For those who believe, everything is a sign; for those who love, everything is a gift! And for those who are looking for holiday gifts, head to the Noel Bazaar at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay.

It’s really beginning to look a lot like Christmas with the opening of the long-running annual Christmas shopping extravaganza. On its 19th year, the Noel Bazaar at WTC started this weekend and runs till Nov. 24.

To delight shoppers are the bazaar’s roster of merchandise that range from clothing, skincare and cosmetics, toys and novelty items, as well as packed and ready-to-eat food items.

True to its tradition, Noel Bazaar also features an exciting lineup of special events in partnership with GMA Network. Attending the ribbon-cutting last Nov. 15 were GMA Kapuso stars Benjamin Alves, Patricia Tumulak, Camille Prats and Iya Villania, along with GMA Kapuso Foundation ambassador Mel Tiangco. I joined Cut Unlimited Inc. president Mayose Gozon-Bautista at the ceremony with other guests.

The Noel Bazaar series is for the benefit of several beneficiaries including the GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inquirer Foundation Corp., Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation, Gifts and Graces Foundation and the Noel P. Gozon Memorial Clinic.

Celebrate the Christmas season at Noel Bazaar also on Nov. 27 to Dec. 1 at the Filinvest Tent Alabang, and Dec 19-22 at the SMX Convention Center.

Ben Chan and Italy

Straight from the Noel Bazaar opening, I headed to the residence of Italian Ambassador Giorgio Guglielmino for the special appointment of Ben Chan.

I didn’t have time to change from my Mrs. Claus costume, so I greeted the guests with some happy holiday cheer.

Ben, as Philippine distributor of high-quality Italian furniture brands and designs such as Cappellini and Foscarini, has developed a solid relationship with Italy for several years. He has significantly contributed in raising Italy’s visibility by promoting its excellence to the Filipino market.

Through his Dimensione showrooms, Italian products have become synonymous with beauty and elegance for thousands of Filipinos.

In consideration of such efforts, the president of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, has awarded the title, Cavaliere dell’ Ordine della Stella d’Italia, to Ben for his outstanding contribution in building relationships between Italy and the Philippines.

This is such an honor for a man who has truly made an important mark on the local and global fashion industry, as well.

Red Charity Gala (RCG) chair Kaye Tinga and I are always thankful for Ben’s generous support all these years. Together with Bench, the RCG 2019 is highlighted in Lifestyle Asia’s November 2019 issue.

We are proud of the 10 young ladies who were specially chosen for the November cover. They are Angia Laurel, Alexa Andanar, Erica Dee, Arabella Dabao, Jeline Vitangcol, Sofia Romualdez, Mica Lagman, Alayne Umali, Kylie Tinga and Amanda Zamora.

Lifestyle Asia Ball

Last month, Lifestyle Asia hosted its first Lifestyle Asia Ball in Bangkok.

Bringing this endeavor to life, the team partnered with One Siam, Iconsiam, and The Residences at Mandarin Oriental.

Lifestyle Asia sent out invitations to select personalities to come to an exclusive event in Bangkok and experience only the best from the country.

Starting from their departure at the airport, it was a premium service, as an RSVP Lifestyle Asia sign guided the guests to a VIP lane at the check-in counter and fast immigration processing for their convenience.

The luxurious and tailor-made treatment continued with customary welcome cocktails at Siam Paragon, followed by an opulent dinner at the famed Waldorf Astoria Bangkok.

Fifteen Mercedes-Benzes were deployed as chauffeured service to the dinner and were on standby to escort guests back to the hotel after the evening’s revelries.

Lifestyle Asia editor in chief Dong Ronquillo welcomed the guests and thanked partners in Thailand for this wonderful, unique experience.

Magnolia Quality Development Corp. Ltd. vice president Sangrawee Kositphaisan and assistant managing director of Siam Piwat Company Sarutorn Asaves extended their gratitude for the opportunity to share their stories, especially in introducing The Residences at Mandarin Oriental.

Over dinner, Thai singers Panadda Ruangwut and Mutmee Pimdao serenaded guests with their soothing voices. Mutmee performed opera, while Panadda uplifted the energy in the room with her lively songs.

Fab Gala

Speaking of balls, Rupert Jacinto’s The Fab Gala was a resounding success. The hotel’s cluster director of marketing Mitch Garcia welcomed guests in their “haute couture black, white and gold” gowns at the grand ballroom of Marriott Manila.

The beautifully decorated ballroom done by Robert Blancaflor provided the joyous mood, as the “Faaabulous” ladies and men strutted down the runway.

Now on its 10th year, the gala was even more spectacular with the exhibit which was held at the ground-floor lobby. The event was earmarked for the advocacy of the Advertising Foundation of the Philippines and for the Ako Ang Saklay drug rehabilitation center under Fr. Arnold Abelardo.

Special highlights of the evening: the new theme song “Faaabvlous,” music by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, arrangement by Danny Favis, lyrics by Rupert Jacinto and sung by Brendon Banares; the presentation of the Faaabvlous Heart awardees, the Faaabvlous of Spirit, the Faaabvlous Women, the Forever Faaabvlous Women, the Faaabvlous Edge and the Men of Faaabvlous.

The exhibit runs until Nov. 25.