Who would think an upscale mall would open in Binondo? But faster than you could say “where?”—Lucky Chinatown opened in the bustling Chinatown district.
The latest real estate venture of Andrew Tan of Megaworld (naturellement) had President “Noynoy” Aquino III as the mega guest of honor, no less, during the inauguration.
In his welcome remarks, Tan noted that Binondo has “a long history and rich cultural heritage.”
“Lucky Chinatown aims to inject new excitement into the area, while still staying true to [Binondo’s] Chinese-Filipino roots,” he added.
President Aquino lauded Megaworld’s efforts in keeping Binondo’s heritage alive in Lucky Chinatown. He also noted the numerous job opportunities that the mall brings to the area.
The President then joined Tan in the traditional dotting of the dragon’s eyes, as a blizzard of confetti officially kicked off the grand celebration, palanggas.
A shadow play was performed by El Gamma Penumbra, followed by a short fashion show highlighting several of the lifestyle brands found in Lucky Chinatown.
The launch was only the icing on the cake. Lucky Chinatown promises to bring better fortunes to Binondo.
Lucky Chinatown is at Reina Regente and De la Reina Streets, Binondo, Manila.
Plains & Prints’ new face
Plains & Prints’ newest style face was a former stylist to the stars who used to work behind the scenes. Now she’s the focus of the spotlight. Yes, dahlings, trés chic Liz Uy has come a long way.
In a grand happening exclusively for Plains & Prints franchisees and partners across the brand’s Glorietta 1 branch, Liz Uy was presented to our town’s fashion set, followed by a preview of its latest collections, naturellement.
Modeling the new collection were Liz’s equally fabulous sister, fashion blogger Laureen Uy; designers Rajo Laurel and Randy Ortiz; gorgeous Kelly Misa; über-chic model-host Marilen Montenegro, hot young interior designer Nix Alañon and rock star Rico Blanco, among others.
The latest collections are inspired by exotic Morocco and the African Safari. Liz Uy looked smashing in a dress from Plains & Prints’ Modern Africa collection, dahlings.
This event featured a wow private shopping session with Liz Uy, who shared her fashion expertise with the shoppers, natch!
With her genuine warmth and style prowess, Liz Uy has proved a worthy fashion collaborator with Plains & Prints.
New Rotary officers
Reuben Valerio and the officers and directors of the Rotary Club of Makati were inducted into office by Rotary International District 3830 Governor Sue Sta. Maria at the Rigodon Ballroom of Peninsula Manila, dahlings.
Valerio is CEO and chair of the board of AC Corp., a nationwide distributor of equipment for the petroleum and gas industry and, since 2000, an IT integrator.
Other inductees were Rodrigo Segura, VP and director, service projects-international; Reginald “Reggie” Alberto B. Nolido, secretary; Conrado “Jun Jun” M. Dayrit III, treasurer and director, club administration; Rene M. Limjoco, director, Rotary Foundation; Michael “Mike” L. Escaler, director, service projects-community; Senen “Bing” L. Matoto, director, service projects-educational; Carlo Miguel Rufino, director, service projects-vocational; Philip Alexander G. Soliven, director, membership; Miguel “Mike” B. Varela, director, membership; Eddie Yap, director, public relations; and Ric G. Librea, comptroller.
Others inducted: Rafael “Paing” G. Hechanova, Isidro “Sid” G. Garcia, Robert F. Kuan, past president Juan N.R. Peña and Federico S. Borromeo Jr., board advisers.
The Bayanihan Dance Company performed during the induction, mesmerizing the invitees, particularly the Rotarian guests from Australia, Japan, Macau and Malaysia, natch.
Rotary Anns did a fashion show of Philippine regional outfits.
The affair ended with an early-morning breakfast, a cherished RC Makati tradition, hosted by the newly installed president. Helping the host were Rotarian Casey Young and Bianca Valerio, daughter of the new club president.