The next chapter

MANILA, Philippines - Much of my high school life remains shrouded in mist and mystery, but I do remember our graduating song that was sung with such intense poignancy was Madonna’s I’ll Remember (theme from With Honors, something I unfortunately did not matriculate with). Imagine a bunch of gawky teenagers, standing proudly, awkwardly on a stage of the Shangri-La Ballroom, singing to our parents: And I’ll remember the strength that you gave me / Now that I’m standing on my own / And I’ll remember the way that you changed me / I’ll remember. Oh, how the tears flowed.

Twelve years later, that’s about all I remember. But for the graduates of today, let this be the milestone that you jump off from with breathless anticipation — you have the whole future ahead of you, that’s right, another four years of cramming and slacking off, or if you’re graduating from college, another four years until you figure out what you really want to do with your life. Fashion-wise, it’s a no-brainer with Rustan’s Department Store’s latest collections. Jessica McClintock gives young women classic party frocks while Fred Sun brings in a fresh style. Cocktail dresses from Nicole Miller, Max & Cleo and A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz takes the student from hats-off to sun-up in sophisticated little numbers. For the dudes, a dapper ensemble awaits with pieces from Faconnable, Ted Baker shoes and Rustan’s exclusive brands Black Label Homme and Oleg Cassini.

Gift ideas abound: elegant timepieces from Ernst Benz, Mont Blanc pens, Lalique’s fun cocktail rings and of course, something from Tiffany & Co. (Parents, your kids have gotten this far — go ahead and splurge on something memorable). Cheers to the new graduates!         —ANC