The French really do know how to make the most of life.
With every bite of food, there is something to be thankful for. In every expression of beauty, there is something to be happy about and in finding and keeping good health, there is something to look forward to.
We could learn a thing or two from this philosophy!
With celebrations to commemorate historical Bastille Day (a.k.a. French Independence Day) coming up, July is all about finding the best things in life — French style — brought to us by Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, the hotel that brings French heritage to Philippine shores.
(Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila’s general manager Adam Laker)
Check out these fun activities in store for the month:
Flavors
July 4 onwards: Indulge in a sumptuous gastronomic experience featuring French specialty dishes at Spiral’s French Stove and commence the journey of taste with a sumptuous line-up of offerings at one of Asia Pacific’s most interactive dining destinations.
July 6 – 10: Experience an elevated appreciation of cheese under the masterful tutelage of cheese specialist Colin Chandaras as he shares the fine art of appreciating cheese at Spiral’s L’Epicerie fon these dates at lunch and dinner.
(Bleu de Gex)
July 7: Learn delightful cheese dishes in a cooking class with Executive Chef Denis Vecchiato and cheese expert Colin Chandaras at the helm at 3:30p.m. Rate is set at P1,500 nett per person.
July 8: Sunset Bar’s verdant grounds is the stage for an indulgent soiree featuring signature barbecued specialties and sumptuous Provencal dishes paired with Chateau Routas’s finest vintage. Keith Murray of Chateau Routas navigates the gastronomic journey in an evening of epicurean delight. Rate is set at P2,450+++.
July 10: Le Bar holds a cheese and wine tasting as Pascal Beillevaire shares the secrets of the decadent art of cheese and wine pairing. French wine master Matthieu Lerat helps the guests on their journey of taste as he shares his knowledge on the paired wines. Rate is set at P1,800nett per person.
(Thym Tamarre)
July 11: Pascal Beillevaire, owner of Fromagerie Beillevaire, treats connoisseurs and gourmands to a special wine and cheese class at Spiral’s L’Epicerie at 4p.m. Rate is set at P1,500nett per person.
July 14: Commemorate Bastille Day at Spiral and Sunset Bar and take part in La Fête Nationale. Reminisce the historical holiday on the 14th of July with a sumptuous spread at Spiral available at P2,100+++ for lunch and P2,750+++ for dinner, followed by Fireworks on the bay. At Sunset Bar on the 14th July witness an enchanting fireworks display and enjoy the poolside barbecue with live musical entertainment set at P2,450+++.
July 17: Feast on a special Sunday Brunch at Spiral with featured bloody revolutionary cocktail and musical entertainment. Brunch with champagne is set at P3,650+++ and dinner at P2,750+++.
July 28: Discover the enchanting flavors of French wine from the finest wine regions of France with an exclusive wine-appreciation class at Le Bar. Enhance the experience with French cocktails to tickle the palate. Rate is set at P1,500nett per person.
(Pelardon)
Fashion
Filipino designer Ryan Madamba found a venue like no other at the Harbor Garden Tent for the unveiling of his newest collection, Crépuscule (Dusk).
Capturing the dramatic transition of day into night, models were clad in beautiful sunset hues with undertones of the deep, dark night to come to add dimension to design and color.
More like a modern Parisian masquerade than a fashion show, the fashion show ended with guests being ushered to the La Nuit experience by Sofitel — a new dance floor that comes complete with magnificent lighting displays, signature La Nuit cocktails and a seemingly endless supply of French pass arounds and dishes.
(Model in Ryan Madamba’s creation)
(Dusk turned into fashion in Ryan Madamba’s newest collection)
(La Nuit DJ booth and Dance Floor)
(Pralines by Chocolate Chef Tweet Obsequio)
(Aj Dee, Vina Guerrero, Kat Valdez, Patrice Averilla, Kim Cruz, Gil Cuerva and Angelo Tan-Alberto)
(Ryan Madamba, model-beauty queen Maggie Wilson, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Binibining Pilipinas Grand International Parul Shah, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila’s PR director Yasmine Hidalgo)
(Celebrities and guests dance the night out at the La Nuit dance floor)
FitnessÂ
But when the party is over and you’re left with the quiet and stillness of the morning after, you’re back to thinking about the things that truly matter.
Sofitel opens the registration for the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila Half Marathon whose proceeds go to Virlanie Foundation — an French-founded organization that supports underprivileged and orphaned children.
In partnership with Run Rio, Sofitel promotes a lifestyle of healthiness and wellness in the 4th edition of the marathon that enjoyed an attendance of 4,300 runners last year. Both amateur and professional runners are most welcome to join!
Online registration: June 27 – August 7
In-store registration: July 13 – August 14
For more information about dates, schedules, rates and event details please visit www.sofitelmanilahalfmarathon.com or email feedback@runrio.com
