“ONDOY” AND “PEPENG” MAY JUST BE PAINFUL memories today, but it doesn’t mean that the outpouring of compassion and generosity these disasters inspired has receded along with the floodwaters.

In fact, if one wishes to help the survivors of the floods, mudslides and landslides who still face the difficult work of rehabilitation and rebuilding, one way to do so would be to drop by any of a number of five-star hotels in the metropolis, places where people go to escape reality rather than confront its more unsavory aspects. For the whole month of November, restaurant outlets in many hotels will be offering entries listed as the “Chef’s LifestyleAsia Special.” Every order of these dishes will be used as part of a fund for calamity victims, which the Metrobank Foundation has agreed to manage.

The idea emanated from the staff of glossy magazine LifestyleAsia, who, while preparing the November issue which focuses on entertaining, were still involved in helping friends, co-workers and complete strangers get back on their feet. Eventually, the two concerns merged, and the idea of “Spreading the Table” was conceived. It was brilliant in its simplicity: using specially created dishes to be featured in LifestyleAsia’s pages to help raise money for the survivors of Ondoy and Pepeng. “The response was overwhelming,” says editor in chief Anna Sobrepeña.

The participating hotels, she added, were enthusiastic, seeing it as a means of expanding and continuing their involvement in relief efforts, allowing them “to continue doing more” while “complimenting their service in the hospitality industry.”

As Sobrepeña tells it, the concept began with one dish that would contribute to a fund which the Metrobank Foundation would manage. Tapped by other organizations to manage donations because of its credibility and network, the Foundation (which, for transparency’s sake, is headed by executive director Chito Sobrepeña, Anna’s husband) agreed to manage the funds raised by “Spreading the Table” in behalf of the magazine and the participating hotels.

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“THIS was an opportunity to give back and do a bit more for the typhoon victims,” said Mark Bradford, general manager of the Mandarin Oriental, explaining why the hotel decided to join the project. “Having visited homes of some of our own colleagues in the hotel who were severely affected, we understand that despite their admirable resilience, they need all the help they can get to rebuild their homes and lives in the months to come.”

“Spreading the Table,” Bradford added, “is a splendid idea, which offers an avenue not just for us, but also for our guests who come to The Tivoli to continue extending a hand to the ongoing relief and recovery programs for those afflicted.”

“Spreading the Table” will run throughout the month of November. The different “Chef’s LifestyleAsia Specials” will be offered in the premium restaurant outlets of the hotels. Dusit Thani Manila will serve Chef Kiyoshi Ogawa’s Ebi Yuzu Butter Yaki and Gyuniku Enoki Aspara Maki at Umu.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s Tivoli offers executive chef Rene Ottlik’s Red Mullet Consommé with Prawns, Clams and Lobster and Executive Pastry Chef Roberto Molleman’s Earl Grey Chocolate Mousse with Tonka Bean Ice Cream.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza offers several choices with the sunset view at Le Bar. Executive sous chef Arnold Guevarra whipped up a Combination of Poached Slipper Lobster, Pan Fried Goose Liver accompanied by Mesclun Greens Tossed in Sherry Truffle Dressing and Pancetta Wrapped Tenderloin of Milk-Fed Dutch Veal Tenderloin on Crèpe Mushroom Ragoût, Sun Dried Capsicum Gnocchi in Port Wine jus. Other Chef’s LifestyleAsia Specials are Tarragon Parmesan Cheese Crusted Fillet of Sea Bass served with Tomato Capellini in Dill Cream Sauce and Strawberry and White Chocolate Bavarois with Fruit Coulis and White Chocolate Ice Cream.

Peninsula Manila’s participation is the entire lunch and dinner buffet at the newly opened Escolta Restaurant showcasing chef de cuisine Anthony Craven’s culinary fare. Says Anna: “Manila is invited to be part of one big giving table.”

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ANNA, by the way, despite being active in various civic and social endeavors usually with Chito by her side, writes that she was dismissed as “a bored housewife looking for something to do” when she was named LifestyleAsia editor in chief two years ago.

But though she took no offense at the jibes (“I was and remain a happy housewife,” she declares), Anna sought not just to prove her credentials as a lifestyle and magazine journalist, but also to re-work the format of a “glossy” upscale magazine. This she did through writing that was engrossing even as it sought to probe deeper and explore a wider range of issues with her subjects, many of them leaders in business, philanthropy and “society.”

Anna’s efforts have been rewarded. Recently, LifestyleAsia received awards of merit in writing and for cover photo from the International Association of Business Communicators’ Philippine Quill, which recognizes the most outstanding communication programs, skills and creative tools.

Anna wrote the cover story which won in the category for communication skills in writing. The article “Repeating a Remarkable Pattern” focused on the life and philosophy of Metrobank Group Chairman Dr. George S. K. Ty and his sons, Arthur and Alfred. Arlu Gomez’s cover photo for September 2009, meanwhile, received the award in the communication creative category. The photograph of the Lhuillier sisters, Monique and Yvette, was shot in Paris.

Congratulations, Anna. Not bad for a “bored housewife”!