Gigi San Diego`s - The Rockwell Club

the
ROCK
FIRST QUARTER 2013
The First ROCKWELL CUP
and Charity Dinner
Tina Paterno
Saving a National Treasure
Gigi San
Diego’s
Brida Bistro
Spoiled
For Choice
BLOGGER MOM GRACE BARBERS-BAJA ON MANILA’S BEST EATS
CONTENTS
FIRST QUARTER 2013
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12
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WOMAN OF THE HOUR
Read the story on page 12
MEMBERS ONLY
4 GM’S MESSAGE
5 MEMBERSHIP NEWS
UP & COMING
9 UPCOMING EVENTS
22 NEW CLASSES AT THE GYM
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23
NEWS
6 MEMBERSHIP PERKS
8 RECIPROCAL CLUBS
FEATURES
10 TRAVEL DIARIES by Dr. Bong Casis
22 THE ROCKWELL CUP
THE SCENE
24 PAST EVENTS
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LETTER FROM THE FRONT
A great 2013 to you, dear members!
I am privileged to have been chosen to be a part of the Rockwell
Club family. I have been with Rockwell Land for the past 12 years
and my most recent post as General Manager of the West Block
towers has given me the opportunity to get to know members
of the Rockwell Community better. This shall serve me well
as I wear my new hat – this time, to make sure that Rockwell’s
promised life of leisure is delivered.
We are all gearing up for exciting new additions to our roster
of partners, both in food and beverage, and in providing fun,
entertainment, recreation and education for our young members.
Our food and beverage outlets will soon be sporting a refreshing
new look as well. Also in line this first quarter are classes that are
guaranteed to make shedding those extra pounds (gained during
the holidays) more fun than laborious. Capoeira, Archery, or
how about Aqua Zumba, anyone?
Together with the Rockwell Club team, and with your continuous
support and engagement, we promise to make 2013 an eventful
year at the Club!
The Rockwell Club
GM’s Office
756-1516
Membership Services
756-1533 / 897-8310 loc. 7446
Membership Administration
450-2984
Billing & Collection
450-2991
Sports & Recreation
897-8310 loc. 7431 or 7434
Spa
450-2994
BANQUETS
The Loft @ Manansala
756-1561/ 450-2989
Palm Grove
& Meeting Rooms
450-2998
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Chef Jessie
450-2993 / 450-2995
Rocky’s Café & Bar
756-1534
Juice Bar by Fruit Magic
8978310 loc. 7432
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ROCK
the
Directory
Geng Brillantes
AVP - General Manager
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Sylveth Ong-Iko
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Joanna Francisco
CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Kai Huang
LAYOUT ARTIST
Elise Lim
ASSISTANT LAYOUT ARTIST
Jay Bernabe
Club Website:
www.therockwellclub.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Anne Bella
Fran Ng
Jay Bernabe
FOLLOW US!
EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS
JP Masakayan
Annabelle Ong-T
Facebook Group
Rockwell Club
Twitter Account
@therockwellclub
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
12% VAT on
Membership Dues
Car Parking
Privilege
No Card.
No Service.
The BIR has issued a circular, dated August 2, 2012, which
imposes Value Added Tax of 12% on all income sources of the
Club, including, but not limited to, monthly membership dues,
special assessments and service fees.
The Complimentary Parking privilege
granted to our Club members is a privilege
extended only to active members of the
Rockwell Club.
While this is still in protest by the Association of Non-Profit
Clubs (ANPC), which we are a part of, our Legal and Tax
Counsels have advised us to comply with the ruling so as not
to unduly burden the Club and our members with penalties in
case our protest is overruled.
This privilege may not be extended to nonmembers of the Club.
In order to safeguard the integrity
of the Club’s exclusivity, be
reminded that presentation of a
valid membership card is required
prior to the availment of any of the
Club’s services and facilities.
The 12% VAT will be retroactive from September 2012.
You have our assurance that we will continue with our protest.
You will be duly informed of any updates with regard to the
ANPC’s position on this matter.
