Cover Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Habitat for Humanity Philippines’ capital campaign cabinet chair
Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Habitat for Humanity Philippines’ capital campaign cabinet chair
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An evening of celebrating milestones and disseminating awareness, highlighted by a sumptuous banquet prepared by three Michelin-starred chef Walter Manzke and James Beard awardee Margarita Lorenzana-Manzke
As Habitat for Humanity celebrates its 35th year in the Philippines, it recognises that the work is far from over. The recent gala dinner held at Shangri-la at The Fort gathered their officers, patrons, and friends to not only applaud the commitment of major partners and donors of the organisation but also to create more awareness for their various ongoing work and programs, as well as to raise funds and invite more partners to build their legacy through housing.
In her welcome message, committee chair Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo highlighted Habitat for Humanity’s impact on the dismal state of homeless Filipinos by providing them with affordable housing and community support and services. “Communities that were once marginalised and overlooked are now thriving centres of hope and opportunity,” de Ocampo points out. “The impact that Habitat for Humanity Philippines has made goes beyond bricks and mortar; restoring dignity, igniting potential, and creating a sense of belonging for the many lives it has changed.” Throughout the evening, many personal stories were shared of how the organisation improved their quality of life and changed their paths for the better. Still, de Ocampo stresses the need for continued support for their priority programs on housing, disaster response, and community development. “We are still faced with an enormous housing backlog of 6.7 million housing units. Tonight, more than 7 million children will sleep in unsafe environments, vulnerable to dangers and hazards. Let this night remind us of the urgent need for continued action. Our commitment to change lives and uplift communities is stronger and more necessary now more than ever.”
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The highlight of the glittering event was a dinner prepared by the three Michelin-starred chef Walter Manzke and James Beard awardee 2023 Margarita Lorenzana Manzke. It truly was a gargantuan task to execute the superb 4-course meal for more than 200 guests, plus the delicious canapés during cocktails. Thankfully, the Manzkes had the invaluable support of The Wildflour Group’s executive chef and partner Allen Buhay and his team, as well as the banquet staff of Shangri-la at The Fort, led by its highly prolific executive chef Joris Rycken.
All the savoury dishes were paired with wine, starting with pours of Gosset Grand Reserve Brut Champagne. It was an elegant companion to the chef Walter’s cauliflower mousse crowned magnificently with a generous dollop of black pearl Kaluga caviar. He followed it with a lightly poached wild-caught Dover sole that swam in a savoury pool of sauce vin jaune, adorned with sunchoke, oven-dried red flame grapes, and black truffle. The 2020 premier cru Montmain from Louis Michel was a charming Chablis, its aromas of honey, citrus, green apple, and freshly baked bread complimenting the fish dish beautifully.
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It was chef Joris and his team’s turn to flex their muscles with the meat course, giving the WX Rangers Valley MB5 Wagyu medallions the proper treatment with the grill. Cooked medium-rare, the beef was simply accompanied by a bordelaise jus, potato and squash mousseline, and sprigs of asparagus. A beautiful cut of meat deserves an equally luscious red wine, and the nicely balanced Les Hauts de Croix de Labrie 2018 from Saint-Emillion is a worthy match. To cap off the elegant and indulgent meal, chef Margarita wowed with her almond dacquoise embellished with a kaffir lime whipped ganache, passionfruit, and mango sorbet.
Ayala Corp’s Fernando Zobel de Ayala—who has been an active proponent of the organisation for 20 years with his wife Catherine Silverio-Zobel—closes the event with a call for support, encouraging everyone to bring with them not only memories of the glamorous celebration but also a sense of purpose. “I believe that this is where we all come in. We have a unique opportunity, with the world now emerging from the scars of the pandemic, to boost our campaign for dignified housing for our fellow Filipinos,” he urges. “A simple act of kindness can help change a family’s life for generations. Having a safe and stable place to call home allows for the space and opportunity for people to live healthier, dream bigger, and strive harder both for themselves and their communities.”
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Jaclyn Clemente Koppe is a food and lifestyle writer, as well as a consultant to some of the country’s beloved food and beverage brands. Her passion for food and drink is only surpassed by her devotion to her family, most especially to her soulmate, Pepa the poodle.
