One could only surmise that the recent birthday bash in honor of the former First Lady Mrs. Imelda Marcos held at the Makati Shangri-La was one among a series of celebrations that are set any day in July every year by some of Madame Imelda’s beloved friends.
The proverbial “Steel Butterfly” has reached another milestone. In what could yet be a belated albeit anticipated birthday celebration, society friends of the First Lady led by Lord of Scents Joel Cruz of Aficionado perfume in tandem with philanthropist Lani Jubac Schoof, owner of Peacock Garden in Bohol and wife of a German national Hans Gunter Schoof, hosted the party at Makati Shangri-La with Becky Garcia, who had just arrived from Amsterdam, as party organizer.
On the same occasion, another July celebrator and Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, who came in with beauteous Josephine Pintor, was also befitted a birthday bash by the same group of friends.
Joel and Lani prepared an elegant dinner reception for Mrs. Marcos. It was such a warm and lavish birthday  that she shared with her special guests including Cory Quirino, Geena Zablan, Fe Dixon, Noel Gonzales, Dean Decker, Virginia Lane,  Joy Fong, Donnie Ramirez, Joseph Calata, Glenn Gale, Remar de Leon and  Mithi Aquino, who reportedly is going to tie the knot soon with an American consul at the US Embassy.
Miss World Philippines 2012 Queenierich Rehman and her court added luster to the affair as well-known balladeer Arthur Manuntag and Ronnie Liang took turns in serenading Madame Imelda with her favorite songs. The guests simply enjoyed the night amidst an overflowing pour of impeccable wines and an abundance of exquisite cuisine.
Showing no signs of slowing down despite her age, Madame Imelda still looks very active and full of energy. Reportedly she is seeking a fresh term as a congresswoman next year.
We can only toast to all that and once more wish her good health and prosperity on her birthday. The same wish goes to Manong Chavit Singson. May the two of you  have more years to celebrate your birthdays. C’est la vie, Madame Imelda and Manong Chavit.

An intimate treat for Jullie
In another memorable birthday celebration, the maven and columnist of Manila Bulletin’s Panorama Jullie Yap-Daza was treated to an intimate birthday get-together at the exquisite Sugi Japanese Restaurant at Greenbelt, Makati.
The special birthday treat was hosted by the Snoe Produits Beaute Inc. president Jen Diaz, a young and emerging force in the cosmetics industry.  
Partaking with us in an authentic Japanese dining experience and witnessing Jullie gamely blowing the lone candle on her birthday cake were a few close friends of the celebrator like Woman’s Journal editor Chai Santiago and Philippine Star columnist Joanne Mae Ramirez,
To our dear friend Julie, may you have more birthdays to come. Cheers to the good and beautiful life! Our thanks as well to Jen Diaz for the special birthday treat.


Aussie masterpieces at the ambassador’s home
Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell hosted a special lunch at his residence to launch The Masterpiece Series, a quarter program to showcase the many different and creative ways one can use non-loin “classic cuts.”
The series, an initiative of Meat and Livestock Australian (MLA), aims to show that classic cuts may perform as well as loin cuts when utilized appropriately. By using different cuts, consumers are able to introduce variety and creativity in the dishes they prepare. The prices of these cuts are also more affordable, and should make the popular options or alternatives for consumers.
“Australian is known for quality and safe meats. These are readily available to Filipino diners, and we are hoping that this series meats. These are readily available to Filipino diners and we are hoping that this series will make more and more people aware of the quality, versatility and value-for-money that these cuts bring to food preparation for the Filipino dining table,” said Ambassador Tweddell.
MLA, a producer-owned organization responsible for marketing, research and development for the Australian meat industry, works closely with food service, retail and trade to increase awareness of the value and availability of quality meats from Australia.
Chef Peter Van Es, executive chef and beverage manager of Amora Jamison Hotel Sydney, a master in food preparation, used the whole beef to create each course — from head to tail.
The four-course meal, the chef said, was just the first of many that will showcase the versatility of Australian beef and lamb in terms of cut utilization and menu options.
Australia is the number one source of beef for the Philippines at 41.39 percent, followed by New Zealand at 22.19 percent and the US at 17.81 percent.

Step into a beauty wonderland
The country’s leading beauty authority, Belo Medical Group, led by doctor to the stars, doctor Vicki Belo recently introduced its wide array of services to a group of ‘ladies who lunch’ at the clinic’s The Residences at Greenbelt branch in Makati.
Entitled “Belo Beauty Wonderland,” it was an open house event to orient guests on the various treatments provided by the innovative clinic to its valued clients. Each guest received a “passport” which they needed to complete by checking out the treatments and services provided by the clinic.
The A-listers were elated to find out more about the Belo Medical Group’s pioneering steps to help keep everyone’s youthful glow including the popular use of Botox. Volunteers joined the special demonstration administered by Dr. Belo, while other guests were fascinated as they learned more from the clinic’s friendly doctors and aestheticians who shared their expertise and experience on how to help patients look their best through the use of the clinic’s state-of-the-art equipment.
The VIP room became the venue to introduce the ZO Skin Health products plus consultation with Belo Medical Group’s doctors on what treatment and product suits every patient’s condition and needs. Offering treatments for the skin, face and body, the Belo Medical Group provides world-class services to help make everyone look and feel their best.