“New York Style” Valet
Service Now Available!
Given the limitations of space, the privilege
is not transferable even on occasions when
the member exercises voluntary restraint
from the use of this facility or availment of
the car park sticker program.
If you have inadvertently lost
or misplaced your membership
card, visit the Club’s Membership
Services Office for the issuance of
a replacement or a temporary card.
Calling All “Inactive” Rockwell
Club Members/Shareholders
We have all been missing you!
That’s right! Members, with valid car parking stickers, may
now avail of the Club’s valet service.
Please let us know what we can do to make you come and enjoy your membership
privileges.
Simply proceed to the Edades (temporary) parking area to
avail of the service.
Send us an e-mail at [email protected] and share your wishes and insights on
things that we need to improve on.
What is “New York Style Valet”?
• We park your car for you and then, you retrieve your own
car from the parking area.
• It’s a No-Fuss Service that will do away with having to
look for available parking space.
Meanwhile, if you simply do not have the time to enjoy the privileges that come with
your Rockwell Club membership, you may want to consider having your share leased.
Call the Membership Services Office at 8978310, extension 7445/7446, for inquiries on
the lease process.
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9
European
Summer
THE CASIS FAMILY’S
Rockwell Club member and Rockwell Camera Club VP,
Dr. Bong Casis, shares his Top 10 Must-Do List
in Rome and Barcelona inspired by a recent family vacation
Interview by Fran Ng
“When we travel as a family, it is the food of
the place that we enjoy the most,” shares Dr.
Bong Casis, chief of neurosurgery at St. Luke’s
Medical Center in Quezon City and Global City.
Particularly memorable was his trip to Rome and
Barcelona a recent summer with son Matthew,
16, and wife Carmela. Dr. Casis shares the top 10
highlights of that vacation. You can also catch
him hosting “Generation Rx,” a health and
travel show on Studio 23, on Saturdays at 8AM.
VIVA BARCELONA...
1. “The tapas bars are unforgettable and
unparalleled, especially if you try them in areas
that are not really for tourists. The coffee shops
of Barcelona also serve excellent coffee and
chocolate.”
2. “Even the sausage and hamon in the
convenience stores are better than most you get
in other places.”
3. “Walking around the alleys of Barcelona
is a must, you discover hidden treasures that will
reveal the culture of the place and the variety of
colors and taste that are unique to Barcelona.”
4. “A side-trip to the Monastery in
Montserrat is a must and do try to catch the
boys’ choir perform.”
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5. “Barcelonetta is also another place to
visit. If there is an artisan/artist market, try to
drop by because it will definitely be worth it. The
level of craftsmanship and artistry is amazing.”
WHEN IN ROME...
6. “The Italian restaurants with very few
English-speaking waiters is among the best. A
very good place to go is the restaurant where
the first fettucine alfredo was served [Il Vero
Alfredo at Piazza Augusto Imperatore in Rome].
The pasta is freshly tossed and the flavor and
creaminess of the sauce are something to savor.”
7. “The gelato in Rome is a must try. The
flavor it imparts to the weary tourist is worth the
lining up and the price.”
8. “The Vatican is definitely the place to
go to for any Filipino. A day is not enough to
be able to appreciate the chapels, museums
and artworks. If there is a ceremony then it will
definitely be a plus for any visitor.”
9. “If you have the time, going to Pompei
and Naples is definitely worth it.”
10. “If time permits, a trip to Anacapri is
another thing to keep in mind.”
Our view from the
top
Spotting Pinocchio while shopping in Rome
r’s Basilica
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On the roof
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The
Sweet
Life
BLOGGER MOM GRACE BARBERS-BAJA
finds a new passion in nourishing
the tummy and the soul
TEXT AND SIT TING by ANNE BELLA
PHOTOGRAPHY by KAI HUANG
Make -up & Hair by
Verna Marin of L’Oreal Philippines
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W
hen Grace Baja and her husband Lauro moved back to Manila
after living in Singapore for two years, they knew they wanted
to reside in Rockwell. The West Block’s Luna Tower was their
home from 2004 until 2006, when they moved into their own house in a
nearby village. Leaving Rockwell, however, didn’t mean giving up their
favorite hangout. The couple and their three young children stay in the area
almost 24/7.
