Success behind selling scents

It would be unfair to attribute the accomplishments of Joel Cruz, the president and chief executive officer of Central Affirmative Company, Inc. (CACI) and Signatures by Joel Cruz Inc., solely to Lady Luck. Whatever successes Joel enjoys now is the product of careful study, hard work, timing, and derring-do. With popular brands Aficionado Germany Perfume, Joel Cruz Signatures-Beyond Personal Care (scented personal care products) and Aficionado Your Fashion and Scents Store (apparel), CACI continues to dominate the local perfume market, thanks to its sprawling 2,000-square meter plant and warehouse located at the Sterling Industrial Park in Meycauayan, Bulacan which provide gainful employment to its workforce. With his innate enterprising skills, Joel—a Psychology graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, is destined for “retailing” greatness. With more than 400 stores across the country, Joel is eyeing the ASEAN region as his perfume brand’s next target market. Foreign ambassadors, heavyweights from the government, media and other industries are a constant presence in social events hosted by the flamboyant and endearing local scents icon. You really got it made, Joel!

An exemplary architect

Architect Felino “Jun” Palafox, Jr., founder and principal architect of local architectural firm Palafox Associates, was recently awarded as an Outstanding Professional by Superbrand Marketing International (SMI) for his exemplary work as an architect and urban planner during ceremonies held at the Mandarin Oriental, Manila.  SMI honors professionals and brands worldwide whose work and products contributed to their respective country’s nation-building efforts. To stay abreast of this year’s industry developments, Jun attends various lectures and events on global networking at home and in world fora. Congratulations, Jun!

Assumption ladies celebrate Diamond Jubilee

In line with the 2012 Assumption Convent Old Girls Day Homecoming in San Lorenzo, Makati, the Diamond Jubilarian Class of 1952 gathered to reminisce their golden days in the esteemed academic institution. The ladies shone brightly in their diamond-inspired outfits as they danced to a mix of classic and contemporary songs. It was a delight to see the jubilarians in their best form after all these years. Happy Diamond Jubilee to our dear Assumption ladies!

Christmas with Botti

After his successful June concert in Manila, American smooth jazz instrumentalist and Grammy winner Chris Botti returns to Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts on December 6 with a repertoire of holiday music, with American actress and jazz sensation Renee Olstead providing the vocals. Opening the show are Pinoy jazz legends Richard Merck and Jacqui Magno, and the Philippine Music Ensemble. “Christmas with Botti” is presented by Radio High 105.9 for the benefit of Children’s Hour. For ticket reservations and inquiries, call TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.