Rustan’s successfully launched Corazon de España in cooperation with the Spanish Embassy, Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, known as La Camara, Metrobank Card, Stores Specialists Inc. and Rustan’s Supermarkets, naturalmente.

 

For the entire September, the focus will be the vibrant lifestyle of Spain as reflected in Rustan’s collections that showcase the fashion, workmanship and superb flavors of passionate España, no less.

 

During the grand opening last Tuesday, trés visable were Ambassador Jorge Domecq and señora Rosa Domecq; Sen. Edgardo J. Angara, Metrobank Card Corp. president Riko Abdurrahman, Rustan’s Commercial Corp. president Zenaida Tantoco, Rustan’s Supercenters Inc. president Donnie Tantoco, and Rustan’s executive vice president Anton Huang. The last noted “the centuries of meaningful relationship between Spain and the Philippines.”

 

Nedy Tantoco agreed.

 

“Spanish influences abound in our arts and culture and in our way of life, including my attempt to speak Spanish tonight,” she said to the applause and laughter of the crowd. “Let us cherish this special bond that ties us closer to home, for truly, we can say, that in fact, Corazon de España also lives in the heart of Filipinos.

 

“I’d like to also thank and announce that La Camara has provided the Spanish chef for Rustan’s cooking demonstrations, while Instituto Cervantes will be giving free Spanish classes and Spanish books during the monthlong celebration.”

 

She mentioned two special personalities—the export manager of Consorcio de Jabugo Capa Negra, señor Oscar Lerena, and the maestra cortadora or master slicer of the to-die-for Jamon Jabugo, la señora Francisca “Paquita” Torralbo, who had jetted in directly from Spain to be part of this awesome festivities.

 

Señora Torralbo’s fine hand-slicing demo is part of Rustan’s “Taste of Spain,” weekends of the finest and fondest assortment of Spanish cheeses, wines and cold cuts from deli greats Jamon Iberico Bellota, Gracia Baquero, and yes, Consortio de Jabugo, dahlings.

 

We couldn’t get enough of the other attractions, especially “La Vida Lladro,” a special exhibition of centuries-old crafted porcelain figurines and home décor displayed in their finest gleam.

 

For women, there’s “Belleza España,” an exhibition on Spain’s gorgeous fans and most desirable delicate veils, with lace from traditional Spanish craft label Volart, which has been worn by no less than Queen Sofia.

 

The spotlight will be on the loveliest Castilian couture and accessories from fashion labels Perlas Majorica and Hoss. Also on exhibit are Mantones de Manila.

 

Spain’s refined rugged aesthetic for men is on exhibit, too, courtesy of Pedro del Hierro, Massimo Dutti, Springfield and Zara. For children’s fashion, there’s ready-to-wear Neck & Neck, Spain’s most popular kid’s wear brand.

 

Spanish fragrances featured are Hierbas de Ibiza, Gotas de Oro Classica, Gotitas, Famosin Calber and Para mi Bebe.

 

It was an awesome night of fiery flamenco dancing, with an exhibition of bullfighters’ capes. There were also yummy-yummy heavy bar chow of Spanish delights and endless servings of slices of the divine Jabugo ham, all downed with the best Spanish wines and bubbly, of course.

 

“Metrobank Card holders are entitled to special privileges during the Spanish festival, including a limited-edition Corazon de España canvas bag for a minimum single-receipt purchase of P5,000 of Rustan’s Spanish merchandise,” Nedy Tantoco told the crowd.

 

Corazon de España Spanish Festival 2012 runs until Sept. 30 at Rustan’s Ayala Center Makati (tel. 8133739); Shangri-La Plaza (6334650); Alabang Town Center (8505561); Gateway Mall, Araneta Center (9112401); and Ayala Center Cebu (031-2315641.)

 

Cecil Go’s paintings

 

Cecil Go, the Argentine tango master and coach, drew a crowd of admirers to “Elementos Tropicales,” his first one-man exhibit of art collectibles at the Ayala Museum’s Artist Space, dahlings.

 

Go unveiled a series of contemporary paintings and enhanced the ambience with his handcrafted furniture of polished narra and kamagong wood. He also arranged the ferns and greens into imaginative designs, dahlings.

 

Ava Go, Cecil’s eye-catching daughter, jetted in from Davao to man the successful exhibit on the second floor walkway of Greenbelt 5 and 4, palanggas. Passers-by stopped and stared and were lured to view the rest of the hangings inside. The day before, Angie Lacson of Arthaland Development chatted with Mariles Gustilo, museum head, and later bought the painting “Yellow Landscape Twins.”

 

Interior designer Rene Orosa  was so impressed that he said, “I am commissioning Cecil to design and paint for a huge project.”

 

Premium red and white wine were served during the opening. Passed around were cheese varieties, grapes, and canapés of pâté, veggies and bruschetta.

 

Lorna Laurel with daughter Sally chatted with Tetchie Ysmael Bilbao of Adora. Tetchie is Cecil’s No. 1 fan and dedicated tango student

 

Cecil took 12 years of lessons from the tango master himself,  Rudy Herrera. Take a bow, Cecil!

 

Nuvo to serve lunch

 

Nuvo is back and it has been making waves with its repackaging, dahlings. Starting Sept. 16, it will be serving lunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner is at 6:30-10:30 p.m.

 

Call GM Trecks Garcia at Nuvo, Greenbelt 2, Makati: 0906-5065801, 0999-3530598, 7573898-99.