GLITZY GALA FOR LA CHAINE
- Jaime Picornell
- Apr 5, 2019
- 4 min read
It was a glitzy affair at the ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel for the induction gala of La Chaine des Rotisseurs Cebu chapter the evening of March 16. General Manager Brian Connelly had decreed it so with the theme of Las Vegas as an entertainment hub of the world.
Beaming with satisfaction and pride were Michel and Amparito Lhuillier, he being the Baili Delegue of La Chaine in the Philippines, and she the Baili of Cebu. Amparito was stunning in black lace and glitter.
The event's sequence went fast and efficient, as the ever 120 guests started streaming in through the red carpeted lobby - the men in tux, the ladies in long gowns - and up to the pre-dinner delicacies and champagne.
In no time, the induction rites were announced, presided by Michel and Amparito and the board members - Dr. Nestor Alonso, Teresin Mendezona, Dr. Vivina Yrastorza, and Winglip Chang.
Efren Belarmino was awarded the silver medal, and Jurgen Pesch the bronze medal. Edgardo Tongco and Manuel Osmeña were raised to the rank of commandeur; and Genelyn Manguilimotan, Grand Officer Maitre Hotelier.
With a golden sword, Michel tapped the shoulders of new members Jonathan Nowell - Maitre Hotelier; Ms. Erlyn van Wingden - Maitre Rotisseur; and Jaena Sanchez - Maitre Restauranteur.
Dames de la Chaine were Sarah Cacafranca, Maria Josephine Calatrava, Diana Enriquez, Lorey Ann Lanorias, Loue Manuel, Jenethbie Mayol, Cathy Mertalla, Victoria Nolasco, Melanie Ouano, Diana Pellerin, and Ma. Darlin Ugbinada.
Chevaliers de la Chaine were Ivan Bozhilov, Jesson Lim, Theodors Pasidis, Fritz Strolz, and Joselito Sulapas.
Dinner was served in the adjoining ballroom, entirely draped with black cloth, and lit by floodlights. On the central table were Michel and Amparito with Mr. Connelly, former Marco Polo Cebu general manager Hans Hauri who came for the occasion, US Consular Agent Glenn Loop with his wife Honey Jarque Loop, Jurgen and Sandra Pesch.
More: Teresin Mendezona, Vivina Yrastorza, Winglip Chang, Stephan and Stefanie Sieberg, Grace Gevero, and Ian Lancaster from La Chaine in Phuket, Thailand.
Among the guests were Angie Mathieu with her son Mickey Paulson, Julie Najar, Leah Blanco, Kate Hale, Martin Klieger who came from Hong Kong, Elena Palacio and Luis Echarry, Mike and Rose Hennessy, Michael and Bethilda Smith, Louis Thevenin, Stella Bernabe, and Pearle Stolz.
Dinner was superb, and impeccably served by a well rehearsed brigade. It started with a tube of foie gras, followed by magret of duck, and Patagonian toothfish. After the sorbet came the exquisite USDA Prime Beef Wellington.
To conclude there was a variety of artisan Malagos cheeses, and Baked Alaska which made for a superb dessert. Excellent wines were served througout, specially chosen for this dinner.
At the climax of the evening, Michel was highly appreciative, overflowing with words of praise and encouragement. All those who had prepared this epicurean achievement were cited:
Of course, the executive chef Juanito Abangan; the executive sous chef Timo Gloeckner; pastry chef Gina Arceo; Joward Tongco, the restaurants , bars and event manager; Cyril Escorido, banquet service manager; and Maan Adraincem, event coordinator;
Also called to collect his parchment paper of appreciation was GM Brian Connelly.
In a special announcement Michel informed the audience that Hans Eulenhoefer is the new president of L'Ordre Mondial des Gourmets et Degustateurs in Cebu. He automatically becomes a member of the board of the La Chaine.
Showtime came and Gina Blanco, a singer from Manila, was the evening's performer. Credit also goes to the aerial dancers from Pole Sphinx.
The fun did not stop there. Dance music was played and quite a number took to it, most specially Amparito who as we left was still twirling gracefully.
Next event for La Chaine in Cebu is a trek to Michel's Safari Park by the middle of May. It will be in the afternoon, with dinner included. Michel laughs when asked what - or who? - will be fed to the lions.
This early, La Chaine in Cebu is planning the anniversary gala in December. "The Marco Polo Plaza in Cebu is at your service again," says GM Brian Connelly.
As promised in an earlier article, we informed you dear readers, that the book "Escaño" is available from Jose "Cheling" Sala at his office in the Honorary Consulate of Sweden in Gorordo Avenue.
It has been written by Resil Mojares, National Artist for Literature. Cost is PHP 1500 a copy. Call telephone (+63 32) 233-3106. It is highly recommended as a very good read. It is also illustrated with many photos.
The SilverStone team from the Taiwan headquarters - Tony Ou, Marketing Manager, Jenny Wu, Sales Assistant Manager and Laney Huang, Sales Representative together with Fine Upgrades headed by Ryan Yu, managing director, held the Ignite Product Launching 2019 last March 23, 2019 at Manila and the most recent one in Cebu last March 30, 2019 at Parklane Hotel.
It was, as Ryan said, "a taste of Computex" for those who wouldn't be able to go to the much awaited computer international expo which will be held in Taiwan some time this end of May until early June 2019. People from the computer scene all over the world gather together to see new technological innovations during this expo.
Attendees during the event were the different dealers of SilverStone in Cebu, computer enthusiasts, and friends from the media.
A live demonstration of how turning on the computer was as easy as pushing a single button piqued the interest of the crowd. SilverStone called it smart gaming. Indeed it was, and convenient as well. The collaboration between LifeSmart, one of the leading IoT companies in the global smart home market and SilverStone made voice control of the computer possible. A few other very "smart" features were shown. As they showed all these features, it felt like the possibilities are endless.
Charmaine, my daughter-in-law who is now currently working as a Branding Officer for Fine Upgrades, the exclusive distributor of SilverStone for the entire Philippines, announced to the crowd that over the next few months, SilverStone promises exciting new activities. Prizes and "loots" will be given away to the SilverStone community, who will be collectively called STFU, SilverStone Filipinos United.
Speaking of loots, the audience certainly went home happy as over the course of the event, several computer casings and computer accessories were given away as well.
Tony Ou, Marketing Manager of SilverStone and Ryan Yu, Managing Director of Fine Upgrades together with the winners of SilverStone computer casings during the event.
The event ended with a success and a big thank you from Ryan and the whole SilverStone and Fine Upgrades team, for the unending support of the Cebuano community to SilverStone.
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