MANILA, Philippines—If Samsung’s grand launch of its new mobile phones last year was fantastic, this year’s launching of its Soul phone was absolutely awesome, dahlings.

The launch was witnessed by a trés chosen list of guests at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila.

The extraordinary happening took place with the select invitees elegantly dressed in white and silver, sipping their champagne and nibbling on excellent hors d’ouvres, amidst a magical white forest of fairies, minotaurs and unicorns.

They had been led to the white forest by the host, the inimitable Tessa Prieto-Valdes, wearing a fairy goddess outfit by Jun Escario. I was among the guests.

We were then given magic wands to make our wishes come true.

The super-amiable vice president for Samsung Mobile Philippines, brilliant Charles Choi, wore a magician’s cape.

“An evening of enchantment is yours to behold,” he said. “What you thought in your imagination was impossible, now becomes a reality.”

He then thanked the Samsung dealers, partners, telecom operators, and Manille’s creamiest set for their support.

Okay, check this out, palanggas. An exquisite five-course dinner was prepared by The Pen. There was overflowing champagne. And the guests were serenaded by the fab voice of crooner Richard Poon.

They enjoyed magic tricks performed by Erik Mana. Later they were treated to a mystical fashion show by Tippi Ocampo, Patty Eustaquio, Avel Bacudio and Jun Escario.

Samsung Soul is the mobile phone you’ve been dreaming of. It is a fantasy phone come to life. It has a fab brushed titanium body that has every technology and capability you can ever imagine, dahlings.

Just as magical were the evening’s hosts: Samsung GM Jerry Lacson; Samsung Mobile Phones head Fe Varilla; marketing communications manager Yam Marquez; product manager Raine Javalera and channel manager Mark Sergio.

Other namedroppables included Peninsula first lady Marilu Toda Batchelor; top interior designer Tonichi Mendoza; Paul Smith’s Juan Miguel Ongsiako; ABS-CBN’s Ernie and Jeena Lopez; Mia Borromeo, Wynn Wynn Ong, Leica Carpo and Tweety de Leon-Gonzales, plus tons of others like them, palanggas.

As we waved our wands and chanted the magic words, “Samsung Soul, Imagination lives.” mythical creatures of the forest gave every one of the invitees a mobile phone—the Samsung Soul no less. Wow!

Yes, indeed, it was an evening that totally mesmerized us and cast magic everywhere as only Samsung could, palanggas.

New face firmer

Okay, palanggas, if you want to know why my skin is looking so good and healthy, here’s a big secret I’m letting out of the bag.

Aside from 48 vitamin pills a day, my two Imedeen tablets daily, and regular visits to Belo Clinic, I’m using the wonder creams of the world-renowned N.V. Perricone MD.

The premier global cosmetic and nutritional brand is now available in Cosmo Manille to give women and men the over-the-counter skin solution they’ve long been looking for.

N.V. Perricone MD has just introduced a breakthrough skincare treatment, the Advanced Face Firming Activator-Fine Line Reducer and Pore Refiner.

It’s the next generation of an original Perricone product, a bestseller since 1998 and a favorite of skincare experts and celebrities, given its proven anti-aging benefits and super-dramatic results.

Perricone, MD also features an array of exclusive, unique and highly efficacious cosmetic treatments comprised of patented and proprietary ingredients that have revolutionized anti-aging skincare.

Nicholas V. Perricone, MD, is a certified clinical and research dermatologist. A brilliant scholar, Perricone completed medical school in just three years, graduating with distinction. He is also the author of three New York Times best-selling books.

I discovered his chic beauty salon at New York’s upscale Madison Avenue two years ago. Now, dahlings, you’ll find his miracle skincare products available locally at Rustan’s Essenses where Imedeen is also available.

Check Perricone out. I promise you won’t regret it. Even Oprah had him on her show, dahlings.

Edgar Allan

Twenty years ago, couturier Edgar Allan, together with his close pal and neighbor, Nonong Riola, became a lector in his parish church of the Holy Family in Kamias, Quezon City.

Since then, Edgar has served his parish church enthusiastically. Lately, he has been serving the parish as worship committee coordinator, palanggas.

To celebrate two decades of parish service, Edgar recently invited some of his fellow lectors and parish workers for a fun get-together dinner at his residence.

Before the chosen invitees sat down for the delicious menu prepared by the designer’s cousin, chef Glory Villareal Boren, they toasted to the memory of Edgar’s late father, Dr. Pedro Trono, who would have turned 100 years that day.

Truly, it was a fun yet trés sentimental night! Cheers to our palangga, Edgar Allan!