GBK Gift Lounge for the MTV Movie Awards

GBK, a special events and luxury gifting company, hosted an exclusive gift lounge the beginning of June at the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills for the MTV Movie Awards. The rooftop was overflowing with stylish and cause-driven products, reflecting a mission to help the environment and give back to those in need.  

RevitaLash® was among the many companies dedicated to charitable causes. Developed by ophthalmologist Michael Brinkenhoff for Athena Cosmetics, Inc., RevitaLash® utilizes its time and financial resources towards educational programs and finding a cure for breast cancer. The cosmetics company gifted their ADVANCED line of products, including eyelash, eyebrow and hair conditioner, all of which were a huge hit with the women!

The children’s entertainment company MGA Entertainment showed off their bald Bratz® True Hope™ dolls to support cancer treatment and education. One dollar from the sale of each of these inspirational dolls is donated to City of Hope.

Bratz® True Hope™ dolls

Emys Clothing, a sustainable organic apparel company, showed their bamboo line of men’s and women’s clothing made with environmentally-friendly biodegradable fabric. Founded by conservation biologist Barry Nerhus, who also works to save endangered species and restore natural habitats for wildlife, Emys (meaning “turtle” in Greek) donates 10% of sales to environmental causes.

Another company making a difference, Lotus Premium Denim gifted their fashionable and hip women’s jeans. With a team of women designers, the company’s denim line embraces fashion and comfort while supporting organizations that empower women.

Jet-setters had an assortment of innovative products to choose from at the GBK lounge! Robdechi showcased their lightweight scarves, including the Robdechi Original 3-pocket hoodie and the Robdechi Air, with its inflatable air system perfect for travelers. Another must-have for those on the move was the Smart Phone Watch from Negris Lebrum Clothing Company for Black Street Technology. This sporty timepiece is a combination phone/PDA/FM radio/digital camera/video recorder, which also has texting and internet functions.

Smart Phone Watch

Other lounge favorites included Sprout eco-friendly timepieces with organic cotton, corn resin and cork straps, in an array of colors. They’ve been making watches for over 50 years and continue making strides towards a more sustainable product and to giving back to their community. Armitron was another company to watch for, displaying their All-Sport watches and their Now collection of luxury women’s watches.

The weekend also included great gifts for kids. The California-based toy, game and collectible company, Jada Toys, Inc., showcased Chiffon, Cookie and Candi, three activity dolls from their new Cutie Pops doll collection. Each doll has pop-on accessories such as hair extension pops, accessor-eyes, and style pops, sure to bring out the stylist in every young girl. 

Another not-to-be-missed product for kids was the DUB Garage Blazerz from Toy State. Zooming around the suite, the vehicle was just one of Toy State’s many stylized lights and sound vehicles on display. Light shows and cool music with DJ scratches were all the buzz from these motorized vehicles.

Toy State, not just for kids

The Artisan Group made an impression with handcrafted jewelry, purses, totes, paintings, designer stationary and paper goods, crocheted apparel, spa products, and other artistic accessories.  With a talented group of over 700 artisans from around the world, guests were sure to find exclusive products that were truly one-of-a-kind: Paper and Place chandelier crystal map jewelry and accessories; Soga Soap delicious skincare products with organic oils; Sock Monkey Emporium handcrafted sock animals made in the UK; The 7^th Crow fashionable jewelry made from Czech glass, copper; brass, sterling silver, chalcedony and pyrite; The Shutterbug Eye fine art photography prints and photo pendant jewelry; Esscentual Alchemy natural perfumes; JuditB unique wearable art pieces designed with sharp angles and geometric shapes; Kathryn Designs innovative handcrafted polymer clay and resin jewelry, featuring luminous colors set in a modern-vintage design; Gretchen Hind Designs handmade jewelry made with wire, beads, gemstones and rocks; Sari Blue eco-friendly bracelets, earrings, pendants and necklaces made from Turkish glass beads, many of which are designed with their “lucky eye” to add peace and prosperity; BeezKneez trendy designer stationery, paper goods and personalized gifts customizable for any occasion; Oops I Knit it Again awe-inspiring hats, blankets, scarves and accessories for babies and children; Saniki Creations handmade chainmaille and adornments; Bead Flora & Jewels timeless hair clips, headbands, shoe clips and other accessories; Palm Beach Parties social stationery; Hoshii Designs earth-friendly scarves, handbags and accessories; Gemelli Inspired brass jewelry with a vintage flare; Sophisticated Pup fine pet products; Teru Amaro alluring bracelets, necklaces and earrings; Motherbored recycled computer jewelry; Sherry’s Jewelry made from precious metal, highest-quality gemstones and glass stones; Jewels for Hope classic yet chic Swarovski crystal and pearl designs made to benefit nonprofit organizations; Aussen Wolf Designs semi-precious stone and bead jewelry; Candleworks premium candles; Four Black Paws designer pet products; OC Styles handcrafted stylish gifts; Care More Creations wire-wrapped jewelry featuring healing gemstones; Amy Fine Design rustic, hip jewelry made from amethyst, aquamarine, turquoise and other colorful jewels; Catcophony simple yet crafty jewelry; Scentability body products and home fragrances; Starlet Glam luscious soaps, scrubs and creams; and Villa Lusso 100% soy candles inspired by scents in Italy.

