If time travel was possible, I would certainly volunteer to be a willing traveler. This way, I can visit more places and destinations throughout the year.
Just recently, I arrived from an action-packed European holiday and went straight to the beach to instantly remove all traces of jet lag. A day later, my busy Manila social calendar revved up again with the opening of the annual Noel Bazaar at the World Trade Center, where I saw GMA Kapuso Star Jennylyn Mercado.
Noel Bazaar’s project director Mayose Gozon-Bautista welcomed guests to the first of three bazaars happening this year. With over 500 merchants, the fair offered shoppers unique gifts and bargains to complete their Christmas list. Noel is open today until 10 p.m.
For the past 17 years, Noel Bazaar has aimed to benefit seven notable foundations, including GMA Kapuso Foundation, Gifts & Graces Foundation, Associate Missionaries of Assumption and the Inquirer Foundation, to name a few. In addition, this year, it launched the first International Food Feast, which features a wide selection of global and local fare for patrons to enjoy while shopping.
Catch the next Noel Bazaar weekend on Nov. 30 at the Filinvest Tent Alabang, and Dec. 14 at the SMX Convention Center Pasay.
Key eyewear pieces
When I travel, I make sure I am well stocked with outfits, accessories and luggage. My constant problem is how to manage the maximum luggage allowance. For my last trip to Europe, I stocked up on the coolest eyeglasses and sunnies so all my photos would be Instagram-perfect.
International luxury group Kering Eyewear recently presented the key eyewear pieces of seven of the world’s most iconic brands at the Peninsula Manila. Stylish guests got to try the different brands with distinctive designs, which will soon be available in leading department stores and optical shops nationwide.
Bottega Veneta’s famous Intrecciato, or the meticulous technique of weaving leather into its bags, shoes and accessories, was the high point of the collection. The brand Puma was also present, known for its athletic spirit, modern shapes and iconic details. Also in the mix was the Gucci collection, with creative director Alessandro Michele discussing a more unconventional aesthetic for the brand that hinged on gender neutrality, romanticism, eccentric decorations, and a signature mix of legacy and immediacy.
Stella McCartney, one of the most environmentally conscious brands in the fashion industry, prides itself in using ethically sourced materials that are 100-percent eco-friendly, biodegradable and recyclable. Also represented was Yves Saint Laurent eyewear, which continues to evolve its classic pieces; for this event, it introduced a new wave of statement styles and color animation.
The Alexander McQueen label, meanwhile, boasts of a sculpted metal bar along the frames and temples, and sunglasses made of metallic bicolor combinations of gold and silver.
Mega’s 25th year
Aside from eyewear, I brought along on my trip our wedding anniversary costumes, made by designer Rajo Laurel. My other Rajo pieces were from his recent collection at the first-ever Mega Fashion Week (MFW) held at the Penthouse of Twenty Four-Seven McKinley in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
Mega, one of the country’s best fashion magazines, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. MFW gathered five of the country’s best designers—Rajo, John Herrera, Puey Quiñones, Francis Libiran and Mark Bumgarner—and featured their Spring/Summer 2018 collections in their own runway shows throughout the week.
For Rajo’s night, Ylona Garcia and Elisse Joson walked for the finale of his collection entitled “When I was Five,” which looked back on designer’s past as inspiration for the colorful ensembles.
Speaking of time travel, Timex, which boasts a 160-year heritage, recently launched an 18-mall road show titled “Timex Time Travel,” to celebrate and explore the evolving landscape of watchmaking. The road show was a partnership between SM Project Global Campaign, SM Supermalls and Timex.
The Timex Fall Collection is perfect for this gift-giving season; the brand leader in watches is all about American ingenuity. The A-list watch styles of this Fall Collection are the Timex Metropolitan Collection, Allied Chrono, Expedition Ranger, Waterbury Collection and the Special Edition of the world-famous Timex Easy Reader.
Impressive Oktoberfest
Of the many events I attended, Grohe’s Oktoberfeast for the Senses launch was one of the most impressive. Held at the BGC Amphitheater in Taguig City in partnership with the most reputable home construction retailer, Wilcon Depot, Grohe launched its most innovative collection with a grand celebration.
Grohe AG VP for design Michael Seum and Grohe VP for marketing in Asia Audrey Yeo flew in to grace the launch.
Michael presented the features of the new Grohe products, while the Lixil Philippines team—with marketing manager Emily Rose Besavilla, country manager Alen Alban, sales director Joralyn Ong, Grohe brand manager Dominique Sevilla and project sales’ Maverick Arcega and Carlo Malantic—came in full force for the brand.
Wilcon EVP-chief product officer Careen Belo, SEVP-chief operating officer Rosemarie Ong, and president and CEO Lorraine Belo-Cincohan were also present to welcome all guests.
The ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra added excitement and enjoyment to the occasion as it performed well-loved German classical music and accompanied soprano Lara Maigue, under the baton of maestro Gerard Salonga. DJ Hannah Ichiko supplied the chill music afterward.
During the event, Grohe, the world’s leading provider of sanitary fittings, revealed two of its most game-changing products that have won accolades and patrons the world over, the Aquasymphony Luxury Shower and Sensia Arena Spalet Shower Toilet. With over 240 design and innovations, Grohe continues to deliver innovative water products that carry its brand values of technology, quality, design and sustainability.
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