BLURB
HSBC forum focuses on personal economy and values for life goals
Travel is my primary indulgence. I love it more than shopping, which is probably because traveling gives me more chances to shop.
I had the chance to think about all this as one of the panelists at the recent HSBC Personal Economy Forum, together with news anchor Maiki Oreta, multi-awarded furniture designer and manufacturer Kenneth Cobonpue, motivational speaker Anthony Pangilinan, renowned sculptor Reg Yuson, and top Filipino fashion designer Rajo Laurel.
Held at the Writers Bar of Raffles Makati, the forum was moderated by multi-awarded broadcast and print journalist David Celdran. All of us shared our personal economics—the things we value most, such as family, career and home, the things we are passionate about, and the legacy we want to leave behind. It was also a learning experience for me, not so much about money but about what we value to achieve our life goals.
Economics is such a heavy topic, especially in mid-afternoon, so it was good that we had high tea and a sumptuous selection of cakes and pastries to keep us, and the media guests in the audience, awake.
HSBC actually timed the forum as a back-to-back event with an economic briefing later that day, conducted by HSBC economist Trinh Nguyen. The two events were part of a global campaign for HSBC Premier, offering new insight on how the affluent look at the overall health of their financial circumstances or their “personal economy.”
Wick Veloso, HSBC president and CEO, livened me up by promising to give financial advice to increase my savings and curb my spending. I hadn’t seen him since we attended the Reservations in Paradise weekend at the Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa many months back, so it was great to reconnect. Along with Wick were other HSBC executives, including Gigi Pio de Roda, head of retail bank and wealth management; Rene Aguirre, president of HSBC Savings Bank; and Agnes Sauler, head of branch network.
From the forum, I learned not only to save money but also to invest wisely. The property market is currently experiencing a great upswing and the international property market has become even more lucrative especially for Filipino investors.
Smart investments
Markets in Australia, Vancouver and Hollywood, which were once extreme luxuries, have now become smart investments. This was the topic of conversation at another economic briefing of sorts—the wine-tasting event of Colliers International recently held at the Recto Room of Peninsula Manila.
Chris Wells from Colliers North America presented several luxurious residences to the audience, such as the Residences at W Hollywood, which boasts luxurious energy and contemporary elegant design.
By the way, there’s nothing more dangerous to one’s personal cash balance than to discuss houses and lots over some beautiful Napa Valley wines from the Wine Club Philippines. Luckily, Chris didn’t target me for any sales pitch.
Vancouver was part of the presentation, where Colliers has partnered with Port Living to show off three projects: South Creek Landing in downtown Vancouver; Midtown; and in Gastown. The latter project represents one of the last downtown neighborhoods with significant investment potential— low deposit structure, strong rental rates and price points that are at least 10 percent less than the market value.
Chris also discussed Colliers’ Melbourne project, The Fifth, designed by renowned and award-winning landscape designer and architect, Jack Merlo. The project brings the best of indoor and outdoor urban design into the heart of Melbourne’s commercial business district.
Needless to say, my hubby is happy that I prefer to travel and visit properties and not own them.
Piquadro private party
I constantly shop for luggage and carry-ons. That’s why I especially enjoyed the intimate and sophisticated “Piquadro Private Party” where beautiful travel bags were displayed. The Italian luxury brand, known for leather business bags and travel accessories, elegantly dressed and set up the Kirov Model Unit in an inviting showroom-style boutique at the Proscenium Showroom in partnership with Rockwell Land.
The latest Piquadro collections were elegantly set in six rooms of the model unit where guests could view, touch and feel and learn about each collection. Chef Jessie canapés and Edsa Beverage (of Curator fame) cocktails were enjoyed while DJ Jess Milner played some cool dance beats.
On display were the trademark lines of Piquadro—the Blue Square collection and the Caterina and Deneb lines—both designed for women.
The uber-functional Signo and Link collections were the gentlemen’s favorites, while the Antonio Marras-Piquardo was a scene-stealer!
Commencing the program was Alfonso Tagliaferri, charge d’affaires of the Italian Embassy, who shared insights on Italian fashion.
Gabriele Boschi, CEO of Brand Gateway, exclusive distributor of Piquadro in the Philippines, welcomed the guests, as well as Piquadro travel retail and wholesale director of Asia & Pacific Florence Nguyen and Piquadro Philippines brand manager Jan Andrew Naval.
Let me end with a shout-out to all golfers! Please join the annual charity golf tournament of the Assumption Alumnae Association, “Tee Off for Yolanda,” which opens on Sept. 8 at the Sta. Elena Golf Club in Laguna.
This year, the fundraising is for AAA Cares project to build homes in typhoon-stricken Mercedes, Eastern Samar. Contact Everly at the AAA office at tel. 8943561 for tickets.
Follow @tessavaldes on Twitter or visit www.tessaprietovaldes.com.
