The innovative Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp. (HSBC) hosted an intimate gathering of the city’s female movers and shakers and a sprinkle of media practitioners at the Presidential Suite of the Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort. The occasion offered a visual insight into the first international credit card exclusively for women, the Red MasterCard, prior its formal launch days later at the Ayala Activity Center.
It was conceptualized with the ultimate well-being of women in mind. Accepted in over 59,000 establishments nationwide and over 24 million worldwide, Red cardholders will enjoy a longer than usual interest free period, for as long as 51 days, as well as easy payment terms of as low as five percent a month. More importantly, it has an emergency cash advance feature that allows the ladies to withdraw substantial amounts of up to 30 percent of their credit limit over the counter or through HSBC and ATMs here and abroad.
Because women are constantly on the lookout for best value for money, Red MasterCard tied up with specialty stores, such as Marks and Spencer, Colour Eighteen, Dexter, Salvatore Ferragamo and Bass, for a 10 percent discount on all items.
Likewise, women can avail of additional discounts for room rates and beauty treatments at the island’s plush resorts, including the Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort, Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Alegre Beach Resort, Marriott Hotel, X Salon and Expose Salon. For exercise enthusiasts, discounts on membership fees at fitness centers, such as Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort health club and Marriott Gym and Fitness Advantage, are readily available.
HSBC has tapped three of Cebu’s accomplished and influential women with style and strength for this particular campaign. They are: Bettina Larrazabal Veloso, happily married with three children and current chief financial officer of Cebu Doctors Hospital; Bunny Ludo, single, chef-owner of Oh Georg restaurant, a favorite of young adults and mature clientele; and multi-award triathlete and human resources practitioner Amale Mendezona Jopson.
"We are pleased to present the women of Cebu a financial solution that suits their lifestyle and distinct need – HCBC’s Red MasterCard. As the world’s local bank, we are delighted to offer Cebuanas a credit card that they can call their own," says HSBC chief executive officer Warner Manning.
Cory Quirino, popular feel-good TV host, much sought after inspirational speaker and bestseller writer on fitness programs, was special guest at the event. She candidly spoke on the important S’s in a woman’s life – strength, style and serenity. She also dished out tips on wellness and how to achieve inner strength and beauty inside out.
Augusto Go, a well-respected gentleman with various interests, ranging from universities to cinemas, real estate to hardware stores, to name a few, proudly welcomed guests as they made their way for a viewing of the soon-to-open mall.
Located within Cebu’s central business district, Elizabeth Mall, named in honor of his soul mate, his wife of over 30 years, is a three-storey fully air-conditioned establishment that will house appliance and home centers, computer and telecommunications shops, fashion boutiques, bars, restaurants and food chains, and health and beauty salons. In addition to the three state-of-the-art cinemas, shoppers can avail of special offers enjoying great value savings from Save More Supermarket and Star Appliance Center, an affiliate of the SM Group of Companies.
Elizabeth Mall, which was designed by the top-notch architectural firm of Espina, Perez Espina and Associates, will open its doors to the public in time for the Christmas holiday.
Cebu is getting to be a better place to live in more and more each day.