11-11-11: A day of firsts at the Swatch Wristmas party

Is there really a special meaning behind this unique date –11-11-11?

Based on the calendar, no significant or unusual phenomenon occurs simply because of a date that has the same numbers in sequence. Except for the mathematical uniqueness of the date, there is no historical meaning to this unique day until Virgie Ramos, Swatch Philippines president, decided to throw a party. The host with the mostest never fails to disappoint. Her bubbly personality, attention to detail and generosity echoes in everything she sets her mind to. Picture an empty room transformed into a happening club in a flash! That’s what turned up.

Now, 11-11-11 Is A Significant Date In History Thanks To Swatch

If you’ve seen one of those reality TV shows like Marcel’s Quantum Kitchen or Dinner Impossible where extraordinary skill and delicious results are delivered to an event despite tremendous obstacles, the “Swatch Wristmas Party” could definitely be one of their episodes. The venue completely morphed into a club so that it didn’t matter where or what it really was to begin with. The club scene rocked. A remarkable menu with Tita Virgie Ramos’ signature Swiss-inspired beef fondue made everyone not only go for seconds but thirds and fourths and so on. Drinks, too, came pouring until the wee hours of the morning. Swatch definitely knows how to throw a party.

First seen and heard on 11-11-11: Swatch newbie hris Tiu on the piano and forever Swatch girl Anne Curtis performing Silent Night.

11-11-11 Is A Day Of Firsts

All eight were present. That is a rarity and marked 11-11-11 as an early Christmas celebration! Guests were treated to an early Christmas present. All eight Swatch endorsers graced the special event. Anne Curtis, Derek Ramsay, Matteo Guidicelli, Christian Bautista, John Lloyd Cruz, Luis Manzano, Billy Crawford and the newest addition to the family, Chris Tiu — all under one roof! It’s the first time all were together in one event. The party kicked off with everyone goofing around the huge Christmas tree for a group first portrait.

There Is Always A First Time For Everything

As a newbie to the Swatch family, Chris Tiu had to go through an initiation of sorts. It was his first public performance playing the piano, one of his hobbies. Lucky him, the attention was split as Anne Curtis sang Silent Night while he played.

11-11-11 Is A Day For Wristmas Wishlists

If you ask me, the Swatch Touch 2011 is on my Wristmas wishlist! Billy and Luis introduced the trend-setting Swatch Touch 2011 that night. This colorful collection of timekeepers with big-screen LCD dials and a touch-sensitive zone in place of push buttons brings streetwise fashion to the wrist. References from urban rhythms and electric sounds, boarders on the snow and surf and riders taking life to extremes make it hip yet functional. The pulse of the digital age reverberates as the seconds in biggest numerals are animated like the seconds hand on an analogue watch. The constant changing makes the watch feel alive and gives it a special rhythm. In fact, it is the “heart” of the watch — it’s Swatch on the move. The touch-screen provides access to six digital functions: time zones (two zones, t1 and t2), date, chrono, alarm, timer and beep. Users sweep through functions with ease using finger-taps and sideway scrolls. There is also a built-in backlight to assure readability under all conditions. This ergonomic Swiss-made quality watch is easy to wear and fashion forward at the same time.

Swatch Philippines’ president Virgie Ramos thanks everyone for being there and kicks off the Swatch Wristmas.

As an added bonus the Swatch stars led by Billy Crawford danced the “Snap,” Swatch’s particular dance for the Touch 2011.

11-11-11 – Swatch’s First Awards Night

The fun continued as each star received a special award from the Swatch Philippines team. The “Swatch Rookie of the Year” went to none other than the newest addition to the family, Chris Tiu. He also excels in sports, business and other advocacies. Then the “ANNEbelievable” award went to Anne Curtis for her success in all her endeavors from her album to movies, endorsements and countless magazine covers. It’s truly an unbelievable year for her. Matteo Guidicelli, who started as a racer, has shifted gears to acting and singing. For his driven attitude, it was on point to give him the “Driven” award. While Christian Bautista who has conquered Asia and now also an acclaimed dancer in his own right got the “Higher and Higher” award as things seem to go nowhere but up for him. “Luis Got Talent,” obviously went to Luis Manzano who’s got it all – from his killer dance moves to his killer smile. Then, John Lloyd Cruz who is like no other and whose Christmas wish is to have time for himself, got the “Solo Act” award. Swatch’s soldier, Derek Ramsay, who has back-to-back movie hits, got the “HITman” award. Then, Billy Crawford who definitely knows his Swatch got the “Back in Time” award.

Two’s A Charm

Each star received a special Swatch Award: Luis Manzano, Chris Tiu, Anne Curtis, Derek Ramsay, Matteo Guidicelli, Swatch Philippines’ creative director Rowell Santiago, Billy Crawford, Christian Bautista and John Lloyd Cruz

The last but not the least went to Direk Rowell Santiago who has been with the Swatch family for decades (Sorry. I did not mean to reveal his age!). He knows the brand, and the people who run it inside-out. There was more reason to party as the recipient of the “Directorial Deadma” award also celebrated his birthday that night.

Family First

Virgie Ramos capped the program with a toast to celebrate the Swatch family as it grows bigger and stronger.

Once in the Swatch family, always in the Swatch family. Virgie Ramos knows her stuff. She has an eye for talent. She knows how to pick them. And, her Swatch team and talents love her to bits.

How best to celebrate this special family but with an unforgettable 11-11-11 party. Christmas came early this year. It came last 11-11-11 at the Swatch Wristmas Party.

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