Life is Good
Read all about it
The Manila International Book Fair is back and we’re absolutely thrilled at the thought of mingling with fellow print lovers, meeting authors (Hidilyn Diaz will be at the Anvil Publishing booth signing books on Thursday at 5:00 p.m.; Lourd de Vera and Paul Eric Roca on Friday at 2:00 p.m.; and Ambeth Ocampo, Saturday at 2:00 p.m.), and rummaging through piles and piles of beloved books! Register through the EVENTPLUS app and get a free ticket.. Sept. 15 to 18 at SMX Convention Center, Manila.
Star sighting
Bituin Escalante is all set to dazzle at the iconic lobby of a much beloved hotel in “Celebrate Life: 46 Years of the Peninsula Manila.” The powerhouse of a singer will belt out a mix of classic standards and contemporary music that tell the story of the Grande Dame of Makati. Friday, Sept. 16. Four-course wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7:30 p.m. with tickets priced at P6,500 each.
Dance hall
Ballet Philippines is back for its 53rd season gala performance of “Dance Here and Now: Equus, Bolero, and Other Dances. “Equus,” choreographed by BP Artistic Director Mikhail Martynyuk, is a tribute to dance artists who work for hours on end to perfect their craft. Saturday, Sept. 17. 6:30 p.m. at the Main Theatre of the Cultural Center of Philippines.
Road trip
Head out to Silang, Cavite, straight to Gourmet Farms. We all have memories there that go back for decades, when it was practically the only date place that side of the world. The coffee and the farm-to-table Italian fare are still worth the drive. Reserve a table at The Dining Room, or better yet, a whole banquet for when the date leads to a wedding. Km. 52, Aguinaldo Highway, Silang, Philippines.
Book ahead for the next weekend
Twelve of the nation’s finest chefs pair off to create six fabulous dishes at Off Menu, Tatler Dining’s first food festival. No stiff dinner table seating, just cocktail tables and couches where you can park yourself with friends and enjoy The Singleton whisky, Don Julio tequila, wine, bubby, and Engkanto beer. The chefs: Margarita Fores, Josh Boutwood, Carlos Garcia, Nikko Santos, Patrick Go, Don Baldosano, Tom Bascon, Joris Rycken, Stephan Duhesme, Carlo Miguel, Miko Calo, and JP Anglo. You know you want to be there. Friday, Sept. 23 and Saturday, 24. Shangri-La at the Fort. P5,500 per person.