The shopper’s paradise that is the United Kingdom was spotlighted at the recent launch of “Shopping is Great! Contest” at the Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall with a fashion show showcasing over 30 British brands.
Organizers were The British Embassy in Manille and the United Kingdom Trade & Investment.
The event showcased accessible fashion—the models, including British diplomats, representing everyday people.
Among the British brands featured were Marks & Spencer, Cath Kidston, Clarks, Debenhams, Pepe Jeans, Lee Cooper, Lyle & Scott, Superdry, Reiss, F&F, River Island, Vision Express, Mini Lifestyle products, T.M. Lewin, Burton Menswear London, Sanders, The Savile Row, Mothercare, Mamas & Papas, Speedo, Lonsdale, Berghaus, Mitre, Toni & Guy and The Body Shop.
On hand to welcome guests were British Women’s Association patron Ann Aspinall and SM executive Millie Dizon, no less, palangga.
This was all part of the Great campaign, a celebration of the best of British business and culture.
Visit the British Embassy Manila Facebook page; follow on Twitter @ukinphilippines; e-mail: [email protected]
‘Marry Me at Marriott’
The Marriott Manila presented its Grand Ballroom as a wedding venue with a bridal show “Marry Me at Marriott,” featuring creations of six Filipino designers—Randy Ortiz, Rhett Eala, Jun Escario, JC Buendia, Rajo Laurel and Frederick Peralta.
More than a thousand guests including celebrities, industry partners, wedding suppliers, the media and soon-to-wed couples attended the event.
It transported the audience to a world of dreamy romance through a showcase of 60 bridal gowns and suits.
Peralta chose to be whimsical; Laurel exuded timeless elegance; Eala balanced tradition and modernity; Buendia showed classics with a twist; Ortiz delivered sophistication in every detail; and Escario defined exquisite.
At the show’s end, Marriott general manager Bruce Winton said: “This is just the first of many events that can happen here.”
The Marriott Grand Ballroom is said to be the country’s largest venue for social events, offering a lavish space of 8,000 sq m with a capacity of 2,500 for banquets and 4,000 for cocktails.
The “Marry Me” event targets couples planning to wed in June. If couples could only keep their vows, di bala?
Call the Marriott Manila at 9889999; visit manilamarriott.com.
Ogawa Japanese restaurant
The newly opened Ogawa Japanese restaurant at Bonifacio Global City has a pleasant ambiance, excellent service and authentic, world-renowned Japanese cuisine experienced first-hand by distinguished guests.
Spotted enjoying the food and company were Kenji Terada and Koji Otani of the Japanese Embassy, makeup artist Jigs Mayuga, fashion designer Rajo Laurel, salon owner Lourd Ramos, celebrities Saab and Maxene Magalona, Sam Concepcion, Sam Valenciano, Tim Yap, Amazing Race Philippines winner CJ Jaravata, stylist Alyanna Martinez with her dad Albert Martinez and famillie, Pinkerton Ice Cream’s Xandra Rocha, nd Kaye Tinga.
Ogawa Japanese restaurant is at 2/F, The Fort Entertainment Complex, Fort Strip, 5th Ave. corner 28th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
