Manila Up! Magazine’s August 2018 cover model Helsa Tooley recently celebrated her birthday the way any cover girl would; filled to the brim with finery in The Manila Hotel. Having lived in Sydney, Australia for the past 30 years, the worldly woman of the hour is no stranger to sipping on sophistication, which is likely why the setting of her celebration was none other than her favorite restaurant the Champagne Room. While the event attended by close friends was actually a belated birthday gathering, you could say she was ‘fashionably late’ seeing as Helsa celebrated her actual birthday in London, England. She toured the capital’s neighboring cities and suburbs before continuing onto Scotland. Helsa’s penchant for European splendor is likely why she chose the Champagne Room as the appropriate scene for her soiree. Its Old World interior décor and luxurious floor-toceiling surroundings presents a surprisingly relaxing atmosphere. Then again, with such an international affinity for travel it is no wonder that she considers elegant sofas and decadent chairs “cozy”. Accompanying her five course meal was the appropriate pairing of plentiful wine along with the serenade of an in-house singer and pianist. She and her guests enjoyed the soul-soothing sounds of classical music before the evening culminated with the cake course. With the well-wishing of friends imparting happiness and health on her, Helsa was left pondering what more could a cover girl possibly ask for on her special day?...... Read more on Full Issue!