Why is the exclusive dining room of a top law office named Rainmakers Lounge?
For the simple reason that a rainmaker is commonly referred to as someone, in a business or law firm, who’s a brilliant negotiator engaging in strategic networking to bring in a great deal of new business.
The late legendary lawyer, Arthur “Pancho” Villaraza, whose fiery vision remains woven into the institution he built (V&A Law), was inspired by the relevance of what a rainmaker stands for. For him, a rainmaker is a lawyer skilled in the art of war.
And so, the dining room of Villaraza & Angangco, a top-tier law firm located in what is perhaps the most elegant law center in the country, was named by its late CEO as Rainmakers Lounge, thoughtfully designed for the firm’s clients.
to Angelique’s late father Pancho Villaraza.
On this rainy day in August, as if by design, Atty. Sylvette Tankiang, a senior partner of V&A, hosted a power lunch at the Rainmakers. Lounge. The guests were not lawyers but successful in their respective endeavors.
Angelique Villaraza-Dominici was in town to accomplish a full calendar of tasks related to her dad’s estate as well as her own fashion business. With her was Giuliano, her only son from her marriage to Michel Dominici.
Angelique and Michel met in Marseille, France, forging a relationship based on gestures and symbols through sign language. That time, Michel didn’t speak English and Angelique didn’t speak French.
With her long stint working in Manila for a French brand of cosmetics, Angelique made instant and long-lasting friends through networking in clubs and social events.
Pepper Teehankee used to write about socials but now, he finds fulfillment doing food reviews and travel writing.
Luis Espiritu, a familiar name in fashion and lifestyle events, is Angelique’s link to the regional weavers he supports by helping them design their craft for the world market.
Angelique sells these beautiful handcrafted bags and espadrilles at trade fairs held in Europe.
Tim Yap is, of course, the host with the mostest! He has become a sought-after brand ambassador to a long list of brands that are objects of desire.
But of course, “Tita Toni” Palenzuela, eldest sister of Pancho, was also part of the rainmaking group. Well into 25 years since Bridges PR & Events was established, the passionate and compassionate Toni continues to do her networking with high-level decision makers.
A catered lunch by Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, the new Rainmakers caterer, warmed the heart and the belly on a rainy day. Happy, a concept caterer, designed a Filipino menu with a new twist.
Imagine a pumpkin soup with crunchy longganisa croutons served in a small pumpkin bowl! This immediately teased the palates and was followed by Caesar Salad with a Filipino touch. The dressing was spiked with danggit instead of the traditional bacon bits.
Main course number one was Happy’s version of Surf & Turf. Except that it was kare-kare with tender chunks of beef in peanut sauce plus the Bahay Kubo vegetables such as talong, sitaw and kalabasa. Completing the combo was grilled bangus fillet with a choice of sauces.
The next course was a platter of chicken inasal and porchetta served with a choice of sarsa.
Every meal has its sweet ending. And what a delightful treat for the 16-year-old Giuliano who would have a Bibingka Souffle for his birthday cake which he happily shared with everyone!
As the rain gently poured outside, we knew we could never hate lawyers—the truth is, we haven’t met a parent who didn’t want their kid to be a lawyer.
At the cozy Rainmakers Lounge, we could only imagine the well-loved Pancho Villaraza smiling down on us.
