Let me recall, dahlings, that after a year and a half of dating, Cris Abad Santos and Butch Albert married at Trinity Church in Born Again Christian rites.
The couple worked together to build their businesses; in 2013 Cris took over so Butch could concentrate on his ministries.
They soon established Albert and Albert Inc. as a corporation that distributes Fila International and other international brands such as Tiva, Outdoor, Everest, Balleto and Freestyle.
They have two children—Carlo, 19, and Bella, 9.
On Jan. 14 they marked their 21st wedding anniversary, and on May 21, they will reaffirm their marital vows.
“How come everything has a No. 21?” I asked Cris.
“Everything seems to fall on the number 21 in my blessed life,” Cris replied. “First house on the 21st floor, then our second house also on the 21st floor. Our warehouse and factory used
to be on 21st Street and the head office on the 21st floor in Makati. Now our new warehouse is 21 km away from the office. We have a vacation lot, number 21. Even our car plates has the number. Apparently 21 is my lucky number.”
Cocorose comes to town
Meanwhile, palangga, Cocorose London launched its 14th stylish collection (AW14) in an exclusive event at the newly opened Green Sun, a fab new space for art, fashion and lifestyle.
Brand creator Janan Leo, no less, jetted in from London to formally introduce the brand to the Philippine market.
Fittingly, her luxe shoe label’s collection was worn by AW14 muses, shot by renowned photographer Sara Black, displayed on floor-to-ceiling screens.
“We are thrilled to have this unique opportunity,” said Kim de Guzman-Lim, president of K-Luxe Inc., the company that brought Cocorose London to the Philippines. “This is Janan Leo’s first time in the country, and we are proud to merge British craftsmanship and style with Filipino creativity and talent in our collection.”
She added: “We are also looking forward to our partnership with Ballet Philippines, as supporting local art and talent is an advocacy that’s part of the brand’s values.”
As collaborators, Cocorose London and Ballet Philippines aim to bring more recognition to young and rising talents in the dance world.
“Proceeds of Cocorose London sales in the Philippines will benefit the advocacy of Ballet Philippines to provide premium education and global opportunities for its talented scholars,” said Lim.
Green Sun’s sumptuous finger food was created by chef Borja Duran. Official photographer of the event was Alex Van Hagen.
Highlight was a dance number by Denise Parungao, a BP soloist. She wore Cocorose London’s signature foldable bullet pumps, crafted for contemporary women. You gals check it out!
For more information, contact Monica Borja at 0917-8846422; e-mail monicaborja@k-luxe.com. Visit www.cocorose.ph.
Great British Shopping Contest
The Brits landed again on our shores through the recent British Shopping Contest Finale at the SM Mega Fashion Hall.
The raffle promotion involved 14 great British brands.
This unique fashion presentation was conceptualized as a showcase of accessible fashion, so the models who strutted the catwalk were everyday people and British diplomats, no less. British brands modeled were Marks & Spencer, natch; Burton, Debenhams, Lee Cooper, Warehouse, Clarks, Essensuals, Roos, and Mini Lifestyle Products.
The show also gave teasing glimpses of the UK’s sporty side through the renowned Speedo brands as well as Toby’s Berghaus, Mitre, and Toni & Guy.
For a P2,500 single-receipt purchase of participating UK brands using their HSBC credit cards, cardholders had the chance to win exciting prizes. Winners got gift vouchers, including a P50,000 shopping spree at Marks & Spencer.
Jeshiah Christa Cruz of Koronadal City was the grand prize winner.
She will experience UK firsthand through round-trip economy tickets for two to London via Etihad Airways, with £300 pocket money from HSBC.
United Kingdom Trade and Investment director Iain Mansfield thanked everyone who joined the contest. “We are delighted that Filipinos have embraced British brands, and we expect
to see even more British labels in the Philippines soon,” he said.
“British fashion has something to suit every taste and style, and the brands in this contest show that that quality doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag,” he added.”
Visit the British Embassy Manila Facebook page; Twitter @ukinphilippines; or e-mail greatcampaignph@gmail.com