STATUESQUE, gorgeous and elegant Ina Calalang Ayala celebrated another beautiful year of her exciting life with the ?lunch bunch of 26,? her closest pals. The affair was held at the new ?in? place to dine and be seen, the exquisite Crystal Room of the Establishment in the Fort, dahlings.

Most of the ?lunch bunch,? who happen to be members of the new guard of society, are as equally gorgeous as the celebrator who just got back from her summer vacation, palanggas.

Executive chefs Godfrey Laforteza and Margarita Fores created a special menu consisting of superbly golden Camembert on mixed berries compote, Establishment?s popular Caesar Salad, mushroom soup, a choice of excellent tenderloin with lychee truffle sauce or grilled Norwegian salmon with lemon beurre blanc and, for dessert, the in-demand pistachio crepe cake.

The chichi Crystal Room ?is surely one of the most elegant restaurants in town and the food is truly exceptional,? said our queen of the day Ina, dahlings.

Docu on Valentino

Matt Tyrnauer?s ?Valentino, The Last Emperor,? a riveting documentary about the royal designer Valentino Garavani, will show his private side with lifetime partner Giancarlo Giammetti and his fascinating career as the master of Italian haute couture spanning 45 years. Valentino has an endless list of world-renowned woman clients like Jacqueline Kennedy (designing what she wore to her wedding with Aristotle Onassis, no less), palanggas.

The Cebu and Davao-based ultra-upscale magazine Zee Lifestyle and Samsung will present this acclaimed documentary in an exclusive one-time showing in Manila, Davao and Cebu. The by-invitation-only screening will happen on August 20 in Manila; 23 in Davao; and 27 in Cebu. For more info, log on to www.zeelifestylecebu.com.

Art society

It was a brainchild of the dynamic trio of Jaime Laya, Gerry Contreras and Helen Ong that led to the founding of the Society for Cultural Enrichment Inc., the latest and hottest league of art and culture aficionados, dahlings. The induction of officers and trustees at the posh Gercon Plaza Penthouse was attended by founding members. The induction coincided with the birthday celebration of the founding member, society woman, charity organizer and civic leader Consul Helen Ong, no less, dahlings.

Inducted by Education Undersecretary Vilma Labrador were president and chairman Contreras; and vice-chairman, mega art expert Laya, who started the Central Bank collection that would become the finest in the country. Officers included civic leader and woman of substance Consul Ong, vice-president; Cristina Caedo, first VP; lively Mimi Valerio, treasurer; live-wire Marietha Holmgren, assistant treasurer; genial Mars Lambino, secretary; international concert pianist Raul Sunico, assistant secretary; and dynamic network whiz Sandie Poblador, PRO. Members of the board are Tess Castro, Betty Chua, Mila How, Tessie Luz, Margie Ortiz Luis and Mita Rufino.

?This society promises to promote all fields of art and culture, broaden its coverage to many levels of society, especially our Philippine youth,? explained Contreras, brilliant interior designer and business magnate.

The chosen 50 invitees included men and women of substance, social and economic pillars who want to make a difference in Philippine culture, palanggas.

Kenny?s Urbanite Run

There is a one-of-a-kind run happening this August, palanggas, courtesy of Kenny Rogers Roasters. The exciting Kenny?s Open 2009 Urbanite Run will be held August 15, 7 p.m., at Bonifacio Global City at the Fort.

With an advanced timing chip system to record the runners? progress and distances of 5/10/15 kilometers, it is for the young and young-at-heart, where participants 18 years old and above can sign up.

Drop by any Kenny Rogers Roasters branch nearest you, dahlings, and get your Urbanite ticket. Visit www.kennys.com.ph for more details.

It?s for the benefit of Hands-On Manila and 57:75 Movement. Donations will go to ?championing nutrition for kids.? This is co-presented by Coke Zero.