The only thing constant in my ever-evolving, over-the-top wardrobe is my Swatch watch. I constantly change my outfits, whether theme or style, but I always wear my Swatch. My extensive collection, thanks to Swatch grand dame Virgie Ramos, has several timepieces that match the colors of my outfits.
With the Miss Universe fever still soaring high, I have shelved my hats and switched to my crown accessories aside from wearing my Swatch daily. I wore my favorite style when I met 1993 Miss Universe Dayanara Torres at a recent dinner hosted by Dr. Vicki Belo at Manila House.
As the newest ambassador of Belo Beauty, Dayanara was welcomed at an intimate dinner at the private members’ club. It was delightful chatting with the still so lovely beauty queen who told us about how Miss Universe France was the top choice among the judges.
Swatch traveler collection
The metallic shades of gold must be the lucky color with the top three candidates all wearing the same color in different gown silhouettes. It is also one of the colors of the newest collection of Swatch that was recently launched at Glorietta Activity Center, where the Swatch store was cleverly transformed overnight into an airport!
The original plan was just to invite the public to look at the new Swatch Spring/Summer ’17 Traveler’s Dream collection in the store, but the early enthusiastic response to the collection was too much fun to pass.
The happy experience of travel was relived at the Swatch Airport, complete with checking in, claiming boarding passes, and getting to the departure gates on time. To recreate this excitement, the Swatch Team got guests to enjoy interactive games and some were lucky enough to get their hands on the latest Swatch Go to Gate watch.
The big crowd was made up mostly of millennials; and of course, since it was a Sunday, young families came in full force, too. They enjoyed the interactive and immersive experience that the activities and photo wall afforded them.
The Swatch Traveler’s Dream was a 360-selfie experience with flying paper airplanes. The Teleport Booth transported guests to three dream destinations: shopping in Paris; parachuting in the Grand Canyon; and having wine on a yacht in Amalfi Coast. Souvenir photos were also given to the guests.
The Emoji Catcher Game brought out the competitive spirit of everyone as they attempted to catch as many emojis as they could into the Swatch shopping bag. The names of the top scorers were projected on the LED screen.
The in-flight entertainment was provided with live singing by hottie Swatch brand ambassador Matteo Guidicelli; Anne Curtis shared photos and videos of her dream travels.
With the Chinese New Year celebration, not to be missed was the super big mega maxi Year of the Rooster Swatch, called Rocking Rooster, towering in the activity center.
Pablo Mini opens
A couple of days after the Swatch event, Suyen Corp. celebrated the grand opening of the world’s first franchise of Pablo Mini concept in Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City (BGC). It was a very special opening for Suyen Corp. as many graced the event.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Virgilio Lim, president of Suyen Corp.; Rowena Tomeldan, vice president of Ayala Land Inc.; Masamitsu Sakimoto, CEO and founder of Pablo; Bea Zobel; Ben Chan, CEO of Suyen Corp.; Kenji Terada, first secretary of the Embassy of Japan; and Masahiro Watsuji, managing director of Pablo.
This store opening is groundbreaking because this is the first franchise of Pablo mini concept store in the world. Before this opening, they were only in Japan.
Pablo minis are bite-sized, creamy cheese tarts wrapped with a crispy crust, and baked to golden brown perfection. They come in three flavors: cheese, chocolate and matcha. Definitely a must-try for cheese lovers and chocoholics alike.
Pablo Mini, is at Bonifacio High Street, BGC.
Landers Superstore expands
For shopaholics out there, Landers Superstore’s blissful shopping experience can now be enjoyed by more shoppers as the company is set to open more branches in the metro.
Through a recent agreement with Megaworld Corp., Landers Superstore, the country’s fastest-growing membership shopping establishment, is set to build two more superstores in ArcoVia City along C5 in Pasig, and Alabang West in Muntinlupa City.
The new stores are expected to elevate the convenience of township living for both ArcoVia City and Alabang West residents by giving them access to the distinct Landers Superstore membership shopping experience.
Leading the signing of the agreement were lawyer Lowell Yu, chair of Southeast Asia Retail Inc., the company behind Landers Superstore, and Kevin Tan, senior vice president of Megaworld Corp.
Joining them during the ceremonies were Joey Villafuerte, vice president for controllership of Megaworld Corp., Monica Salomon, president of Global Estate Resorts Inc., and Gwen Lourdes Lim, president of Southeast Asia Retail Inc.
Since it opened last year, Landers Superstore members have been shopping at branches in Otis, Paco, Manila and Edsa Balintawak. Each store offers relaxed shopping with spacious well-lit aisles and topnotch merchandise from all over the world.
Still on the topic of shopping, W/17, the beautiful home and lifestyle store of Andy Vazquez Prada and Kaye Tiñga recently invited friends to champagne and tea to celebrate the Year of the Rooster, together with Wedgwood China.
Together with Mila Guerra Lee of Wedgwood, they welcomed guests like Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo, Alice Eduardo, Small Laude and Irene Araneta to the exclusive event launching Wedgwood that is now available at W/17.
Top interior designers like Rene Orosa, Tania Fricke and Paolo del Rosario were seen enjoying the tea selections and menu by Cibo of Margarita Fores.
W/17, La Fuerza Compound, 2241 Chino Roces Ave. Makati; tel. 4781717
Birthday greetings to my mother-in-law Cynthia Valdes who celebrates her special day today!
