Top international retail brands West Elm and PBteen have made their entrance to the Philippine market through the Estancia at Capitol Commons.
Anthony Huang, president of SSI Group Inc., graciously greeted guests at the opening.
Following the success of Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids in Central Square last year, Huang was encouraged to open new branches in the bustling mall and introduce the two new brands, West Elm and PBteen.
“We’re the only country in Southeast Asia that carries these two brands,” he said.
“We are pleased to partner with SSI Group in introducing the Philippines to our portfolio of brands at a time when there is consumer interest and demand in Southeast Asia,” said Arthur Tropp, senior vice president for Williams-Sonoma Inc.’s Real Estate.
“We have longstanding relationships with many local Filipino artisans, so this was a natural extension for West Elm,” said Kerri Ackermann, global merchandise director of West Elm. “We are proud to continue our support of their work and bring their unique handcrafted products to West Elm Philippines.”
PBteen is the premiere address for teen home furnishings. From preppy to eclectic, the PBteen store offers a fantastic variety of pieces that will add value and style to every teen’s bedroom. It features the Kelly Slater collection, which uses recycled materials like pure organic cotton in line with the surf champ’s commitment to global preservation.
Chroma hospitality
FilArchipelago, the partnership between Filinvest and Archipelago International, was rebranded and officially launched as Chroma Hospitality (CH) at the Crimson Hotel Grand Ballroom.
Leading the inaugural were Josephine Gotianun-Yap, chair and cofounder of CH; Charles Brookfield, president and CEO of CH; Francis Gotianun, assistant vice president of Filinvest Hospitality; James Montenegro, country manager of CH; and Carmela Bocanegra, VP for sales and marketing of CH.
Issa Litton talked about the CH brands such as Crimson Hotel and Resorts, Quest Hotel, Azure Beach Club and Canvas Hotel & Resort. Yap and Brookfield welcomed the guests.
Former President Fidel V. Ramos gave a short speech that detailed the “philosophy of Filipino hospitality and that Filinvest has been dedicated to since it since the start.”
The cocktails and the dinner buffet that followed were prepared by Crimson Hotel Alabang’s chef Alessio Loddo.
While everyone was socializing, DJ Allen Fernandez provided music.
“So help us take Filipino hospitality to the world!” proclaimed Yap. Without a doubt, the first step was taken that night, palangga.
Charity bazaar
Founded in 1921, the Catholic Women’s Club (CWC) has been in existence for 94 years. It contributes to some 65 charities in the country, foremost of which is the Elsie Gaches Village for the elderly.
Last July, CWC donated 20 houses to Gawad Kalinga in Palo, Leyte.
To sustain its contributions to many charity institutions and to help the poorest of the poor, CWC is organizing the Casa y Jardin Bazaar on Oct. 24-25 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati.
The bazaar’s venue was provided through the golden heart of Bea Zobel de Ayala, a CWC member.
This bazaar is timely as it opens the Christmas season with the selling of the limited-edition coffee-table book “The Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines,” the official book of the Papal Visit 2015 Central Committee.
Chairs of the 2015 Casa y Jardin are Estela J. Lopez and Tessie Amparo.
CWC is at G/F, Parish Center, Santuario de San Antonio, McKinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati. Call Violy, 0917-5165757, 0915-1446839; fax 8432869.
