Bulgari, the Serpenti collection is a milestone of Bulgari style: the powerful expressivity of an ancient symbol that speaks of a contemporary language, in a perfect synthesis of sinuosity and geometric abstraction.


BVLGARI
Greenbelt 4
http://en.bulgari.com/

Frank Hoefsmit's Exhibit for B&B Italia

To have the privilege of having one’s portrait - in either a quirky, candid, or serious pose - taken by a respected and talented photographer, gives the possibility to capture and immortalize a different side of one's persona.

Furniture design label B&B Italia celebrated its fifteenth anniversary in the country, collaborating with renowned photographer Frank Hoefsmit to create fifteen images of notable personalities in one exhibit. From Kaye Tinga striking a powerful pose as Andy Vazquez-Prada smirked on the side, Pabling and Carlo Calma leisurely relaxing on a grand couch, to Henri Calayag and Patrick Rosas standing out in a black on black look, each portrait showcased another character of each subject while still focusing on the unique designs of the furniture in the photo. Here are some of the portraits I was able to take a photo of during the exhibit.

Some of the subjects were present during the event, inviting close friends to witness their stylish, elegant, or amusing photos.

I was so proud of Frank’s exhibit. He is one of the first few people I got to meet in the fashion world when I first started out in the industry. It’s always a delight to see him and his fabulous works. To B&B Italia, congratulations on such a great milestone! 

Beyond Trends with Jun Escario & Ethan Allen

Style has its own way of manifesting in diverse disciplines - taking the form of unique furniture designs or the always evolving trends in fashion.

I was able to attend the second Ethan Allen "A Taste of Timeless Series" in support of my friend, designer Jun Escario. The furniture brand prides on maintaining its signature timeless style and has since changed the lifestyle of people both here in Manila and in the international market. With options that express the different lives and characters of people, I guess there's a look or pieces from them that best suits one's personality. 

 

From vintage, romance, elegance, modern, to voyage, vignettes with its distinct look were put on display to give a glimpse of the one of a kind aesthetic that the furnitures were created for.

Vintage

Romance 

Modern

 

Elegance

 

Voyage

As the main highlight of the event, Jun Escario spoke of timeless design with some of his creations placed on display during his brief interview. He spoke of sophistication and how it related to the themes of the furnitures and vignettes on display. I have known Jun for quite some time and he was the perfect fit to talk about elegance and timelessness, complementing the design identity of Ethan Allen.

I saw my college friend Vea Alvaro who was part of the organizers while I was with MyHome's Michelle Manuel and Condo Living's design twins Love Ocampo and Gayle Ocampo.

Coincidentally, Jun Escario is celebrating his twentieth year in the fashion industry! Sadly, I won't be able to go all the way to Cebu for his much anticipated gala collection. But, all the same, kudos to your success Jun! :)

Jun Escario

2nd floor, Greenbelt 5, Makati

729-9070; 729-9071

http://www.junescario.com/