Call of the wild

Charriol, one of the biggest names in luxury jewelry and timepieces, launched its award-winning new addition to its roster of watches: the Kucha. This watch is distinguished by four all-metal or gem-set claws at the corners of the case, a primal and protective setting in an elegant rectangular shape.

Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and the Hotel Philippine Plaza transformed the hotel’s Sunset Pavilion into an urban jungle, complete with a tribal dance group and the presence of Charriol heir Alexandre Charriol as guest of honor. Guests enjoyed the free flowing drinks provided by Ralph’s Wines & Spirits.

Kucha watches and accessories were recently modeled in a fashion show. Kucha, which in Swahili means "claws," has a unique design concept that won Charriol the "Watch of the Year 2005" award in the ladies watch category. Coralie Charriol designed a limited-edition presentation box exclusive for the Diamond Kucha watches.

At the party, seven of the evening’s guests won a set of Kucha jewelry from Charriol through a raffle and were personally awarded by Alexandre.

Alexandre’s sister Coralie designed the Kucha jewelry with pendants or charms, forming impressive combinations that may be personalized by matching the silver horn with a dangling turquoise or tiger’s eye.

Charriol is exclusively distributed by SSI with shops located at Greenbelt 4, Power Plant Mall, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Tower, Rustan’s Harrison Plaza, Gateway Mall, SM Mall of Asia, 158 Designers’ Boulevard-Alabang Town Center and Rustan’s Ayala Cebu.

Bridging borders in Davao

Bank of the Philippine Islands in partnership with Northwest Airlines introduces the Philippines’ first airline co-brand chip credit card that offers a comprehensive mileage program with an easier mile-earning feature: the new BPI World Perks Express Credit Mastercard.

Themed Bridging Borders in Style, BPI created a unique launch that took its valued clients on a flight to the Haute Couture Capitals of the world while experiencing Northwest’s World Class Standards on customer service and in-flight facilities.

BPI gave Davao its first thematic launch by putting together a young dynamic team led by Marga Montemayor of Martish Marketing. The venue was Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao which was transformed into a mock International Airport.

Upon arrival, guests experienced first class amenities from walking the red carpet as they checked in at a terminal counter to enjoying cocktails in the Business Class Lounge (set up at one of the ballrooms) while they were serenaded by live entertainment. After cocktails, a boarding announcement invited guests to enter the next room – set up like an airplane – to get settled for the fashion show. Flight NW 888 took all guests to the Haute Couture Capitals of the world – Japan, New York and Paris. The show brought the fashion world to Davao’s doorsteps with the creations of Davao’s own Dodjie Batu. Completing the couture look was Davao’s new up and coming makeup artist (back from training in the MAC Institute Hong Kong) Otoy Mercado. Surely this launch has brought to Davao the stylish destinations of Northwest Airlines and its airline partners that are now easily within reach.

Flight NW 888 proved to be a unique travel experience for the Davaoeños as they experienced the world through the BPI-Worldperks Express Credit Mastercard.

1800 in Manila

The world’s first and best-selling super premium tequila – 1800 Tequila – was launched at the Hotel InterCon. DJ Boyet Almazan had his hands full playing music from the ‘80s before DJ Manolet Dario steered the night into a pulsating experience with his house music. Drinks were on the house with an open bar lasting until dawn.

1800 Tequila comes from the Jose Cuervo Family. It is made from 100 percent Blue Agave (Agave Azul Tequilana Webber) grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, whose high altitude and volcanic soil produce some of the finest Blue Agave. The ultimate portfolio of super-premium tequilas include 1800 Silver, 1800 Reposado and 1800 Anejo.

In town to witness the launch was Dennis Lim, senior commercial manager of Jose Cuervo International. Philip Opiasa, brand manager for 1800 Tequila, was there to welcome all the guests who didn’t shy away from the tequila!

The 1800 Tequila portfolio is exclusively distributed by Premier Wine & Spirits, Inc.

Early Christmas shopping

The Inner Wheel Club of Manila (IWCM) will be holding a Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 12 at the New World Renaissance Hotel in Makati. Tec Syjuco-Golangco, president of the IWCM, the oldest all-woman club in Asia, said the bazaar called The Best Gifts for Christmas promises to delight shoppers with a variety of gift items.

This fundraising activity will support IWCM’s various community charity and service oriented projects.

(For those interested in getting a stall for the bazaar,

please call the IWCM Secretariat at 524-9914 or 522-1864.)

Fresh!

L’Eau Bleue d’Issey Eau Franche is the fresh new scent from Issey Miyake which was launched at Paseo Uno in Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Luxasia’s GM Mia Cuenca and product manager Cindy De Las Alas treated guests to a visual feast of blue hydrangeas, ice sculpture renditions of the fragrance bottle and blue welcome drinks.

The afternoon was highlighted by a special recognition of three men who have found exceptional passion in conquering the waters namely award-winning wake boarder Arthur King, professional diver Alex Santos and surfer Paolo Manuel Soler. All three of them received a specially engraved bottle of L’Eau Bleue d’Issey Eau Franche.

Guests were treated to free-flowing cocktails created with Belvedere Vodka and delicious canapés by Paseo Uno. Spotted were Kinny Salas, Star columnists Philip Cu-Unjieng and Camille Villar, Marichelle Ligon, Mia Borromeo, Glenna Aquino, Cat Juan, Michael Hojbjerg, Rune Andresen, Alan Escano and Lord Ancheta.

L’Eau Bleue d’Issey Eau Franche is available in all leading department stores nationwide.

(E-mail me at peppertstar@yahoo.com)