Philippine envoy graces Max’s first anniversary

Filipino pride celebrated with #WorldClassPinoy Zumba

Landmark Hospitality & Max’s Operations Manager Mohammed Ismail

(4th from right)

PBy Michelle Fe Santiago

hilippine Ambassador to Kuwait Renato Pedro Villa joined Filipinos in Kuwait in celebrating Filipino pride with hashtag “#WorldClassPinoy “during the first anniversary of Max’s Restaurant in Kuwait on Monday evening showcasing the best of the Filipino cuisine, performers and artists, a fitting tribute to all the Filipinos in Kuwait who have best exemplified their world class traits and skills in various fields.

“We would like to congratulate Max’s on its first anniversary, a true testament to world class Filipino cuisine. We are very happy that Max’s is finally in Kuwait which is known for its signature fried chicken that speaks so much of distinct Filipino palate and Max’s long tradition of quality cuisine that dates back in 1945. Truly world class,” stated Villa.

Landmark Hospitality and Max’s Operations Manager Mohammed Ismail and Restaurant Manager Gilbert Enano welcomed all the distinguished guests to the event that included Philippine Labour Attache Atty Alejandro Padaen, Cultural Attache Alethea Nabo, Landmark Hospitality Executives, Assistant Marketing Manager Gilroy Britto, Brave Director Nandini Vohra, bloggers in Kuwait and various leaders of Filipino organisations as well as the Pinoy Arabia FM team, Papa P. Randy, DJ Ben, DJ Darling Dude and DJ Spark.

“We would like to thank you all for coming tonight. Thank you for all your support,” stated Ismail who joined Villa in the ceremonial cutting of the cake.

The programme hosted by Maxxy Santiago of The Filipino Channel, DJ Mika and DJ Raymund of Pinoy Arabia FM kicked off with an invocation led by DJ Mika followed by the performances of a wide array of Filipino singers and dance groups. For the opening salvo, Jumel Carvajal, a Filipino tenor and stage actor rendered an operatic piece “Nessun Dorma” by Luciano Pavarotti while teen belter Najwa Lacson entertained the crowd with a song from the Walt Disney movie “Anastasia.” Other performers were Sing Galing Duo champion Carlo Delfinado and Joanna Slayton, JamStart lead vocalist Arcie Suyu, Filipino Bossa Nova Queen in Kuwait Rowena Tinio, Voice Coach and Singing Champ Jennifer Uy.

Two #WorldClassPinoy dance groups -- the Next Episode Crew and the One Groove gyrated, somersaulted and conquered the centrestage with the latest dance craze to the delight of the audience.

One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of the Max’s mural by #WorldClassPinoy artist Romano Roman, inspired from the upcoming celebration of the Philippine Independence Day and a tribute to the millions of Overseas Filipinos across the globe. Romano finished the colourul masterpiece in just two hours from 6:30 to 8:30 pm during the event.

Capping the #WorldClassPinoy event was the sumptuous dinner featuring the new menu of Max’s that was also launched on that night that included the Philippines’ famous chicken and beef adobo, broiled bangus belly, eggplant salad, chicken BBQ on a skewer, sizzling seafood and many more that were prepared by #WorldClassPinoy chefs led by Chef Henry Suarez who flew in from Dubai for the event.

Max’s crew and guests

Chef Henry Suarez with Pinoy Arabia FM team.