From Asia to Oslo

Thai Airways International (Thai) celebrated the inauguration of its new direct flights between Bangkok and Oslo at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. It is the first Asian carrier operating to Norway. Thai’s Oslo flight on the latest Airbus A340-500 offers three classes of service — Royal Silk Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class.

At the inauguration, the venue had a Norwegian flag on every cocktail table. With the assistance of newly appointed executive assistant manager and food and beverage director of Makati Shangri-La Sergio Mazza, Norwegian impressions were also present in the servings of canapés, smoked salmon and Norwegian halibut hot pot specially prepared for the occasion.

The night was hosted by Star columnist Tim Yap who introduced Thai Airways GM Nivat Chantarachoti to welcome guests mainly consisting of members of the diplomatic corps, media and travel agents. Chantarachoti remarked on the success of the airline company on its 49th year of operations and also thanked the Norwegian Embassy for its support for Thai’s latest destination.

The guests of honor for the night were Thai Ambassador Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhaya and Norwegian Ambassador Stale Torstein Risa. Singhara congratulated the airline for its new service and cited the long-standing relation between Norway and Thailand. Risa expressed his appreciation and excitement about the new service of Thai Airways for reinforcing the link between the Philippines and Norway.

The Thai Airways’ sales team led by district sales manager Malu Dueñas, assisted by sales executives Fannie Galang, Celia Atendido, Gary Hipe and Chris dela Riva ensured guests were treated with overflowing wine and champagne. Faith Cuneta sang and the whimsical Thai cultural dance and puppetry group flown from Thailand provided the Thai-inspired entertainment.

Several Thai Airways bags and trolleys were raffled off, as well as lunches in Dusit Hotel. The grand prize of roundtrip tickets to Oslo were won by lucky women Sylvia Sangco and Aileen Clemente.

Others spotted during the packed launch were Joy Raz, Maurice Arcache, Alex Van Hagen, Lynne Palma, Pinky Tobiano, Ariel Arce, Raul Manzano, Katrina Holigores, Bebeth Timbol, Donnie Ramirez, Mae Mayor, Mons and Sander Tantoco, Anna and Chito Sobrepeña, Ryan Calmante, Marbee Go, Christine Cunanan, Jenni and Tom Epperson and Liza Ilarde.

An Italian showcase

It was everything Italian as “Amore!”, the 2009 Italian Festival, was officially launched at Rustan’s with a fashion show that featured the best in Italian fashion. Presented by Rustan Commercial Corp., Rustan Supermarket, Stores Specialists, Inc., Italian Trade Commission Manila and Metrobank Credit Cards, the month-long celebration will highlight Italy’s finest.

The opening held at Rustan’s Heaven on the 5th was marked with words from Italian Ambassador Rubens Anna Fedele and Sen.  Loren Legarda. Rustan Commercial Corp. president Zenaida Tantoco thanked everyone for their overwhelming support by sharing Giuseppe Verdi’s words that have become the festival’s theme, “You may have the universe if I may have Italy.” Rustan’s own Ramon San Agustin serenaded guests with classical Italian songs.

Harlequins ushered guests for the grand fashion show “Stile!” which featured the latest collections from Salvatore Ferragamo, A/X Armani Exchange, Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fratelli Rossetti, Furla, Fendi, Tod’s and Bulgari’s Parentesi Cocktail collection. Fragrances from Dolce & Gabbana, Santa Maria Novella, Acca Kappa, Gucci, Bulgari, Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo and Versace filled the air.

Also participating in the Italian Festival were Bottega Veneta, Franco Sarto, Gucci, Hogan, Marlboro Classics, Prada, Sergio Rossi, Superga, Via Spiga, Diesel, Sigerson Morrison, Giuseppe Zanotti, Orciani, Giorgio Fedon 1919, Gordon Rush, To Boot New York, Bresciani, LAI, Roberto Coin, Pianegonda, Leo Pizzo and Toy Watch.

Metrobank Credit Cards will also offer triple reward points for all SSI brands and Rustan’s Department Store purchases with the use of Metrobank card until Sept. 30.