Text and photos by Walter Ang
October 18, 2010
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Fornari gave a few inspiring words, highlighting that the festival is indeed the perfect time to celebrate the continuing partnership between Italy and the Philippines.
Organized annually by the Italian Trade Commission, this year's theme is "Dolce Italia," aiming "to promote fine Italian living through a series of interesting events that mix art with technology, design with function, and tradition with development."
Hosting the launch were Furnitalia managing director Florence Ko and Italian Trade Commission senior trade officer Lyndon Villanueva. Noted personalities from the social, business and diplomatic circles were treated to a red, white and green celebration.
Multi-awarded tenor and pop opera singer Jonathan Badon serenaded the guests with Italian arias. Canapés and desserts were prepared by Florabel retauarant. Furnitalia raffled off luxurious furniture pieces.
This year's festival runs until November 24 and includes various events. An Italian Village was created at The Podium to benefit the Animal Welfare Coalition. Italian companies in the Philippines and those that carry Italian brands exhibited their products and held lectures and product demos.
Film festival
From Oct. 20 to 26, the Italian Film Festival will be held at Shangri-la Plaza. Line-up of movies includes comedies such as Ovosodo (Hard boiled egg), L'abbufatta (The feast), Riprendimi (Good morning heartache) and Chiedimi se sono felice (Ask me if I'm happy), among others. There will also be thrillers like La Sindrome Di Stendhal (The Stendhal Syndrome) and La Ragazza del lago (The Girl by the lake).
Fashion and home
Stores like Furnitalia, B&B, Megamax Concepts and Alessi will highlight Italian furniture and houseware in their particular showrooms, focusing on the newest products available.
In November, Newtrends will hold an invitational fashion accessories show featuring Italian brand watches. The Segnatempo Time and Jewels store in Greenbelt will also be launched.
Food
Hotels and restaurants that offer Italian cuisine have discounts or special offers: Caffe Puccini, Cantinetta, Sunday Brunch at Escolta of Peninsula Manila, Giuseppe, L'Ambasciata d'Abruzzo, L'Opera Group of Restaurants, Paparazzi of EDSA Shangri-la, and White Hat Frozen Yogurt.
A raffle promo for tickets to Italy is up for grabs at the following establishments: Bellini's, Cantinetta, Cravings, Skylounge of Diamond Hotel, Harry's Bar, L'Incontro, Latitude of Traders Hotel, Oakroom of Oakwood Premier, Riviera Café of Hertiage Hotel, and Tosca of Dusit Thani Hotel.
Until the end of October, the Italian Food and Wine Festival is being held at the Araneta Center, Cubao, where promos and discounts are offered by restaurants and wine shops like Vapensiero, Cibo, Titania, and Premier Wine.
Wine collectors or people stocking up on Christmas gifts should take advantage of the discounts that distributors are offering on Italian labels.
In November, the Center for Culinary Arts will conduct demonstrations featuring prominent Italian chefs as lecturers such as Chef Salvatore de Vincentis of EDSA Shangri-la's Italian restaurant, Paparazzi.
For details, call the Italian Trade Commission at 817-5929.
Also published online:
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/artsandbooks/artsandbooks/view/20101018-298264/Dolce-Italia-launched