It’s time to indulge in the finest things in life at the Shang

MANILA, Philippines - Tomorrow, Mother’s Day, give the object of your love — your Mom, of course! — her object of desire.  Speaking of objects of desire, fine luxury watches and jewelry probably top many a mom’s list. They’re sure to put an enviable glow in mommies’ eyes. A lot of these to-die-for luxury brands are housed under the elegant and contemporary Shangri-La  Plaza.

And for moms and its valued mall guests, Shangri-La Plaza makes summer a million times more exciting with its mall-wide raffle promo running from May 1 to July 2. “A Million x 3 Shang Shopping Fantasy” raffle promo gives shoppers a chance to be a millionaire for a day by winning P1-million worth of shopping spree prize to be used for purchases in any shop at Shangri-La Plaza. There will be three separate draws with a raffle prize of P1M worth of shopping spree per draw (therefore, three lucky shoppers will have the time of their lives blowing a cool million pesos on purchases at the Shang).  The winner of each draw will be allotted one day within mall hours (I’m sure shopaholics can do it in a few hours with time to spare) to spend the shopping spree prize, which must be fully consumed before the mall closes. Surely, this is every shopaholic’s dream come true!

BAUME & MERCIER: WATCHMAKING EXCELLENCE

Brothers Louis-Victor and Celestin Baume literally had a lot of time on their hands when they founded Baume & Mercier (then called “Frères Baume”) in 1830 and opened a watch dealership in Les Bois, a village in the Swiss Jura. The brothers expanded the business with a branch in London in 1921 under the name Baume Brothers. By the late 19th century, the company had earned an international reputation, and its timepieces had set accuracy records and won a number of timekeeping competitions.

In 1918, company director William Baume partnered with Paul Mercier to found Baume & Mercier in Geneva. The firm specialized in wristwatches, particularly unconventionally shaped models (not the traditional round form). In 1919, Baume & Mercier was awarded the Geneva Seal, the highest international distinction of the time for watchmaking excellence.

Available at Level 1, East Wing.

CARTIER: THE JEWELLER OF KINGS

King Edward VII of England calls Cartier “the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers.” And rightly so.

Founded in Paris, France in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier, Cartier is famous all over the world for its ultra fine jewelry and wristwatches. Picture the exquisite Panthere brooch created for Wallis Simpson, King Edward VIII’s ladylove for whom he abdicated his throne. Or the diamond necklace created for Bhupinder Singh the Maharaja of Patiala.

Another immortal Cartier design is the Tank, inspired by the tanks on the western front. The Tank has defied time and now has over 30 varieties.

Available at Level 2, Main Wing.

I.W.C.: SOLID SWISS CRAFTSMANSHIP

International Watch Co. (a.k.a. IWC), is a high-end Swiss watch manufacturer located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. IWC is an active member of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH.

It’s interesting to note that IWC Schaffhausen is the only major Swiss watch factory located in eastern Switzerland; the majority of the well-known Swiss watch manufacturers are located in (the German-speaking) western Switzerland.

Through time, IWC has remained true to its official motto Probus Scafusia (L.): “good, solid craftsmanship from Schaffhausen.”

Available at Level 1, East Wing.

DIAMANTAIRE: A GEM OF A CRAFTSMAN

A “diamantaire” refers to a diamond manufacturer (or producer) of gem quality, a master diamond cutter, or a gemologist. A diamantaire is a highly skilled craftsman, who has considerable expertise in different types of gemstones. So expect only the finest works of art at Diamantaire at Level 2 of the Main Wing — we were stunned (or was it stoned?) at the sight of a violet calla lily brooch with pink sapphire in 18K yellow, white, and rose gold.

JEWELMER JOAILLERIE: A VISION OF BEAUTY AND HUMANITY

Jewelmer Joaillerie is the vision of two forward-thinking men: Jacques Branellec and Manuel Cojuangco, who were inspired by the beauty of the rare South Sea Pearl, a symbol of perfect harmony between man and nature.

They shared a dream to create an original, respectful, and fully integrated luxury brand with a strong sense of humanity.

