The Peninsula Paris.

I never thought that my life would be so closely intertwined with the hotel industry.

I spend most of my days in the hotel and go home only to sleep. I eat hotel food almost everyday and some weekends, you would still find me here. For the past 20 years of my life, my home has been between two hotels. EDSA Shangri-la for the first 10 and for the last decade, The Peninsula Manila. 

My bathroom drawer is FILLED with hotel toiletries (because I am the type that takes them home). I so love the beds of The Pen that I ordered bedsheets, pillowcases and my down comforter from their supplier.

I have gained so many good friends from here. Friends that I intend to keep forever. 

I have been very lucky to have stayed in The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai and The Peninsula Tokyo in the last 5 years of my life. Very soon, I will be able to stay in The Peninsula Bangkok. It's become an obsession for me. To be able to stay in all the properties is something close to wonderful and whenever my friends and I plan a trip, this is always something I keep in mind. 

This August 1, 2014, The Peninsula Paris will open their doors. I have been following the progress of their construction thru their Instagram account  and each post makes me so excited about a new hotel that I must experience. 

The Peninsula Hotels makes its grand entrance into Europe with The Peninsula Paris, setting new standards in design, luxury and comfort. The latest chapter of Peninsula excellence brings an unprecedented new level of distinction to the City of Light. 

 Perfectly situated at 19 Avenue Kléber, just steps from the Arc de Triomphe, The Peninsula sits in the heart of Paris within walking distance of some of the world’s most famous monuments, museums and luxury shopping districts.

 The Peninsula Paris is located in a late 19th century classic Haussmanian building, which first opened as one of Paris's most luxurious “grands hotels” in 1908. Steeped in history, the property has been meticulously restored and discreetly modernised with the ultimate in 21st century convenience. The Peninsula houses 200 luxurious rooms, including 34 suites, which are among the most spectacular in the city. 

 Six years in the making, some of France’s finest artisans were hand-picked to undertake this stunning restoration. From the building façade to interior elements including fine marble, rich wood panelling and gold leaf finishing, the result is the ultimate in French craftsmanship.

On top of an array of French-themed food promotions celebrating the birthplace of haute cuisine, each hotel will offer brasserie-inspired menus in all lobbies, and French-themed Afternoon Tea and French delicacies will be available alongside classical French music. Guests will also be able to sample delectable French fare with a glass of Champagne or other popular French drinks such as the pre-dinner apéritif. 

To learn more about the newest Peninsula property, please click HERE. 

Memories: Best of the Best at the Tivoli.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MANILA WELCOMES BACK FORMER EXECUTIVE CHEF NORBERT GANDLER FOR “MEMORIES: BEST OF THE BEST AT THE TIVOLI”

The Tivoli, Mandarin Oriental, Manila’s signature European fine-dining restaurant, takes guests on a culinary journey down memory lane on July 11 via the cuisine of the restaurant’s celebrated former

Executive Chef Norbert Gandler. The one-night only dinner fete will kick-start the two-week “MeMOries: Best of the Best in The Tivoli” promotion which begins on July 16, marking the restaurant’s grand finale following the recent announcement of the hotel’s closure later this year.

Accompanying Norbert Gandler for the highly-anticipated dinner affair are the renowned former Executive Pastry Chef Ernie Babaran and former Sous Chef Kenneth Cacho. Together, they will recreate some of The Tivoli’s best-loved dishes and timeless favourites as part of an exquisite nine-course Degustation menu. Tivoli aficionados can look forward to indulging in such classics as: Millionaire’s Salad, The Tivoli Bouillabaisse, Port Wine Braised “Mulawarra” Veal Cheeks, Australian Bultarra Saltbush Lamb, and Roasted Nebraska Prime Angus Beef Strip Loin, among others. The Degustation menu is priced at PHP 2,400, subject to prevailing taxes and service charge.

Norbert Gandler began as Executive Sous Chef of The Tivoli (erstwhile The Tivoli Grill) from 1989 to 1992, and then later returned as Executive Chef from 1995 to 2003. He is currently Executive Director at the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management (ISCAHM) which he runs with the assistance of both Ernie Babaran, the school’s Director for Pastry and Baking Arts, and Kenneth Cacho, one of the school’s Chef Instructors. Gandler also owns Aubergine Restaurant and Patisserie, a fine-dining restaurant where students of ISCAHM also receive their training.

“We are all looking forward to the return of Mandarin Oriental, Manila’s legendary Chef Norbert and renowned formers chefs Ernie and Kenneth, all of whom have had significant contributions to making The Tivoli the preeminent restaurant that it is today,” shares Rene Ottlik, Executive Chef. “We hope that our guests will enjoy relishing some of The Tivoli’s best-loved dishes from days past, for one last time before we close our doors”.

Weddings at the Peninsula, 2014.

Every year The Peninsula Manila holds a bridal fair spearheaded by my BFF, Stephanie Chong. This year was special. Not only is my daughter, Caitlin. in the Events Department of the hotel,  I am officially part of TPM's family under the E-commerce Department. 

I was able to book a bride and last but definitely not the least, THE Francis Libiran showcased 40 beautiful gowns and suits as the finale, directed of course by my dear Robby Carmona. 

