Integrity, quality, dedicated service and passion are some of the words Rustan’s CEO Zenaida Tantoco used to describe Rustan’s at the recent celebration of the premier shopping center’s 65th anniversary.
The name Rustan’s always conjures up images of high quality merchandise, topnotch service and an incomparable, thoroughly delightful in-store experience.
From its well-curated product selection and impeccable offerings to its meticulously organized racks and displays, a
multisensory treat lies in every Rustan’s store for even the most discerning of shoppers.
Indeed, the Philippines’ premier retail giant is all about living and loving the luminous, luxe lifestyle—and making it easily accessible to everyone else, too.
Looking back on a history marked by magnificent milestones, Rustan’s kicked off its grand celebration with a preview of the special exhibit dedicated to the founders—Glecy and Bienvenido Tantoco Sr.—at Rustan’s Makati.
During the program, some members of the Tantoco family were invited on stage to commemorate the celebration—Rustan Commercial Corp. chair emeritus Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., CEO Zenaida Tantoco, Sta. Elena Realty EVP Rico Tantoco Jr., Rustan’s board member Maritess Tantoco Enriquez, Rustan Coffee Corp.’s Menchu Tantoco Lopez, and SSI Group Inc. president Anton Huang.
Joining them on stage were esteemed partners from HSBC and Ayala Corp.
To end the program, the Private Labels fashion show was staged during the event, highlighting exclusive brands under Rustan’s such as Ricardo Preto, U by Ricardo Preto, Jill by Jojie Lloren, Criselda Lontok, Lady Rustan, Rustan’s Jr. and Rustanette. A full list of happenings and designer deals are available online at www.rustans.com.ph
Criselda Lontok Holiday 2017
Early this month, Criselda Lontok, one of Rustan’s’ exclusive designers, also showcased her elegant touch, romanticism and feminine whimsy in her 2017 Holiday Collection, titled “Life In Bloom.”
Carefully chosen by Criselda herself, 10 lovely muses walked the runway showcasing some of the key pieces of her 60-piece collection. These muses include Marivic Vasquez, Bettina Osmeña, Mia Borromeo, Dina Tantoco, Patricia Prieto, Marilou Batchelor, Alana Montelibano, Linda Ley, Erica Concepcion Reyes and Toni Abad.
With over three decades in the industry, Criselda’s longevity as a designer is founded on her strong instinct for knowing how women want to dress. She designs with a classic feminine sensibility that is loved by women of all generations.
Leukemia awareness month
September is World Leukemia Awareness month and in observance, Epcalm Adult Leukemia Foundation mounted a three-day health convention at the Samsung Hall at SM Aura Premier.
The “Hope in Wellness Convention 2017” was filled with health talks, a bazaar and a special blood-letting activity with St. Luke’s Medical Center and Cardinal Santos Medical Center.
At the opening, Epcalm founder Dr. Erlyn Demerre and the foundation’s president, Justice Demerre, welcomed guests, and I joined Epcalm ambassadors Pops Fernandez and comic Michael V at the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
After the musical performance by Top Suzara, a special fund-raiser auctioned off a brand-new Philip Stein watch donated by Emerson Yao of Lucerne; a Briggs and Riley Sympatico luggage, a Bose Sound Touch Stereo JC Series II Wifi Music Series as donated by Wilson So, and a painting by Eman Santos donated by Ron and Bambi de Castro of Artologist Gallery.
Fabulous exhibitors included Antoinette Nisce Ngo’s Nisce Skin and Face, Nikki Tang’s Bioderma and Sebamed, CosmetiGroup’s Aqua Mineral beauty products, actress Janice de Belen’s pop-up food booth, and Mark Ocampo and Kelly Go’s Auro Chocolate from Davao. Kathy Yao Santos’ Happy Living wines featuring Beringer wines from Napa Valley were served as well.
For Day 2, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial and Epcalm ambassador Heart Evangelista-Escudero joined several talks given by health experts from the Philippine Heart Association and GoodLife. Day 3 started with the “Run with Me” fun run event at Resorts World Manila (RWM), and another Epcalm ambassador, Rovilson Fernandez, ran for the foundation. RWM presented its generous donation to the Epcalm officers on the same day.
Happy Skin x Hello Kitty
September also means the holiday season has began. Happy Skin, a favorite homegrown beauty brand, recently collaborated with Sanrio Characters, a global brand and a pop-culture icon, to bring some of these favorite characters to life through everyday makeup.
For fans of Hello Kitty, My Melody or Little Twin Stars, Happy Skin loves Sanrio Characters Collection is now available in time for the holidays at Happy Skin stores.
Happy Skin founders Rissa Mananquil Trillo and Jacqe Yuengtian Gutierrez are so thrilled to tie up with Sanrio, a brand that has been present for almost 40 years in the Philippines. Happy Skin is Sanrio’s first local cosmetics partner in the country.
At the launch at SM Aura, a ribbon-clad rainbow arch greeted each guest upon entry to the kawaii wonderland. Guests enjoyed taking photos in the different sections of the picturesque setup with Sanrio details everywhere.
Luxury bubble balloons from Blloons peppered the atrium, and when it finally came to officially launch the Happy Skin Loves Sanrio Characters Collection, guests were surprised with a vibrant, picture-perfect balloon drop. The biggest surprise was the special appearance of the beloved Hello Kitty that was only made possible by Swatch’s Virgie Ramos, who first brought Sanrio to the Philippines, making this country the first to carry Sanrio outside Japan.
‘Well Appointed Life’
If you fancy some early Christmas shopping, head to The Peninsula Manila today for Salcedo Auctions’ “The Well Appointed Life” at the Rigodon Ballroom. The Fine Jewelry and Timepieces auction starts at 2 p.m., with Rare Automobiles starting at 6:30 p.m. Copresented by The Pen and Santos Knight Frank, major partners include Lexus, Globe Platinum, Singapore Airlines and premium audio partner Bowers & Wilkins.
