Red Cross Ball + Michael Cinco Fashion Show

Haute Couture

 I miss dressing up to the nines. So when schedule and invitations permit, I make the effort to get glammed up. It's even better if you do it for a cause which is what last night's Red Cross Ball was all about.

My friend, life mentor and fellow Assumptionista Tessa Prieto-Valdes co-chairs the annual Red Cross Ball, this year for the benefit of the Taguig chapter of Red Cross plus the Assumption High School Batch '81. Her batch is celebrating their 30th reunion this year, while my batch is having our 10th year reunion, so this sit-down dinner show was definitely for a good cause.

Sumptous Chinese Spread at Shangri-La's Summer Palace

If you can't go to Hong Kong to get authentic Chinese cuisine, bring Hong Kong to your tummy via Summer Palace, my family's favorite restaurant for fine Chinese food with elegant ambiance. Ever since I was a kid, I remembered celebrating our special occasions at Summer Palace. When I grew up and began working, a lot of our lunches would be dimsum in this much-loved restaurant.

Though we frequent Choi Garden more because it's more relaxed and their Shabu-Shabu menu is fantastic, Summer Palace is the perfect lunch location. Plus all Shangri-La hotels have impeccable Chinese restaurants, and Summer Palace is really in a league of its own.

One of my favorite spots for dining is the Crystal Room, which is right in the center of the restaurant, enclosed by Chinese etched rosewood enveloping diners for more privacy.