THE TOURISM AUTHORITY OF Thailand (TAT), together with Thai Airways International (THAI) and the Thai private sector, recently presented a product update for travel agents, media and clients at the gorgeous world-class Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati and Marco Polo Hotel in Cebu, dahlings.

Heading the delegation was the deputy governor of TAT Santichai Eursongprasit. Prakit Pririyakiet, executive director for ASEAN and South Pacific. Vivacious and smart Porntip Makornpan, director for Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines, also attended the fun event.

S. Eursongprasit invited Filipinos to visit Thailand. ?It is time to take the ongoing promotions and tour packages in the country, especially with the annual Thailand Grand Sale happening June 1-Aug. 31, which is just around the corner,? he emphasized, palanggas.

Last year, Bangkok was voted as World?s Best City by the Travel and Leisure Magazine for three consecutive years, and Thailand was selected as World?s Best Value for Money. Already 200,000 awesome Filipinos visited Thailand in 2008.

Leading the pack is our very own popular Nivat Chantarachoti, brilliant general manager of Thai Airways for the Philippines and Guam, together with his energetic sales team and exhibitors from Thailand: Siam Niramit, Siam Ocean World, Trikaya Tours, CCT M.I.C.E. and Baiyoke Sky Suite Hotel, palanggas.

The grand highlights of this adventure were the amazing 7 Wonders of Thailand (Thainess, Treasure, Beaches, Nature, Wellness, Trends and Festivities) and the world-renowned Aksara puppet show jetted in from Thailand by Thai Airways.

Penshoppe?s toast to summer

Penshoppe has really come a long way, palanggas, from a small preppy line to becoming one of the top retail boutiques in the country. Getting their new line of fashion on the roll, Penshoppe held Toast to Summer at the popular People?s Palace, Greenbelt 3. The dress code for the night was blue. Hot party maiden Cacay Moras welcomed our town?s trendy set, who dug into the yummy canapés as they sipped their cocktails, dahlings. The food was prepared by talented chef Kerwin Go, dahlings. But the winning cocktail drink was the über-refreshing Long White Cloud which had lemongrass, lychee and Absolut Citron, palanggas.

Grand highlight was the launch of the truly comfy Summer 2009 collection for guys that had cool shades of blue, palanggas. For the gals, Penshoppe offers chic blouses in floral, gingham and plaid prints, dahlings.

After leaving the venue, I saw clear sky with a full moon and boy was it hot! Yeah, palanggas, summer is definitely here.

Check out Penshoppe?s new nautical summer collection at all its boutiques nationwide.

Starbucks Bacolod opening

Well, palanggas, world-renowned Starbucks gave birth to their latest baby at one of my favorite southern hometowns in Bacolod with the traditional giant Starbucks red cup placed at the entrance. Workaholic Menchu Tantoco Lopez, hotshot director for Store Development of Starbucks Coffee Philippines, her husband, palangga southern gentleman Jun Lopez, president of Starbucks Coffee Philippines, and Mila Ereñeta, Suzette Ereñeta and Boy Ereñeta, landlords of where Starbucks was put up, attended the opening.

For light entertainment, talented children sang ?to prove that with proper motivation and upbringing, kids will be guided through the right path and will materialize their own full potential,? explained one of the proud parents.

A few days after Bacolod welcomed Starbucks with wide open arms, Eduardo ?Ed? Lopez handed over to Sr. Marilu Villanueva a set of books, tons of coffee plus a portion of the proceeds of the first day, palanggas.

The Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc., and in partnership with the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, known as the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, were the beneficiaries of this opening. ?The foundation aims to continue the convergence of educational and developmental interventions to empower children and street children alike to become honest, productive and self-reliant Christian citizens,? Sr. Villanueva said in her short thank-you speech.