business group Rowena Tomeldan, Ayala Land president Tony Aquino
Merry Christmas to everyone! Remember that there is hope, palangga, because if one door closes, five doors will open without batting an eyelash!
Ayala Malls’ “Stars of Joy, Stars of Hope” concert series held recently at the Glorietta Activity Center featured some of the country’s most brilliant performers in a dazzling display of music and dance, palangga. It reminded us to celebrate Christmas with joy amid much sadness brought by calamities.
With Audie Gemora at the helm and Mel Villena handling musical direction, the event showcased “hymns of hope and lyrics of love”—rendered by Martin Nievera, mother and daughter Kuh and Isabella Ledesma, Joanna Ampil and Piolo Pascual. They dedicated their songs to Supertyphoon “Yolanda” survivors.
The Steps Dancers, meanwhile, interpreted “the resilient, positive nature of Filipinos despite trials and challenges.”
But the real star of the show was the audience, who extended generosity and goodwill through donations in cash and
kind. All proceeds were turned over to “Bulig Bisaya”—a project spearheaded by the Ayala Group of Companies that would help deliver relief efforts, restore telecommunication and banking systems, supply clean and potable drinking water, and provide safe evacuation centers for our disaster-stricken brothers and sisters in the Visayas.
Let the “stars of joy and hope” keep shining in our hearts, dahlings!
Wave, pay and go
Citi Philippines and Visa have done it again—teaming up to introduce the newest payment technology for cashless and contactless transactions with the Citibank Visa payWave card.
“Citi is committed to be the leading digital bank in the Philippines, in Asia and in the rest of the globe,” said Citi Philippines CEO Batara Sianturi. “We are proud to once again be at the forefront of customer banking innovation in the Philippines, taking the lead with promoting a new way to pay with credit cards where consumers simply wave, pay and go.”
With this new technology, paying for purchases is easier and faster, reducing queuing times for cardholders and retailers. Cardholders simply need to tap their card on the payWave terminal and go—the card never leaves the user’s hand, dahlings!
The machine can issue receipts in about six seconds. No signatures are required for transactions below P2,000—making the payment process even more seamless. The card’s new chip technology also gives an enhanced protection against fraud, allowing for a more secure transaction. Now that’s really moving forward with clear vision of the future, ’di bala, palangga?
Citi consumer business manager Bea Tan said, “We understand how our customers’ lifestyles are changing. Our latest
innovation will empower access, the latest technology in credit card payments, all while enjoying best in class rewards that they can only have with Citibank credit cards.”
This exclusive offer had executives from partner merchants joining the Citibank Visa payWave launch at the InterContinental Hotel in Makati City.
Citi has partnered with Robinsons Supermarket, Mercury Drug, Eastwood and Lucky Chinatown cinemas to offer their clients the convenience of contactless transactions. Later this year, the payWave technology can be used at McDonald’s, Newport Cinema and Rustan’s Supermarkets.
All new applicants for select Citi Visa credit cards will get the payWave-enabled card when they are approved. Existing cardholders can get theirs when their card is renewed. Replacement is free until December 2013.
Visit www.citibank.com.ph or call the 24-hour CitiPhone Hotline at 9959999.
Class, style, chicness
Class, style and chicness defined renowned couturier and my palangga Rosanna Ocampo’s recent trunk show. Appropriately titled, “La Coquine,” the collection incorporated the fashion designer’s penchant for flattering fits with a hint of flounce thrown into the mix.
“I made colorful, cool lace shifts, striped cotton maxi dresses, and floral mini skirts which hinted at visions of effortless style for any occasion,” she said. “Lightweight fabrics and flowing cuts made each choice ideal wear for our tropical weather. Accented by a variety of complementing hues, the collection fits in well with those who love a bit of subtle intrigue.”
Among the fashionistas spotted in the audience were Juana Manahan-Yupangco; Andy Martel, who tried several pieces from the collection; Kat Tantoco-Lobregat; Erin Campos-Menk; and Kat Holigores who complimented the designs, dahlings.
Rosanna Ocampo’s atelier is at 312 Lirio St., Palm Village, Makati City. Call tel. no. 8954630.