The most dazzling South Sea pearls come to life at Jewelmer’s state-of-the-art farm in southern Palawan — Philippines’ last frontier, an ecologist’s dream environment that has remained so pristine, it has allowed pearls to grow in peace and perfection.

Available at Level 3, Main Wing.

PANERAI: SO UNIQUE, SO ITALIAN

Now, this is one watch to dive for. With its deep-rooted links with the sea world, the Panerai heritage imbues each watch with a sporting character that is unique and authentic.

Panerai traces its beginnings to the Renaissance era (think Michelangelo) in 1860 in Florence. Such rich history and creativity are reflected in the Officine Panerai watches, reinterpreted over time with passion, technical excellence, and exclusive design.

Available at Level 1, East Wing.

LUCERNE: TIMELESS TRADITION

Lucerne boasts a fine tradition of watchmaking that spans three decades and three generations. Today, it continues to be the premier purveyor of luxury timepieces in the Philippines. For Lucerne, a fine watch is an object of art, an heirloom to be treasured, and a tradition to be cherished.

From a single store in 1982, Lucerne now looks after 12 brands with their exclusive boutiques.

Lucerne continues to propagate the culture of luxury watch appreciation, which can be passed on from generation to generation. Such as a Patek Philippe (Nautilus in 18K rose gold with diamonds on the bezel). As its saying goes, “You never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation.”

Available at Level 2, Main Wing.

OMEGA: OFFICIAL OLYMPIC TIMEKEEPER

Dating back to 1848, Omega has established a fine reputation as one of the world’s leading watch manufacturers. For over 160 years now, the brand has been synonymous with excellence, innovation, and precision. Faithful to its original pioneering spirit, Omega continues to make history with innovations in areas as diverse as sports timing, precision technology, and design — leading to the conquest of ocean depths and space, and to the development of its groundbreaking Co-Axial watch movements.

Supporting the ideal of perfection and precision, Omega has been the official timekeeper of 25 Olympic Games, extending its agreement with the International Olympic Committee through 2020.

Available at Level 1, East Wing.

RADO: HALF A MILLION WATCHES A YEAR

Rado, a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer, with headquarters in Lengnau, Switzerland, pioneered in the use of scratchproof materials. Today, the company produces about half a million watches a year, sold in more than 150 countries, at over 5,900 points of sale. Among its leading markets are Southeast Asia, Japan, China, the Middle East as well as European countries (Switzerland, Germany, Italy), and the US.

Available at Mid-Level 2/3, East Wing.

T. FLORENCIO: JEWELRY THE WAY IT SHOULD BE

T. Florencio stands for Thomas “Tomy” M. Florencio, third-generation jeweler who has kept alive his grandparents’ treasured dictum: “When you work, do it perfectly.”

At an early age, Tomy acquired a taste for elite jewelry, never compromising on standards. He started his own company in 2006 with that unwavering brilliant vision.

T. Florencio’s shelves at Mid-Level 2/3 of the East Wing dazzle with stunning, fine handmade diamond jewelry designed by Tomy Florencio himself. After all, for Tomy, jewelry is the highest symbol of love.

WASHINGTON WATCHES: TIME IS GOLD

You don’t have to waste time looking far and wide for the best and most luxurious watch brands in the world. For a lot of these world-famous brands can be found under one sleek roof: Washington Watches Philippines, a most trusted source for brands such as Tag Heuer, Oris, and Hamilton. The go-to store for charming classic and quality timepieces, Washington Watches Philippines brings into the country a remarkable assortment of choices  — from classic to sporty, feminine to masculine, and trendy to timeless, there’s a watch designed for just about everyone.

At Washington Watches Philippines, a whole world of luxury awaits those who value their time. Because time is gold and a gold timepiece is forever.

Available at Level 1, Main Wing.

ROLEX: WATCH AND WEAR

The moving, visionary spirit behind Rolex is Hans Wilsdorf, who founded the company in London in 1905, at the age of 24. The young watchman dreamt of a watch worn on the wrist. At the time, wristwatches were not very precise, but Hans Wilsdorf dreamt of making one that was not only elegant but also dependable. Thus, to convince the public of the reliability of his innovative timepieces, he equipped them with small, very precise movements manufactured by a Swiss watchmaking company in Bienne.

Available at Level 1, East Wing.