What do tea and tango have in common? They are results of an elemental infusion of nature and depth. Edsa Shangri-La, Manila held it’s first Tea for Tango event at the newly refurbished Lobby Lounge. The hotel’s general manager Patrick Schaub stepped up the affair in a tango performance with the Blackpool England World Senior Latin Champion, Ednah Ledesma.

 Edsa Shangri-La general manager Patrick Schaub and Ednah Ledesma  

Afternoon treats placed in golden bird cages were paraded before the guests. The hotel’s executive pastry chef, Martin Frowd, created delicacies such as chocolate duo, deconstructed black forest, and milk chocolate cheesecake. Dark chocolate, scones with clotted cream andjam, macarons, and other decadent nibblers completed the spread.

Edsa Shangri-La executive pastry chef Martin Frowd and executive chef Warren Brown

The union of tea and dance produces a beneficial health effect. In the September 2009 article of Natalie Caamano for Dance Magazine, Pacific Northwest Ballet nutritionist Peggy Swistak said that drinking tea can help the dancer’s fluidity and balance. In addition, infusions with chamomile, lemongrass, and peppermint are said to have a calming effect.

“Tango comes from the Latin word, 'tangere,' which means 'to touch' and is the ultimate dance between a man and a woman. Truly, no other dance in the world gives more emphasis and meaning to the passionate embrace. With a direct chest to chest connection, man and woman are connected, soul to soul,” said Ledesma.

For a dance that requires a symbiotic cascade to the beat of music, tea is a consorting partner of tango.

Edsa Shangri-La Manila, 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City +632.633.8888