I knew I had taken a whole lot of photos during the whole day event, posting some on Instagram but I didn't realize that I had taken 1,100 photos until the day after. 

Even if the whole hotel was filled with amazing table set ups, flower arrangements, food and dessert spread that's to die for and live music from a 10 man orchestra, there are a few photos that stands out and I want to share them with you.

The wonderful team of Chef Richard Green for preparing the food tasting corner!

The dessert spread of Chef Aaron Maree was sinfully good. I am drooling as I type this. 

H is for Happiness.

The Tower of Moet and Chandon!

The table set up of Anna Fae for The Peninsula Manila.

Robert Blancaflor does drama with a capital D. 

Cindy Beltran of Moss Manila killed it with this beautiful white French courtyard. 

Lucky guests were able to take home these amazing gifts from Happy Skin, L'Occitane and Hermes. 

I was able to capture the GM, Sonja Vodusek being interviewed by ABS-CBN.

Team Sigh.....

Team Wow......

These models taking a selfie!

This photo tells me that I should catch up on local showbiz as I only know two of the guys 

(Sam and Christian). Here they are during rehearsals. 

Help?

The lovely Kim Jones.

Christian Bautista and Francis Libiran. 

This shot of the brides waiting......

...and the Grooms on stand by. 

When beauty queens, Mary Ann Umali, Shamcey Supsup and Venus Raj were on the stage together. 

I absolutely adored the way Karylle strutted down the ramp and posed oh so sweetly at the end. 

Hottest male celebrities.

The look on Ben's face when Iza came out....

The General Manager, Ms. Sonja Vodusek giving flowers to the designer, Francis Libiran. 

Arsi Baltazar blowing his birthday candle after the crowd sang him the birthday song. 

It was a surprise!! 

This group shot by Gwen Ruais on Instagram. 

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Can't wait for an even bigger show next year!

Avec Amour, Weddings at the Peninsula.

Calling all brides and grooms, debutantes and those who just love to throw parties! This event is not to be missed. See the country's top organizers, florists, bakers, souvenir suppliers, musicians all under one roof!

Weddings at the Peninsula features Avec Amour, a wedding fair celebrating all things French! 

The event starts at 10 am and ends with a major fashion show featuring the work of one of the most celebrated fashion designers in the country, Mr. Francis Libiran. 

June 21, 2014 at The Peninsula Manila. See you there. 

K-Palette!

I love make up and I am always looking out for the best kind out there. The best may not always be the most expensive though and what's best for me may not be the best for you.

I have a LOT of eyeliners. Pencils, liquid, gel, name it, I have it but somehow, I always find myself using my 1 Day Tattoo eyeliner from K-Palette. What I like about it is that it is easy to apply and yes, easy to wash off. For as long as I don't scratch my eyes, which is becoming a bad habit lately, the liner stays right where I want it to for the whole day and there's no need to retouch it. 

I am a happy camper with my K-Palette eyeliner. The Real Lasting Eyebrow? Well, I still have to get used to using it. Right now, I am so used to using my pencil. Will get back to you on this one. 

Thank you so much Cheryl Chua for making this make-up addict a happy one. 

Mandarin Oriental in 2020.

For those who know and follow my blog, you must know how much I love the people and restaurant outlets of Mandarin Orientel. I must have  blogged about each and every time I dined in my two favorite outlets, Paseo Uno and Tivoli. I especially love my MO family namely, Charisse Chuidian, Rene Ottlik, Peter Psyk, Isabel Cang and all of the waiters in Tivoli. 

So when I heard news about Mandarin Oriental's closing.....I would rather take it as good news about the re-opening on 2020!

Here's what MO has to say about their new property. 

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has signed a long-term management contract to brand and manage a new luxury 275 room hotel in the heart of Metro Manila. The new Mandarin Oriental, Manila, which is scheduled to open in 2020, will be part of a mixed-use development centrally located within Makati City. At the same time the Group has announced the closure of the existing Mandarin Oriental, Manila on Makati Avenue later this year.

Mandarin Oriental has been in this important business and tourism market for almost 40 years, opening in 1976 as Manila’s pre-eminent hotel. While it has been a much-loved icon in the city, the property’s infrastructure and existing facilities are no longer in keeping with the Group’s well-recognized, luxury hospitality offering.

The new Mandarin Oriental, Manila will feature spacious rooms and a range of elegant and contemporary facilities, including a variety of restaurants and a signature spa. The hotel, which will be owned and developed by Ayalaland Hotels and Resorts, will be positioned as one of the leading luxury hotels in the city upon opening. Further information on the new hotel project will be released once details are confirmed.

“Mandarin Oriental, Manila has been recognized as one of the city’s most iconic hotels since its opening in 1976, and the Group wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all colleagues for their legendary service and support over the years. All hotel colleagues have been informed of the forthcoming closure and will receive full and fair severance payment and appropriate professional guidance,” said Torsten van Dullemen, General Manager of the hotel.

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I will miss you terribly but please know that I will be the first one to walk thru the doors of the new Mandarin Oriental in 2020.