HER JOIE DE VIVRE
Arlene Cu’s birthday bash reflects her penchant for good food and good company
Truly a gracious hostess, Arlene Cu never fails to pull out all the stops when holding her events and parties. She shares, “I get motivated to host large or intimate parties when we are celebrating milestones in our lives.” As to how she conceptualizes these well-attended celebrations, “Having the opportunity to bring friends and family together in a relaxed atmosphere inspires what kind of party. For this event, I wanted to invite a circle of friends who have the same passion for wine as we do.”
So much so that she keeps her invited guests always engaged, with no dull moments. “I want my guests to feel relaxed and comfortable, to mingle with each other. I like them to enjoy an amazing meal and have overflowing beverages. I prefer a lively vibe to my parties, where the energy is high, and people are relaxed to let their hair down, to either dance or sing karaoke and have a grand time catching up.”
Ferdi Salvador, Manila’s premium party planner helped Arlene in her vision for this fête. “I wanted a different kind of set up for my birthday party something my guests have never seen but not ostentatious.” Hence, noticeable elements in the decor included ingredients from the menu and unusual florals. Wooden boxes with capsicums, eggplants, cherry blossoms, moss, thistle, orchids, and local foliage provided a wonderful myriad of colors at the tables. Silver platters and wine crates embellished the buffet. Aside from Ferdi, Arlene’s trusted circle when it comes to bringing her ideas to life includes Robert Blancaflor, and Yaparazzi’s Tim Yap and
Javi Martinez.
One is always assured a great time at Arlene’s social occasions. Her formula to a successful party includes nice table settings and beautiful flowers. She adds, “If possible, a nice dance floor, and a well-stocked bar with some good wine and liquor. Of course, the entertainment always has dancing and good music which I'm passionate about.”
Clearly, hosting these events isn’t too much of a job for Arlene. As close friends and family are always there to grace these occasions, she enjoys the company of people as much as she enjoys the culinary creations she serves them. “I love grazing dinners where people can just grab food at the buffet tables whenever they want to eat," she says of her preferred setup. “A lounge sitting setup, so that there are no set table assignments and people can mingle and mix. Great music either for chilling or dancing.”
Usually, Arlene counts on Kai or Cibo for catering but for this particular event, her modern Filipino-themed dinner was a menu of delectable dishes by the very talented Chef
Sau del Rosario. Sinigang sa Bayabas, Lengua with Cream and Mushrooms, Sous-vide Duck Breast Adobo with Pinakbet, Lamb Shank Caldereta, Seafood Macadamia Kare-Kare with Crispy Pork Belly, Pork Sisig, and Prawn Aligue with Ginger, Coconut, and Fresh Hyperlocal Farm's Cilantro, more than satisfied everyone’s Pinoy food cravings.
Arlene tells us of her dream event—a special family event in an unusual setting, with a full entertainment show that the guests can enjoy. “I've also always wanted to do a special dance event. Since I love to dance, I've always wanted to produce a classy dance event that can draw foreign competitors or performers to participate in.”
At the end of the day, the one group that she always aspires to please is her family. “I want to be a support system to my husband and children,” she says when asked on what meaningful life is for her. “A life filled with family, good friends, and satisfaction and purpose in what I do.” That is why Arlene spends a lot of quality time with her family, making sure her children know that they can always depend on her. Trips together bring them closer, and these are very precious moments for her as well. She says, “For me, life is full with family.”