When I breezed into the Peninsula Hotel Manila, I knew instantly it was a Citibank affair. The world-renowned Citibank was hosting a thanksgiving dinner for its clients, hoping for continued partnership and stronger ties with them for another year.

Some 200 well-chosen invitees experienced a glimpse of Diwali, known as “the festival of lights,” and one of the most important celebration’s in India, dahlings.

Jetting into town was hotshot Citi Asia-Pacific CEO Shirish Apte and the très likeable Citi Philippines country head Sanjiv Vohra. They welcomed dignitaries and other namedroppables, such as Indian Ambassador Shri Yogendra Kumar, Securities and Exchange Commission chair Teresita Herbosa, Philippine Stock Exchange president Hans Sicat, among others.

EXOTIC Indian dances performed at the Diwali-inspired Citibank bash

The ballroom was a sight to behold, with the rich hues of Diwali adorned with lights, flowers and candles, which made us all feel a part of one of the biggest Hindu festivals.

The night capped with a dazzling fireworks display.

“We wanted to show our extreme gratitude to our clients through this affair as we end another great year for Citi in the Philippines,” said Sanjiv. “We are looking forward to another excellent year of service for our clients as we mark our 110th anniversary this 2012, while Citi as a global brand turns 200 years old.”

ALEX Prieto, PDI chairperson Marixi Prieto, and Bert and Sylvia Lina

Exotic Indian dances were performed during the dinner, which featured authentic Indian cuisine. The Diwali feast definitely showed everyone the rich culture of India, dahlings. Guests even joined in by learning a few steps of traditional Indian dance.

Krispy Kreme now in Cebu

Krispy Kreme Donuts has arrived in the Queen City of the South, palanggas.

Krispy Kreme celebrated five years of success by unveiling its first store in Cebu, its 24th nationwide.

“The Cebu opening marks several milestones for the brand,” said Carolyn Salud, managing director for Krispy Kreme Philippines. She said it is its first store outside Luzon and signaled that the brand is going nationwide.

ENERGY Secretary José Rene Almendras with wife Marides, and Filinvest Development Corporation’s Joseph and Josephine Yap

“Now that we are in Ayala Center and Asiatown IT Park,” she said, “the opening of this store recognizes the regional hub of Cebu. It also inaugurates a new look for Krispy Kreme outlets worldwide, featuring designs that mix functionality and style.”

“Krispy Kreme’s new look fuses efficiency and aesthetics through a playful mix of colors and style,” explained Jim Fuentebella, Krispy Kreme Philippines chair. “We are proud to be among the first three stores to have this worldwide.”

The opening of the two stores was attended by Krispy Kreme’s top executives who couldn’t say enough of admiration for the Philippine team.

“I would like to thank the Krispy Kreme team in the Philippines for running successful, excellent operations,” said Peter King, Krispy Kreme VP for Asia-Pacific.

“In our annual conference in Puerto Rico held last September, Krispy Kreme Philippines took home the prestigious award ‘Franchisee of the Year-Exceptional Performance’—a true testament to Krispy Kreme Philippines’ success and vision to serve its loyal patrons,” said King.

SARAH Tilka, Jackie Lotzof, Sandra Pesch, Mary Anne Arcoly

Check out Krispy Kreme in Greenhills Shopping Center, SM Mall of Asia; TriNoma Mall; Festival Mall; SM Megamall; Festival Supermall, Alabang; Marquee Mall, Clark, Pampanga. Visit www.krispykreme.com.ph or get to know Chloe at www.facebook.com/ChloeKrispyKremePH.

Aura by Swarovski

Everyone, well, almost everyone, dahlings, just can’t get enough of Aura, the first fragrance by power brand Swarovski. It was launched at the famed Art of Scent Boutique in Resorts World, Taguig, dahlings.

Ten chosen ladies belonging to our town’s “inspirational ladies, women of light and love,” as people would like to say, led the Aura launch at Old Manila of the Peninsula Manila:

Gorgeous star Heart Evangelista; TV’s Say Alonzo; journalist Heidi Ng; accessories designer Nicole Whisenhunt; bag designer Andrea Martel of Gabriel Martel; Plana Forma’s Tina Lagdameo; Cura V’s Camille Ongpauco; Emi Jorge and Tricia Calma; and singer Marié Digby.

The launch was hosted by ARC Marketing and PR, natch.

The gals lost all sense of counting calories and dove into the scrumptious menu of korobuta-scallop and lobster, the to-die-for truffle-scented mushroom cappuccino, Australian veal, Atlantic cod and tiger prawns, and vanilla crème brûlée. Oh soo good!

One of the ladies told me, “I’ll go back to dieting tomorrow and double my exercise,” as she cleared her plate of brûlée.

“Swarovski was a winner when they got the great group of gals together, each of them successful in their own given fields, equally talented, equally gorgeous, each the embodiment of what the Aura by Swarovski woman is all about,” said Celine Gabriel Lim of ARC marketing and PR.

“Aura by Swarovski is fruity, floral, sexy and very feminine, characteristics of which, we believe, all of these girls have,” said Jenny Yrasuegui.

Après this happening the gals were thrilled to receive a bottle of the sweet and sensual fragrance which they all enjoyed trying on before lunch was even served.

Hey, cheers to these ladies who have inspired so many people to continue to “shine like crystal.”

Take that well-deserved bow, Aura by Swarovski, naturellement.

More info? Contact Gerick Ortiz at 0917-8112890 or [email protected]