“Rockwell club has first-class facilities, tight security, a great gym that we
go to everyday, a lovely pool and good food,” says the young mom. They also
get massages twice a week to unwind and the kids partake in after school
activities like taekwondo and art classes during the summer. Grace feels
secure enough to leave them with their yayas because of the proximity to
their home and excellent security.
Running a household, spending time with her kids and husband, taking
care of herself and at times cooking meals, take up most of Grace’s day.
The family loves to travel so much that their kids have walked the Great
Wall of China, tried different cuisines, been exposed to varying climates
and cultures. “It’s the best form of education, showing them the different
wonders every country has to offer. We make it a point to take them with us
even at their young ages.”
Being a food-lover has also given Grace the knowledge of where to get the
best food around the world. She and her husband both love to eat, albeit it
not being obvious when you meet her, courtesy of “the best trainer in the
world,” Joel Bohol at the Joya gym. They love to try new restaurants and are
often asked by friends about the latest eats. “I love feeding and entertaining
people. These, along with travel, are my biggest passions.” Friends often
drop by their house because they always know that there’s a treat waiting
for them. Grace happily indulges her guests—with cakes flown in from New
York or a simple and healthy pasta made by her cook.
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Ask Mummy
We asked for her top picks in
dining and entertaining
Favorite
Restaurants
People’s Palace
“Thai comfort food with
consistently good quality.”
Tsukiji
“Undeniably the best Japanese
wagyu steak that melts in your
mouth?
Elbert’s Cheesesteak
“The best burger in town: Umami
burger with truffles! Not to mention
they also have the best cheesesteak
sandwich.”
Casual Dining
Wildflour
“Best bistro Manila has ever seen.
Perfectly thin and crisp tarte
flambe, delicious croque madame
and best desserts.”
Sala Bistro
“Best Sunday brunch place for that
perfect eggs benedict!”
Mamou
“For homemade dishes, Filipino
comfort food, and the best
American-style steak.”
Special Events
Red at Makati Shangri-la
I love the ambience here, it’s
perfect for date nights
Antonio’s in Tagaytay
“The best food outside Manila”
Impressions
“The best French resto, with great
desserts
The Fireplace
For oven-fired Australian steak and
molten chocolate cake”
Chef Jessie’s
“For simple, no frills, Filipino and
International comfort food.”
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Caterers
Kai restaurant
“For delicious food and
innovative dishes, offering
great value for money!”
Cibo di M
“Has consistently good
quality and great service”
Desserts
Gigi Gaerlan
“Custaroons and
Cupcakes are a must-try!”
Mara Dela Rama
“For Cheesecake and
Salted Caramel Cake
Joan and Jane
“Black Beauty Cake and
Salted Caramel Brownies”
Chez Karine
“The best macarons and
panna cotta in town!”
Cake makers
Michelle Teves
“is very creative and makes artistic and
delicious items”
Judha Liu
“makes the best birthday caramel cake!”
Casa San Luis
“Has the best peanut butter cups and
chocolate mousse”
Party Planners/
Event Organizers
Party Starters
Pink Teacup Shoppe
Grace lo
ve
them on s to try new res
ta
her blog
, The Sp urants and shar
oiled M
es
ummy
These passions along with her friends’ prodding
urged Grace to come up with her blog, aptly named
The Spoiled Mummy. “My friends would always ask
me where to get the best desserts, meals, where to go
for their next vacation, so I finally caved and decided
to put up my blog.” Grace didn’t want just any run-ofthe-mill blog so she spent a year planning the look,
theme, color scheme and lay-out with a professional
web developer before launching it a few months ago.
“I wanted it to be a real website where people can
pick up useful information. The writing is all done by
me, it is my voice they hear and my experiences they
see and feel.” She wanted it to be as personalized as
possible, so she makes it a point to update it as often
as her schedule permits.
