Après the fall of the banking system a few years back, things are looking better, dahlings.

 

Citibank Philippines, said to be the largest foreign bank in the country, recently hosted “Japan Day” as a commitment of support to its Japanese corporate clients.

 

The bank’s chairman CEO, Batara Sianturi, welcomed the guests and spoke of Citi’s strong presence in Asia: “For more than 200 years, Citi has been enabling progress for our clients. Here in Asia, we are proud of a legacy that spans 112 years. We first opened our doors in China in 1902, and in the same year, established offices in several other countries including the Philippines and Japan.”

 

He added: “In recent years, we have established our Japan Desk to focus on unique needs… No other financial institution is better positioned to support growth strategies.”

 

Having a grand time at the event, palangga, was Citi Japan deputy head of corporate banking Katsuhisa Ishikawa.

 

Citicorp Investment Bank Ltd. director Tetsushi Ayukawa, who flew in from Singapore, briefed clients on economic outlook and currency forecasts.

 

Highlighting the affair was a tour of the Citi Smart branch in Makati City, whose main lobby boasts the following:

 

• A 160” x 90” high-definition interactive screen for browsing through products and promos;

 

• A marketing wall that shows foreign and domestic news flashes, weather information, market currency data, stock prices;

 

• An instant account opening station where one does not have to fill out long paper forms, as well as tablet devices which will enable clients to open an account from any place in the branch;

  

 

• Private briefing rooms where one can discuss financial opportunities with a Citi specialist or get expert consultation through the video conferencing system;

 

• And the Citibank Express, a first in the world, next-generation automated banking machine.

 

New face of luggage brand

 

Have you heard, dahlings, that American Tourister has landed on our shores? The luggage brand’s heritage, would you believe, spans over 80 years?

 

Since its founding in 1933 by an immigrant, Sol Koffler, American Tourister—a sister brand of Samsonite—still offers affordable suitcases to this day.

 

In-demand celebrity endorser Anne Curtis will be the new face of American Tourister. An avid traveler herself, she won’t need to sacrifice style when packing for her next adventure—especially with the brand’s latest collection, Vivolite.

 

According to American Tourister brand manager Christiane Chan, the Vivolite is made of lightweight material with a sturdy outer shell and comes in four sizes with colors that you can spot right away. The lightweight material is important in the age of limited luggage weight in airlines, ’di bala?

 

And take note, dahlings, it comes with a Transportation Security Administration   combination lock, no less, and with its four spinner wheels for easy maneuverability.

 

American Tourister branded stores, owned and operated by Stores Specialists, Inc., are in Trinoma and Robinsons Place Manila. Samsonite stores are in Robinsons Galleria, Market! Market!, Shoppesville Greenhills, Marquee Mall, Subic Harbor Point, Paseo de Sta. Rosa, SM Dasmariñas and Limketkai Cagayan de Oro, as well as leading department stores nationwide.

 

Summer wear essentials

 

With the summer heat upon us, it’s time to wax up, palangga. On the beach, ladies will appreciate the new hair-removal product from Strip and Browhaus, as well as swimsuits from I Love Koi.

 

The products were showcased in a sizzling fashion show starring sun-kissed bodies for the brands’ fifth anniversary.

 

A special collection by Cheska Garcia-Kramer for I Love Koi was modeled by Sharmaine de Ramos, Aye Abesamis, Hye Won Jan, Nikita Mcelroy, Dindin Bukid, Irish Ong, Pam Perlas, Kit Barraquias, Tiff Abiera and Cyrene Morales.

 

Meanwhile, a photo exhibit for Browhaus by Niko Villegas of Edge of Light Studios, starring Manille’s hottest luminaries, was also held.

 

Dance music was provided by DJ Tom Taus.

 

Strip and Browhaus managing director Tab Abad attended to the guests including Doug Kramer, Marcel Crespo, Marco de Guzman, Fabio Ide and Erik Cua.

 

New supermarket branch

 

The favorite of the discriminating grocery shopper, Rustan’s Supermarket, extended its superb line of premium essentials to more places in our town by opening a new branch at Alphaland Makati Place.

 

Attending the formal opening, dahlings, was special guest of honor Dr. Elenita Binay, as well as Priscilla Meirelles-Estrada, Stephanie Zubiri, Alphaland sales and marketing senior vice president Joanna Ongpin Duarte, Rustan’s Supercenters Inc. (RSCI) chief operating officer Pierre Deplanck, vice president Manuel Alberto, together with Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr.

 

“We are bringing the Rustan’s experience closer to every Filipino for a specific grocery need,” said RSCI president Donnie Tantoco.

 

Apparently, palangga, the new Rustan’s Supermarket Alphaland Makati Place, with its wide range of world-class products, is now one of the hottest new shopping destinations.