Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama got his wish when the Bank of the Philippine Islands donated the top floor of its main branch in Cebu to be used as the city’s first ever business library open to the public for free.

 

The neoclassical building on the corner of Magallanes and P. Burgos Streets will house shelves of reference books on economics, finance and management.

 

A special section will be dedicated to Cebu culture.

 

There will also be a designated reading area for children. This awesome project is in partnership with the University of San Carlos, natch.

 

During the launch, Cebu’s business elite came in full force. Debonair BPI chair Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala welcomed them.

 

BPI also introduced the coffee-table book “Salapi.” The 280-page volume was written by José Eleazar Reynes Bersales and Carlos Ledesma Apuhin, with photographs by Fr. Generoso Rebuca Rebayla Jr.

 

“With exclusive images from the spectacular and extremely rare collections of BPI and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Money Museum, as well as priceless peeks at the private archives of a handful of local and foreign collectors, the book tells the story of our country from a unique perspective: as seen in the kinds of money that have been used and exchanged over the centuries,” explained Bersales.

 

Rama praised BPI. “Clearly, BPI is committed to serving and enriching Cebu’s citizens and community, through business and beyond,” he said.

 

‘Global domination’

 

Après 22 years, Mega magazine is moving for “global domination.” This is evident in its recent February issue, which featured on the cover “America’s Next Top Model” producer-host Tyra Banks.

 

The edition was launched at 71 Gramercy bar-restaurant, with Tresemmé.

 

Mega media relations officer Justine Mae Tan proudly recalled other famous personalities who have graced the magazine’s cover: Zhang Ziyi, Paris Hilton, Anna Nicole Smith, Sarah Jessica Parker, Allison Harvard, Jessica Sanchez and even Betty and Veronica from Archie comics.

 

Banks, in full support of Mega’s 22nd anniversary, posted behind-the-scenes photos of the New York fashion shoot with the Mega team headed by One Mega Group CEO Sari Yap and executive creative director Suki Salvador.

 

The fashion celebrity even shot a video greeting, which was played for the first time during the mag’s anniversary bash.

 

“Global domination is Mega’s battle cry in 2014,” said Mega publisher Dan Mejia. “Our covers are [global figures] who are dominant in their respective disciplines. We pay tribute to all the great Filipino designers and artists who have become and will be part of our history. This is, and always will be, in keeping with our mission to showcase the best of the Filipinos to the world, and the best of the world to the Filipinos.”

 

The event was hosted by “Asia’s Next Top Model” host Joey Mead. A fashion show featured the new collection of Avel Bacudio as modeled by “Asia’s Next Top Model” mannequins Jodilly Pendre and Katarina Rodriguez.

 

Visit www.megastyle.ph; www.facebook.com/megamagazine; follow @mega_magazine on Twitter and @megastyleph on Instagram.

 

Magnum Gold

 

Now that the summer heat is descending on us, there’s nothing like having Magnum, the luxurious Belgian chocolate ice cream bar, to cool things down.

 

Now, dahlings, Magnum has kicked off 2014 with a bang with its introduction of Magnum Gold, no less. It will make us experience a new level of indulgence with its luscious, yummy blend of silky vanilla ice cream and sea salt caramel, coated with thick, to-die-for cracking golden Belgian chocolate.

 

To push things further, Magnum has tied up with Hollywood celebrities to create a golden cinematic trailer to launch Magnum Gold. Among these famous names are acclaimed director Bryan Singer (who’s about to release the new installment of the “X-Men” franchise this year), Oscar winner Benicio del Toro (the Collector in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” another installment of the “Avengers” franchise), and Brazilian supermodel and actress Caroline Correa.

 

Visit magnum.com.ph.

 

‘Glorious Easter Auction’

 

The trés prestigious Leon Gallery will hold its first auction of the year, dubbed “Glorious Easter Auction,” on March 22, 2 p.m., at Eurovilla 1, Rufino and Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati.

 

The auction is replete with pieces from highly important provenance, such as the renowned collection of Tony and Cez Gutierrez, a 1952 Amorsolo painting, “Sabungero”; Philippine silver (De Leon-Marella Palillera); and furniture (Arnedo cabinet).

 

The Gutierrez collection is one of Manille’s finest; some of its pieces have been borrowed by Musée du Quai Branly of Paris and Singapore National Museum for exhibition, and featured in Asian Furniture, an international publication.

 

The sale begins with an etching by Manuel Rodriguez Sr., starting at a low P8,000. It’s super exciting to new collectors, dahlings!

 

Auction preview is ongoing until Friday, March 21, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Call 8467416; e-mail [email protected]. View the catalog at www.leon-gallery.com/auction.