The feedback, she says, is surprisingly positive.
Her readers appreciate her tips, numerous photos
and personal accounts of her experiences. It’s an
excellent outlet for a busy mom and wife to share her
blessings and put all that knowledge to good use. It’s
also her way of leaving a legacy of a life well lived.
Grace Barbers-Baja with her children
Andres, Emilio, and Alessi
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POWER MAC
ADVERT
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Brida Bistro
In a League of Its Own
A lovely spot for brunch and a quiet moment
beckons at Power Plant mall
Text by Fran Ng Sitting by Anne Bella
Photography by Kai Huang
T
ucked away at the second
floor atrium of the Power
Plant is the latest cafe to
open in Rockwell. Brida Bistro
sits in its own wing right across
the escalators. Without walls, the
space feels open, airy and inviting.
And of course, the brunch items
on the menu make you want to
linger and dine.
Brida, the Spanish word
for bridle, reflects Gigi San
Diego’s long-term love affair
with riding. This Bel-Air resident
concocted every dish on the menu
while sharing her love of horses in
an understated way through the
decor. The floor beneath the cake
display is strewn with three kinds
of horseshoes—for polo, jumping,
and racehorses. Bridles strung
on vintage grills salvaged from
an old Quiapo building create an
unusual backdrop to one’s meal.
Gigi San Diego finally opens
her own cafe.
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This attention to detail also reflects in the food. Brida is
not one to scrimp on ingredients. The strawberry shortcake, for
instance, is infused with crushed strawberries in the icing, the
sponge cake, and the layers between the cake. The pulled pork
ciabatta makes use of pork belly that’s been slow-cooked for
six straight hours. The coffee beans come from the best trees
of the Cordilleras and get roasted two days before being served
through an Italian coffee machine.
Bloggers have cited the buttermilk pancake, Dinggoy’s
pasta with chorizo, cream and olive oil, and Gab’s mushroom
pasta as their top picks. But every dish is unique and the menu
is always refreshed. It also presents the Mixed Berry Chocolate
Cake—a luscious treat of dark chocolate, mixed berry icing,
with glazed mixed berries on top.
Brida’s Best
Roast R’ Us: Slow cooked US Prime beef
belly in traditional mushroom gravy sauce
Where the food is done “with love,” Brida creates an
oasis for people seeking a quiet moment away from the bustle
of the mall. Its small marble-topped tables, Bentwood chairs,
and signature bold coffee provide just the ticket to a state of
reverie.
Brunch is served daily until 3 p.m.
Cakes may be ordered two days in advance.
Brida is located at the R2 Level, Power Plant Mall beside Topshop.
Contact Brida at 823-3537.
Dinggoy’s Best: Two kinds of Spanish
Chorizo in light cream tomato olive oil
Berry Merry: Dark chocolate cake with
layers of mixed berries cream
Happy Antoinette: Brida’s take on
“Rainbow” cake in cream frosting
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RIEDEL GLASS
EVENTS
recent
Tasting Seminar
Text & Photos by Sylveth Ong-Iko
They say the best wines are served in a
Riedel glass. Marketing hoax? No.
And that’s exactly how Bacchus Epicerie
proved that the flavor and aroma of wines, no
matter how expensive or affordably priced they
are, get better with the right glass. More than 70
wine enthusiasts, restaurateurs and hoteliers came
to The Rockwell Club to experience this unique
step-by-step wine glass tasting conducted by
Frantz Dumey of Riedel Austria. Each guest was
provided with a Glass Tasting set – 4 glass varieties
from the Vinum edition – which allowed them to
compare how wines tasted using a Riedel versus a
regular glass. The secret? Each Riedel crystal glass
is meticulously crafted – the shape of the body and
rim allows the wine to flow perfectly - targetting a
specific area in your tongue where the flavor stands
out. There is a specific Riedel glass for every type
of wine. The change was far too apparent – like
the Chardonnay, buttery and light from the Riedel
glass, got bitter and stronger when drank from a
regular wine glass. That leaves me to say that Mr.
