March 15, 2010

One night of surprises

Thanks to a classmate from my university days a long time ago, Chinoy Eater (who irritatingly still looks like she's in her early twenties—no fair!), I was invited by Patricia Tan of Events 100 to "One Night Only" last March 4. The minimalist invitation only said that it was cocktails at the Hampton Room of Astoria Plaza in Ortigas Center, Pasig City but Patricia mentioned in her email that it was also a celebration of Astoria's 9th anniversary. Intrigued, since I've never been to such an event, I asked my husband if we could go and he said yes, so we did. When we got to the hotel, the first thing that caught my eye in the Hampton Room was the wonderful light fixtures, an arboreal fantasy.

lighting fixture of the Hampton Room of Astoria Plaza


The room was set up with a small stage and a large video screen, so I immediately figured, correctly as it turns out, that it was a media event. Before the presentations, we were invited to have some cocktails. I just loved how the hotel staff laid out the forks to look like a palm frond, complete with green lights to heighten the effect.

forks laid out to look like a palm frond


My husband loved their crème brûlée. Isn't the presentation just so pretty? And the mirrored surface of the cocktail tables made everything look dazzling.

Astoria Plaza's creme brulee


The purpose of the media event was three-fold. First, Astoria launched its new logo, cleverly embedded in an ice sculpture. Second, they introduced their newest celebrity endorser, Boy Abunda, who is one of the most famous and sought-after talk show hosts in the Philippines. And third, they announced the re-opening of Astoria Boracay. Located in the world-famous Boracay Island, with its fine white sand beaches, in the province of Aklan, the resort used to be known as Boracay Gold Crowne. The Astoria group acquired the resort in 2008, extensively renovated it, and the new rooms and facilities will be available this April, just in time for summer. In the photo are Astoria Plaza Hotel Manager Ping Regalado, Boy Abunda and Vice President for Operations Vivian Ng.

Ping Regalado, Boy Abunda and Vivian Ng with Astoria's new logo


For attending the event, the guests—tri-media practitioners and bloggers, all—were given laptop bags and made official members of Astoria's First Club, which means that we will be invited to anything new that Astoria has to offer (more photos for me—whee!). And the best surprise of all, we were also invited to stay at the new Astoria Boracay for three days and two nights—double whee! Would you believe we've never been to Boracay? I know, pathetic. So we are definitely looking forward to the trip later in the year. I'm already so excited! I wonder if the resort will have chairs as unusual and lovely as these ones in Astoria Plaza's lobby…

unusual chairs at the lobby of Astoria Plaza

26 comments:

dianasfaria.com said...

this sounds so exciting! luck you.
I love the light fixtures, so creative.

Reena said...

dnt worry, i havent been to boracay too. but i've booked myself na. so sana matuloy. hopefully, no conflict in the future. hehe.

sige, balitaan mo ako abt astoria boracay ha. wala pa akong hotel booking eh.

ang sosyal! laptop bags! hehe. have fun on their next event.,

Angela Robak said...

Just stunning and so magical. Congratulations on all of your delightful surprises, too, you lucky gal, you!:)

Lowell said...

Methinks you're riding high these days...getting invited to some luxurious and gorgeous places and venues...

Thanks so much for sharing these good times with us.

And I must say you should not complain about your former classmate looking good...I've seen your new photo and I thought you were a bit older than 22! Shame on you for fooling me like that!

I have daughters twice that age!

:-)

Anonymous said...

Concratulation upon such luck and beautiful event. Thank you also very much for introducing a place I would normally never be able to see.
Please have a nice start into the new week you all.

Verna Luga said...

Love the first photo Hilds, it give me tuloy inspiration for my next craft project .... and Boy's shining shimmering head. LOL.... you don't a pic with him?

Olivier said...

superbes photos, j'aime beaucoup la première, nous voila transporter dans un ciel d'étoiles d'or.

brattcat said...

What wonderful adventures you have, Hilda! Thank you again, for bringing us along. That first shot, the one of the light fixture, is magical. What did you wear to this event?

Unseen Rajasthan said...

So exciting and great !! Lovely !!

Cezar and Léia said...

Hilda, your life is full of charming and elegant events indeed!Lucky girl!
So glad to know you and your husband had such a perfect night in this fabulous place.People there looks so nice!I'm here imagining ( dreaming of) your dress for this event!For sure something special.
Fashion and modern decoration there!
I loved all pictures!
Hugs
Léia

mia said...

Wow you get to stay in Astoria for free??? Luuucccky!!! I wish I could go to the beach too. I hope you have fun on your first time! Do try Jonah's shakes and the sizzling squid at Waling Waling. :)

Kaori said...

You are one lucky gal, Hilda! I love the light fixtures, so beautiful! Can't wait for more Astoria reports :)

Unknown said...

I don't know what I most like here: the ceiling lights, the fork display or the amazing chairs!... What a fantastic place this must be!

VP said...

I agree with JM, a difficult choice with so many spectacular pictures. Let's say the forks, just for the light and the effort of who placed them like this.

Leif Hagen said...

Looks like you enjoyed a fancy, swanky, sophistique' soiree' in a dazzling locale! Did you say creme brulee? And you didn't invite me?? Zut alors!

Rob Siemann said...

Beautiful shots

Dina said...

Way to go, Hilda!
Such beautiful things you show here, not least of which, the people.

Anonymous said...

Certainly a nice place that you must have enjoyed. Love those lights on the ceiling... should get those for my home. LOL

George said...

Wow! This certainly looks like a wonderful hotel -- very elegant. look forward to seeing your pictures from the resort later in the year.

Mirela said...

Absolutely everything in this hotel looks incredible! The desert makes me drool :)

escape said...

wow! you were there. i was also invited to this event but decided not to attend as i chose a weekend resting.

i like the ceiling.

Johnny Nutcase said...

that light fixture is really cool! neat! sounds like a fun night :)

Nishant said...

Congratulations on all of your delightful surprises, too, you lucky gal, you!:)
work at home in india

Anonymous said...

Love this post, Hilda! The first two lighting fixtures are absolutely breathtaking. I'm glad you had such a great time and left with such wonderful gifts!!!

AB said...

This all looks very elegant

22loy said...

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