If there’s something most Filipinos have been missing, it’s travel. Pre-pandemic, how often would we come across social media posts correlating one’s birthday with travel, whether a beautiful Philippine destination or somewhere abroad. And, of course, another thing we’ve been missing is getting together with friends. While keeping it safe and cautious, there’s nothing like bonding with friends over dinner and special occasions.
So as Tootsy Angara, Barbie Tiangco, and Kathy Babst set about planning a joint birthday party, they felt it would be fun to make it travel-themed, while staying true to the health and safety protocols of the day. Palacio de Memoria was a unique, aesthetically arresting, alfresco venue. Plus, Chef Margarita Forés was catering at Palacio with her new Loggia restaurant which seemed to make it a match in heaven for the three women.
As Barbie enthused, “The place is beautiful. We all had early dinner here two weeks ago, and we were sold!” And Tootsy concurred, “We haven’t traveled for so long, so it’s like there’s some equity to this small party being here... it’s different, it’s exciting, and it’s a new place.” And taking it home is Kathy who said, “When we were looking for a venue, an outdoor setting was important. And most especially, when we saw the plane, there was no other place for us.”
Held at the Mosphil Lounge, a retrofitted airplane set in the lush Palacio de Memoria grounds on Roxas Boulevard, the venue was a fun concept for these avid travelers. The dinner was impeccably catered by Gaita’s Loggia staff.
Joining the intimate birthday celebration were Tootsy with husband Sen. Sonny Angara, Barbie with husband John Tiangco, Kathy and Raymond Babst, Reg and Tonito Payumo, Ria and Derrick Santos, Michelle and A.P. Bartolome, and Jopet Santos.
The Palacio de Memoria is open for such intimate events, weddings, and guided tours. The Loggia by Margarita Forés is open for takeaway and dine-in, with an al fresco set-up. And in the future, look out for safe and cultural events at the Palacio, like the European-inspired Flea Market.
For Tootsy, Barbie, and Cathy, it was a great and safe evening, one that had them reminiscing about travel, while enjoying a wonderful dinner, and heading home before it got too late—our new normal-style of partying.