Dumey didn’t have a hard time convincing his
guests. So on your next wine tasting, you already
know what to bring.
Riedel is available at Bacchus Epicerie, G/F, Power
Plant Mall. For inquiries, you may call 892-1744.
Frantz Dumey demonstrates how to pour an
exact one serving of red wine from the Riedel Eve
decanter.
Participants examining the aroma and taste of
various wines from four different types of
Riedel glass
From left to right: Mr. Gabby Lopez, Bacchus Epicerie’s Alex
Lichaytoo and Manny Torrejon
From left to right: Victor Abad, First Vice President of PNB Capital, Boy
Granados, Manuel Banayad & Club Directors Jay Lopez and Mike Lopez
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From left to right: Boy Granados, Rockwell Club President,
Atty. Aster Sotto, Club Director, Annabelle Ong-T., Membership Manager & JP Masakayan, VP-General Manager.
100 Wines
The Rockwell Club recently hosted a 1-night tasting
of wines from different regions of France and Italy.
It was truly a feast for the palate, as more than
200 guests came, sampled and took note of their
favorites out of the 100 wine varieties available.
100 Wines was presented by Sommelier Selection
located at GF Building 3, 2295, Don Chino Roces
Ave. Ext., Magallanes, Makati City.
Halloween has always been a fun
experience for us! With more than
a hundred kids, with parents in
tow, these cute Rockwell Club
tots invaded the Monster Lair and
played along with lovable and
funny creatures. The fun-filled
afternoon was capped by the
traditional trick or treat around
the Club.
recent
EVENTS
Monster
Mansion
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FITNESS
January had gone by just too fast that we hardly noticed it has been a month since we celebrated the
Christmas season. And yet, we can still recall how much food we devoured during the holidays. As
you prepare to let go of those unwanted pounds and get back into shape for summer, The Rockwell
Club brings you an array of new classes to choose from.
To participate in any of the classes, please contact Sports & Recreation at 8978310 loc. 7434 or 7431.
ARCHERY
ARNIS
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
5:30pm – 6:30pm (8 to 17 yrs old)
7:00pm – 8:30pm (Adults)
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
5:30pm – 6:30pm (8 to 17 yrs old)
7:00pm – 8:30pm (Adults)
Venue: 38th floor, The Manansala
Venue: 38th floor, The Manansala
Member
10 sessions
P 8,500
*inclusive of equipment
Member
10 sessions
P 8,500
*inclusive of equipment
Guest
P 9,500
10 sessions
P 7,500
P 8,500
*equipment c/o participant
CAPOEIRA
Monday & Wednesday
8:30PM – 10:00PM
Instructor: Escola Brasileira Capoeira
Venue: Dance Studio 2, Main Gym
Member
per session
P 450
8 sessions
P 2,400 *valid for 1 month
Guest
P 550
P 3,200
This class is for 16 years old & above.
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POLE FITNESS
Guest
P 9,500
Monday & Friday
4:00PM – 5:00AM
Instructor: Ciara Sotto-Oconer
Venue: Dance Studio 2, Main Gym
per session
4 sessions
8 sessions
Member
P 600
P 2,200
P 4,500
Guest
P 700
P 2,600
P 5,200
10 sessions
P 7,500 P 8,500
*equipment c/o participant
AQUA ZUMBA
Wednesday & Friday
9:00AM – 10:00AM
Venue: Club Pool
Member
per session
P 600
5 sessions
P 2,500 *valid for 1 month
10 sessions
P 4,500 *valid for 2 months
HIP HOP
Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
12:00NN – 1:00PM
Venue: Dance Studio 2, Main Gym
Guest
P 700
P 3,000
P 5,500
This class is for 16 years old & above.
Member
per session
P 300
5 sessions
P 1,400 *valid for 1 month
10 sessions
P 2,600 *valid for 2 months
Guest
P 400
P 1,900
P 3,600
This class is for 12 years old & above.
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