MANILA, Philippines--My adorable, talented goddaughter Stephanie Zubiri has officially turned her own kitchen into a company, palanggas. And I’m not just talking about her kitchen at home, where she normally works wonders, but also about her own concept, The Modern Epicurean Kitchen, a catering, events, lifestyle and consultancy firm that was helped built by her brother Manuel Zubiri and Archie Rodriguez, both of the Global Restaurant Concepts Inc., dahlings.

Titania Wine Cellar in Yakal Street was where Modern Epicurean Kitchen was launched in the presence of personalities from different sectors of our society. The event featured an absolutely scrumptious and divine variety of Stephanie’s topnotch recipes, free-flowing wines courtesy of Titania and special vodka-based concoctions from Belvedere. The super Oriental Merchants also showcased its to-die-for products that I went gaga over, palanggas. They also raffled off bottles of extra virgin oil and vinaigrette. This was all done for a great cause as we were requested to share donations for the victims of Tropical Storm “Ondoy,” through the Red Cross.

Bravo to Stephanie for such a brilliant epicurean concept. Modern Epicurean Kitchen (0917-8308393, e-mail modernepicureankitchen@yahoo.com) will no doubt go a long way, palanggas.

Iora Philippines launch

The head designer of Singapore-based popular retail brand Iora is talented Jayne Koh, who dresses up women with classic apparel and accessories that never go out of style.

Iora Philippines owner and operations manager, super Monette Garcia, with part-owner, cyber-smart finance manager Anabelle Cuazon, treated us to a yummy sumptuous lunch. The women were absolutely fascinated with the latest awesome 2009 Fall-Winter collection during the fashion show, dahlings.

Anabelle told us: “Our designs are in between trendy and classic, which ensures long-term use, with belts and bags making a fashion statement for the season.”

Iora dresses are perfect for this coming holiday season, palanggas, because they are feminine and pleasing. For this glittery season, dahlings, where beads and studs are more popular than ever, Iora showcased decorative details sprinkled on knitwear and jackets in steely shades, attaining timeless glamor.

Special guests at this special event included hotshot name-droppables: Singapore CEO Leng San Ng; head designer Jayne Koh and marketing manager Toon Lin Teo.

Iora boutiques are located at Glorietta, Trinoma, Robinson’s Galleria, Rustan’s, Shangri-La Department Store, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Libis Outlet Store, Ayala Center Cebu, SM Cebu and soon at Marquee Mall in Pampanga.

Citi twin promos

It was one of the most enjoyable lunches I have attended in ages, palanggas, when we were invited to that awesome, world-class Japanese restaurant Umu at the renowned Dusit Thani Hotel. Citi launched twin promotions that offer cardholders generous discounts, zero-percent installment terms and tons of instant rewards, dahlings.

Raising a toast to these cool new treats were the gang of three: country head and Citi country officer for the Philippines, brilliant Sanjiv Vohra, no less; cards business director, mega-smart Bea Tan; and customer franchise director and consumer eBusiness head, fashion plate Cecille Fonacier.

One of the two promotions will give new Citi cardholders a zero-percent installment plan over 14 months, and an irresistible lineup of electronic gadgets at discounted prices. You can buy a Samsung Star S5233 mobile phone for P715 a month; Canon Powershot D10 digital camera for P1,350 monthly; and Dell Vostro A840 laptop for only P1,900 a month.

To give a taste of what Citi cardholders could expect from the exciting promos, Citi and Canon Philippines gave away raffle items such as Canon D10 digicam, Canon DC310 videocam and Dell Notebook Mini 9. Not bad, huh? It was totally a toast to the best deals in town, di bala, palanggas?