MANILA, Philippines?Umu, a new posh Japanese restaurant, opened at the world-renowned, classy Dusit Thani Manila a few weeks ago. Recently, it has been named a finalist in the Hotel World Global Hospitality and Design Awards held in Las Vegas, no less, palanggas.

Designed by the prestige Design Worldwide Partnership (DWP), a Bangkok-based and award-winning design firm, Umu competed in the Luxury Restaurant category.

It was named one of the finalists together with restaurants from Hong Kong, Macau and Miami. Not bad, huh.

A key to the success of Umu?s awesome stunning design is the collaboration with various partners.

The tons of invitees just couldn?t get enough of the absolutely yummy Japanese bar chow. A lady guest even asked if she could take home several of the dishes, ?di bala?

Naturellement, après a couple of vodka martini?s and a show of Japanese-inspired creations of the rah! rah! De La Salle Fashion design professors, moi just had to ask, what does Umu mean?

?It?s ?born of nature? and refers to the use of materials, like wood, onyx, plus, plus that is evident in the design and interiors of the restaurant,? said Lizel Ventosa, the hotel?s cyber smart assistant PR manager.

My truly favorite spot is the cool al fresco dining area overlooking the relaxing Umu garden with a fantastic koi fish pond. The perfect place for excellent Japanese dining and super ambiance thrown in, palanggas.

Belo Clinic opens in TriNoma

The Belo Medical Group is truly one of a kind, palanggas. And that?s kinda hard to beat, dahlings.

It?s the country?s top name in the field of dermatology and cosmetic surgery, offering a wide range of treatments in its clinics in shopping malls like The Podium in Ortigas and Rustan?s Makati.

Belo recently opened a new clinic on the third level of TriNoma in Quezon City. It coincided with the unveiling of the second volume of Dr. Vicki Belo?s Skin Magazine, with the gorgeous Claudine Barretto, no less, on the cover.

With this strategy, the Belo Medical Group attracts clients from all walks of life, making it a super success story in both the medical and business fields, palanggas.

Lording over such specialized industry for 18 years now, this dynamic miss born with four B?s, Dr. Vicki is considered one of the most successful entrepreneurs in a field that was virtually unheard of years back.

?We aim to be accessible to more people who want to avail of our services,? says Vicki, the company?s medical director, popularly known as ?Doctor to the Stars,? dahlings.

The open-air TriNoma Park was transformed into a party area by Vicki?s close pal Cynthia Almario, where tons of invitees dug into heavy bar chow by Bayon Alcoseba of Peppermill Catering, and the to-die-for sweets by Buddy Trinidad of Park Avenue Desserts.

Naturellement, Vicki B. had her very own crooner and heartthrob, tall, handsome cousin of mine Dr. Hayden Kho, who obliged to do a few song numbers, including a duet with Kyla. At the end, there was a five-minute colossal fireworks display, palanggas.

Helping our fashionable hostess entertain the guests were her two children, Quark and eye-catching beauty Cristalle.

Also present at the grand affair were TV and movie stars plus hotshot namedroppables like GMA 7 executives Darling de Jesus and Gigi Santiago; Vicki?s ex-husband Atom Henares and girlfriend Karen Jones; musical director Raul Mitra and wife Cacai Velasquez; plus film critic and columnist Butch Francisco.

Check out the other Belo Medical Group clinics at Medical Plaza, Makati; Tomas Morato, QC; Greenhills, San Juan; and Westgate, Alabang.

You?re definitely in for a new you, palanggas. And if moi may add, I get nothing but praises for my skin and how I look considering the lifestyle I have.

Thanks to the fabulous skincare line of the world-renowned Dr. N.V. Perricone and Imedeen tablets, which are now available at Rustan?s Essenses. Plus Belo clinic?s total skin and body treatments. Need I say more, palanggas.

Pink for Life 2nd charity auction

The super successful fundraiser of Pink for Life Foundation last year has helped almost 200 women afflicted with breast cancer stages one and two.

At this year?s Pink for Life second charity auction, yummy food and beautiful floral arrangements will be provided by Cibo and Fiori di M, no less. Plus wines from Titania will be free-flowing to add more spice to the event. As expected, unusual items and experiences will be up for grabs, dahlings.

Okay, palanggas, check this out! Auction items are a weekend stay for two at the Bulgari Resort in Bali paired with a pink Bulgari bag; a helicopter ride around the city and lunch at Circles Event Café of Makati Shangri-La for three people; and a Celestina bag and a gourmet dinner for four from Chateau 1771 paired with a bottle of Bollinger Grand Anee Champagne.

Top bidders will get an Escada gift certificate worth P100,000 with an Annick Goutal pampering experience, including facials and massages for three people; an overnight stay for four people at the Edsa Shangri-La and relaxing Chi Spa treatments that go with it; special items from Inno Sotto and Bea Valdes Bag; free accommodation for two at the El Nido Lagen Resort; a Josie Natori lingerie; a chic Vertu phone paired with a rare magnum of 1996 Vina Albali Gran Reserva Wine.

Hey, there?s more: ink Poltrona Frau Ravello chair, Ivan Acuña painting and Moroccan dinner for eight courtesy of Sigalit Djemal. Even Boracay?s high-end Shangri-La is donating a weekend stay for two in one of their luxurious villas

And Stanford University in California is giving an executive medical checkup for a couple, with a digital mammogram for the woman. But the piece de resistance is an oil painting of yellow and pink flowers, so generously donated by former President Cory C. Aquino, no less.

These are all fabulous auction items given by people and companies who care so much for those with breast cancer. We should all make it a point to go and bid in order to show support for such a worthy cause, dahlings.

This is a super must-go-and-help event to be held tomorrow, May 14, 6 p.m., at the second floor of the Gallery, Greenbelt 5.

I?ll see you there, dahlings.