April 2015 musing: All about fusion ~ D' Durian Daily

THE world is in a standstill today. In this 7,100++ islands majority of the population will be glued on the big or small screen and will cheer for the Pambansang Kamao. It will be another very quiet, even peaceful, time for the nation.

A fusion of great marketing minds.

Long before today’s exchange blows in the ring, the pugilists were already throwing punches – of words, that is. Intriguing statements from both camps were aired and printed to make sure sparks were fanned to flames.

Fight of the century was brewed well. (source)

After years of brewing, the bout is what it is today— the fight of the century, a creation of marketing geniuses commanding attention in global proportion, in ticket pricing, in cost to view, in sponsorships. It’s a win-win situation for both parties. Whatever the outcome of today’s fight, expect a reboot.

Culinary fusion.

The Madrid Fusion came to town. From the spread (the table) to spread (the newspaper), the creations of some of the world’s best chefs were presented and tasted. For the rest of us, all we can do was read and drool.

DOT-XI RD Robby Alabado, Spanish Hon. Consul Francisco Lon & Malaysian Consul Abdullah Zawawi Tahir

Japanese Consul & Director Tomoko Dodo

Rose Cabaguio, Bong Alba & Marie Tionko

In the local front, we had our share of the fad. SM Lanang Premier hosted a Tapas Y Sangrias event at the SM Lanang Premier Fountaincourt. From three of the participating restaurants, a few dishes stood out in presentation and, most importantly, in taste.

Bistro Selera's Googie Sanga & Miggy Laurel flanking Cellar de Boca's Tricie Arcenas

I must commend Bistro Selera for their creativity. The Pulpo ala Selera with Calamansi Ginger Caviar was a winner, the texture and layering of flavors was amazing. Their ceviche took another form. The Cured Tuna in Olive Salsa in Mango Cilantro Dressing, the flavors were rich and ingeniously presented in crispy lumpia roll.

Bistro Selera's Pulpo ala Selera with Calamansi Ginger Caviar

Bistro Selera's Cured Tuna in Olive Salsa in Mango Cilantro Dressing

Cellar de Boca’s paella was delicious. I particularly loved the spiciness of the rice, which was flavorful enough even if I declined the serving of deep fried pata that went with it.

Cellar de Boca's Paella

Impressive infusion.

For the first time in Marco Polo, Dottie Wurgler-Cronin became the first and only Filipina General Manager of Marco Polo Davao. Recently over a cocktail event hosted by the hotel, she was formally introduced to the Davaneños.

George Misa, Marco Polo's new GM, Dottie Wurgler-Cronin & Francis Ledesma

A new brand of charm exudes now in Marco Polo with the presence of this charming lady. Ms. Wurgler-Cronin, who has been with the hotel industry for almost three decades, hails from Cebu City, and has a strong background in managing and leading hotels and resorts.

Paul Borromeo, CTO Lisette Marques, MPD DOSM Pam VIllegas,DOT-XI RD Robby Alabado & Ruben Bangayan

Nicole Bian & MPD's new MarCom Manager Josef Ledesma

Welcome to Davao and I know I will be witnessing great things happening to the hotel with you on its helm.

A fusion for development

With living spaces going vertical, the Dizons nodded to a property development proposal and partnered with Manila company, DATEM Inc., to transform the family estate into another form of living space—condominiums. In place of the family mansion will be the personal “mansions” of the new residents when the project along Bacaca Road is completed.

Princess Marfori with mom Bebot Dizon-Marfori, building new homes in place of their family home

Design duo Almario Sisters

The recent launching of the exciting Eco Dwellings project at the SMX gathered the members of the Dizon family, their partners, the designers and guests who could possibly be neighbors in the future.

Hosts, owners & guests- Edwin Roceles, Cara delos Santos, Chona de Asis, Roxanne & Levi Espiritu, Morris Agoncillo, Maritel Celi, Arnold de Asis & Betsy Dizon-Torres

Tessa Prieto-Valdes & Eco Dwellings' Casey San Luis

Hosts Tessa Prieto-Valdes and David Celdran made for perfect hosts for the event, while guest performer The CompanY (catch 30th year anniversary concert in Manila in June), showed the guests the reason for their longevity in the music business.

David Celdran hosted the event & The CompanY performed for the evening's party

With the vent co-host Tessa Prieto-Valdes (my "I must have this shot")

Congratulations to the Dizons & DATEM on this exciting project!

Of apples & lemons.

What you don’t see won’t gross you out. But I did. Whoever trained this bunch must have missed the hygiene section in the manual. In this cocktail affair, servers moved around and offered guests the party wares & hors de’oeuvers. One came by our table, put a plate before me, picks up a fork from a container BY ITS TINES and set it on top of the plate. I say, “Take it away, please.” Gave it to the next table and was the same with the rest. Classy. Then came the nibbles, which I refused because the servers were moving it around the tray with their bare hands before offering it. Classier. Lemon can be a disinfectant. You need it.

Hors d’oeuvres. A hotdog bread roll is not one. Worse, mountains of these are best seen in a bakery, not on pass around trays in a cocktail party. Lemons are not cocktail offerings either, but it’s classier than a hotdog bread and I want it to serve it to you.

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[For more lifestyle & travel stories, visit http://apples-and-lemons.blogspot.com/ andhttp://jeepneyjinggoy.blogspot.com/]

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on May 03, 2015.

The signature selfies of these nights, welcome to the "gallery of selfless"….

At the Tapas y Sangrias….