Rustan’s is celebrating the European Union Festival 2013 until the end of August.
The festival showcases the culture, artistry and craftsmanship of the Union—Italy, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Austria.
At its opening early this month at Rustan’s Shangri-La Tower, the guests were welcomed by Lubomir Frebort, Charges d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the European Union in the Philippines, and Zenaida Tantoco, president of Rustan Commercial Corp.
Vice President Jejomar Binay gave the keynote speech.
The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was done by Dutch Ambassador Gijsbert Anton Boon von Ochssee and his wife, Martina Boon von Ochsee; Ignacio Perez-Cambra, Charges d’Affaires ad
interim of the Embassy of Spain; and First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Philippines, Dr. Alfonso Tagliaferri.
Foremost soprano Rachelle Gerodias performed with concert violist and Julliard graduate Diomedes Saraza Jr.
At the opening, guests were shown around Rustan’s different departments, from fashion to home, each area showcasing the brands from the EU countries.
The festival activities: Italian and German Latté art demonstrations all weekends of August; cocktails (5-7 p.m.) featuring wine and cheese from France and Spain at the Home level of Rustan’s Department Store; makeup trials and skincare workshops, featuring French brands, in the cosmetic section, during weekends.
Italian kitchen accessories brand Lagostina held a cooking demonstration at Rustan’s Supermarket, featuring gourmet Erwan Heussaf, at Benny’s.
Napolitan handmade porcelain manufacturer Capodimonte featured Devis Rossi in a talk on the fine appreciation and the detailed historical background of every Capodimonte masterpiece. There is an exhibit of signed pieces until today.
World-renowned Italian jewelry brand Adami & Martucci now has its mesh jewelry at Rustan’s Silver Vault.
For a minimum single-receipt purchase of P10,000, of participating EU brands, the shopper receives a P500 Rustan’s gift certificate. An additional P5,000 purchase of an Italian brand, or a total of P15,000 single-receipt purchase, entitles the shopper to a free chic Capodimonte woven basket.
The Gran Lotteria gives shoppers a chance to win a luxury item from the participating Euro brands, with every P3,000 purchase. Metrobank cardholders will have their raffle coupons drawn exclusively.