'Learning by doing'

The world’s largest cosmetics company, L’Oréal, launched its 2009 Business Games season, featuring games that encourage young people to realize their potential, develop their professional skills and discover career opportunities. The 2009 Business Games series has a double objective: a proactive solution for L’Oréal to meet the best young talent from around the world and a chance for international students to gain a highly stimulating and multicultural experience with the world’s leader in cosmetics.

 The games inject the company’s innovative approach to reinforcing its strong business model, excellent employment opportunities and global standards as a good corporate citizen to attract students from various disciplines focusing on engineering and supply chain, business management, marketing and research.

Currently, L’Oréal Philippines has launched only two out of the four business games. This year, L’Oréal EStrat in the Philippines will be at its ninth year and a first for the Philippines to join L’Oréal Brandstorm.

L’Oréal Philippines GM for human resources Tina Ampil says: “The business games of L’Oréal continuously aim to provide a professional experience through ‘learning by doing.’ With the long history of EStrat and the recent addition of Brandstorm in the Philippines, these games have increasingly been tapping into potential talents’ ability to discover and appreciate the beauty industry from the inside.”

As with every year, each business game will challenge students to provide innovative solutions that create value for the cosmetics industry, from new product development and international marketing challenges to sustainable and efficient production. Fifty-one teams from Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines registered, 34 teams passed the pre-screening round, 17 teams were in the university finals and six teams are in the national finals. Trips and cash prizes await the winners.

Scent-sational

The Gallerie area at the second floor of Rustan’s Makati was packed for the grand launch of Estee Lauder’s limited edition Solid Perfumes collection. Fifty enchanting and elaborate pieces containing the solid perfumes of Esteee Lauder were exclusively flown in for the country for the occasion.

Introducing the evening’s purpose was Rustan’s creative director Inno Sotto joined by Estee Lauder’s marketing manager Crystabelle Lee. Together with the music of the Philippine Opera Company, each fragrance was introduced starting with Beautiful that has a scent likened to a bouquet of 2,000 fresh flowers; the timeless Pure White Linen with its cool, clean and crisp scent; and Pleasures, which carried the fragrance reminiscent of flower scents after the rain. The evening was also an ode to a cause supported by Estee Lauder — breast cancer awareness. With their partner Bosom Buddies, the event became an opportunity for some to offer their pledges for a worthy cause including Stores Specialists Inc. and Rustan Commercial Corp. president Zenaida Tantoco.

All of Estee Lauder’s loyal clientele enjoyed a gift box together with Fro Olive wine and sparkling wine by Rene Barbier.

Estee Lauder is available at all Rustan’s Department Stores.

‘People Power’

Event chroniclers recently zoomed in on the recent “People of the Year 2008 Awards Night” staged at the majestic Luzon Mindanao Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City.

They all agreed that the posh venue complemented this red-letter event of the magazine that talks about people who make a difference.

The ballroom was glowing with class and elegance — from the opulent chandeliers, the specially-designed stage area and well-lit backdrop, the formal table settings down to the efficient and courteous staff. Even the tabletops were topped by mirrors that reflected the opulent silver and the glow from candlelight.

Guests likewise feasted on a sumptuous a la carte dinner of Prawns-Avocado Timbale, Cream of Potatoes with Chorizo Ravioli and Walnut Cheese, Lemon Celery Sorbet, Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce and a scrumptious dessert of Dome of Maracaibo Chocolate with Strawberry Vanilla Ice Cream and Champagne Sabayon.

Hosted by Johnny Litton and the effervescent Champagne Morales, the program was crisp and flowing.

Sponsors included HSBC, Volvo, Thai Airways, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Dockers San Francisco, the Aboitiz Group of Companies, International Container Services Inc., Eurocopter Phils., Margarita King, Titania Wines, Havaianas and The Philippine STAR.

Here’s to more years of People Asia!

An act of kindness

During the Christmas season, Fossil initiated its first ever Corporate Social Responsibility program by tying up with GMA’s Kapuso Foundation and Childhouse at the Timezone in Glorietta 4. Celebrity actress and singer Karylle led the fun-filled day with an entertaining program and interactive games, involving not only the children but the volunteers as well. Fossil was able to give back by taking an active role in supporting non- profit organizations that seek to support the underprivileged children. Fossil and L Timestudio’s marketing manager Lorenz Manalang said: “Karylle is the heart and soul of this annual worthwhile project.”

At the end of the day, Fossil donated a P100,000 check to the GMA Kapuso Foundation. The money will be used for the chemotherapy sessions of the cancer-stricken children under the foundation’s care. This act definitely supports one of the core beliefs of the Fossil brand, which is giving back to the community.

(Fossil boutiques are located at Glorietta 4 Ayala Center, SM Mall of Asia, Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall Alabang, SM North Edsa, SM Pampanga, Ayala Center Cebu and opening soon at SM Megamall.)