The Artisan Group

Other sponsors included imPRESS artificial press-on manicures by Broadway Nails, Cubify 3D printer, AsomBroso Tequila, Caribbean Living magazine, Cartography original necklaces made from found objects all over the world, Evamor alkaline water, Kent Denim men’s premium indigo jeans, Keratin Complex hair treatments and styling products, Plomo women’s contemporary shoes, Ruby Roxanne Designs leather cuff bracelets, The Taco Man catering company, Illuminated Industries furniture and lighting systems, Sabra dips inspired from flavors around the world;  HalfBreed Clothing Co. multicultural clothing for men, women and children.

The GBK lounge benefitted (Red), the nonprofit organization founded by Bobby Shriver and Bono which gives a percentage of their sales to fight against AIDS in Africa.

Puerto Rico Does it Greener

Pork and fried foods might be longtime staples of the Puerto Rican diet, but plant-based cuisine has landed and it is surprisingly easy to find incredible vegetarian and vegan options wherever you travel in Puerto Rico. Together with its thriving “green” initiatives, the well-known “Puerto Rico Does it Better” campaign takes on a new meaning for health and environmentally conscious travelers.

Vegetables and fruits were a highlight of the 5^th annual Saborea Puerto Rico: A Culinary Extravaganza. Held annually at Escambron Beach in San Juan, Saborea (from “sabor,” meaning “taste” in Spanish), is a weekend festival celebrating the exotic colors and flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine. Over 50 local and international culinary experts, 60 of the island’s premier restaurants, and numerous liquor, spirits, wine and beer companies participate to present the best of the Caribbean.

Entrance to Saborea

“The best teachers are our grandmas,” said Luis Rivera Marín, the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, while speaking at the festival. And Saborea had everything to make a grandma proud, especially if she always taught you to eat your greens. The exotic salads prepared by Executive Chef Javier Menendez, presenting on behalf of Texas de Brazil, were a festival favorite.

Prepared by Executive Chef Javier Menendez

Chef Franciso Alvarez

Chef Francisco Alvarez, who arrived in Puerto Rico after working for 15 years as an executive chef and culinary professor in Florida, was among the many culinary artists sharing their creations at Saborea. A longtime vegetarian, Alvarez came prepared with a table of unique and savory dishes for the event. His hearty hummus was made with pigeon peas (a popular legume in Puerto Rico), cilantro, roasted garlic, sazón (seasoned salt) and peanut butter!  “I wanted the hummus to be different so I used peanut butter instead of tahini to make it truly one-of-a-kind,” Alvarez explained. “Vegan food is also great in the heat so it will stay fresh throughout the event.” Alvarez also makes his own pita bread which includes a puree of Puerto Rican peppers and saffron. 

Now living in Puerto Rico, Alvarez is the Director of Culinary Arts at the Instituto de Banca (IBC), the largest culinary school in Puerto Rico.  

Pigeon pea hummus and homemade pita bread by Alvarez

In addition to Saborea, Puerto Rico celebrates a number of other food festivals year-round throughout the island: Porta del Sol hosts a Banana Festival with over a dozen varieties of bananas; the town of Añasco holds a yearly Puff Pastry Festival; and in Corozal, the National Plantain Festival is held each October.

Whatever your food preferences, the staff at Augusto’s aims to please. Located in the Courtyard Marriot in San Juan, the elegant restaurant offers gourmet French contemporary cuisine sure to excite the palate. From pineapple carpaccio & tomato tartar to wild mushroom quinoa, vegetarians and vegans will be in foodie paradise.

Wild mushroom quinoa

Pinapple carpaccio & tomato tartar from Augusto's

Whether traveling to Puerto Rico for a culinary excursion or to experience its rich history, the island has a true commitment to the environment, including healthy offerings for plant-based eaters. Verdanza Hotel, in Isla Verde, features a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options at their three signature restaurants. Executive Chef Damián Hernández is quick to create unique and flavorful meals sure to please even the most discerning diner. At the hotel’s hip restaurant, Eighty20 Bistro, his menu is a blend of traditional home-style and contemporary Caribbean-inspired dishes, using locally-grown fresh fruits, root vegetables and herbs.

Breadfruit, tostones (green plantains), amarillos (yellow, sweet plantains) and spinach
served at Eight20 Bistro

The first hotel on the island to install an EV charging station for electric vehicles, Verdanza Hotel is further pursuing efforts to ensure a healthier environment. They have an extensive recycling program, including uniforms made of 100% recycled polyester. The property also features LED fixtures, organic bathroom amenities (not tested on animals), biodegradable plasticware, installation devices that reduce water usage, rainwater harvesting and repurposed kitchen oil as biodiesel. “We take great pride in our ongoing efforts to make the day-to-day operation of Verdanza Hotel increasingly more sustainable,” said Ricky Newman, General Manager. 

A culinary journey or an eco-tourism experience, Puerto Rico continues making strides with sustainable practices. Hotels and restaurants are increasing their commitment to the environment, and proving everyday that Puerto Rico does it “greener.”  www.seepuertorico.com