Citi Philippines always has amazing surprises up its sleeves, dahlings. This time around, Citigold, Citi’s premier wealth service, treated clients to a midyear investment outlook briefing at the ballroom of Fairmont Makati.

 

Citi Philippines retail banking head Anthony Thomas said the event was part of “the bank’s continuing commitment to present clients with up-to-date information on local and global markets in support of their financial planning.”

 

Led by Ben Pañares of Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Philippines Inc., several speakers discussed investment prospects for the second half of the year.

 

Other speakers included ATR KimEng Asset Management Group (Atram) managing director Michael Ferrer, Franklin Templeton Investments lead product manager and VP Adam Grotzinger, Fidelity Worldwide Investment product management head for Asia Matthew Sutherland, BlackRock director for Southeast Asia Yifei Li.

 

Meanwhile, Atram Investment directors Phillip Hagedorn and Deanno Basas shared their views on Philippine equities and fixed income outlook.

 

“Despite the presence of geopolitical issues, deflation, inflation and rising yields, Citigold clients were informed to expect moderate risks this time,” said Pañares. “For the second half of this year, remember to focus on fundamentals and remain positive on the economic progress of Europe, Japan, US and even the Philippines, when the equity market shows promise and looks good on a long-term perspective as well. We encourage patrons to continue working on what they have invested during the first half (of the year).”

 

Citigold Midyear Outlook is an annual event for exclusive Citigold clients. The investment bank said it offers “unmatched research services, world-class products, global access, and exclusive privileges and rewards.”

 

‘Colorful Weekend’ in Boracay

 

The popular Discovery Shores Boracay recently pulled out all the stops to honor its travel agents, friends in media and supporters in the industry in what it billed “Colorful Weekend,” palangga.

 

The affair got on a roll with an excellent lunch at Sands Restaurant, followed by a free and easy afternoon on the beach and at the poolside.

 

Guests were also treated to a much-deserved complimentary pampering at the heavenly Terra Wellness Spa.

 

For dinner, a delicioso Spanish dinner was served at the Discovery’s Dos Mestizos. After the excellent dinner, it was time to rock and roll amid Boracay’s famous (as well as infamous) night life. Well that’s what having fun is all about, ’di bala?

 

Day Two began with a healthy breakfast buffet at Sands Restaurant. Then there was al fresco lunch at the award-winning Indigo Restaurant.

 

At nightfall, Discovery Shores was transformed into an enchanting “Life in Color” Mardi Gras dinner extravaganza, well-executed by the award-winning culinary team of Discovery Shores.

 

Highlight was the Top Producers awarding ceremony. Awardees received handmade “Fire Dancer” trophies by renowned sculptor Ferdinand Cacnio. Also awarded were the Top Ten Travel Agencies, which have helped Discovery Shores achieve its status as a top hotel.

 

Call Discovery Shores at tel nos. 7208888 or 036-2884500; e-mail [email protected]. Visit discoveryhotels-resorts.com or call Rosary Ysmael at 0917-6257104; e-mail [email protected].

 

 

DermAsia’s new laser treatment

 

DermAsia Corp., distributor of state-of-the-art noninvasive dermatological aesthetic devices for skin and healthcare, launched its new line of devices at Fairmont Makati. The occasion, dahlings, also marked DermAsia’s 10th anniversary.

 

“We are unveiling the iLipo Multiplatform Contour System, the most advanced nonsurgical fat reduction and body shaping system from Chromogenex, one of the leading exponents of laser technology in the United Kingdom,” said DermAsia founder and CEO Nikki Tang.

 

Highlight was the launch of Regenlite, “a new generation of laser treatment that offers nonablative skin treatment using the latest Pulse Dye Laser technology that provides a fast and effective treatment for acne, wrinkles, stretch marks, eyelid lifts, vascular and wart removal,” said DermAsia’s guest expert Uri Michealis.

 

Dr. Stephen Eubanks, laser expert and founder of the Dermatology and Laser Center, Harvard Park, Colorado, gave a talk on the innovative concept of photobiostimulation and fat reduction utilizing noninvasive laser technology.

 

Emcees were G Tongi and Tim Yap.

 

Pioneer in the use of these noninvasive-treatment machines, palangga, is Dr. Vicki Belo.

 

EastWest Bank in Cebu

 

In my July 30 column, it might have appeared that there was only one branch that was launched in Cebu by EastWest Bank at the tony affair it hosted at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Lahug, which was attended by over 600 special guests and clients from all over Cebu.

 

But I should have clarified that the event was really the grand simultaneous inauguration of EastWest’s 18 branches in Cebu, an affirmation of the bank’s commitment to support the business and economic growth of the Visayas province.

 

My apologies for the oversight.