Citi’s CEO is a ‘Man Who Matters’

Citi Philippines chief executive officer Batara Sianturi was honored as one of PeopleAsia’s  2014 “Men Who Matter,” a special recognition given by the long-running publication to men with fascinating stories and significant contributions to their respective industries namely business, media, entertainment, journalism, sports and politics.

Noted for his success and leadership as an international banker, Sianturi started as a Management Associate in Citi Indonesia, then explored career growth in Australia, Europe and now back in Asia. During his 26-year career with the leading global bank, he has held a number of senior positions in consumer, corporate and commercial banking, as well as in country and regional management.  In 2009, he was named one of the Top 25 Executives in Indonesia by SWA Magazine.  In 2013, he was the recipient of the Golden Beehive Memorial Coin Award from the Hungarian Banking Association.

In PeopleAsia’s June-July issue, Sianturi spoke of the importance of recognizing the contribution of talent in the company’s development saying, “You develop the business; you develop the people. You grow the business; you grow the people.”

PeopleAsia’s awarding ceremonies drew prominent figures in Philippine society including the Indonesian Ambassador Johny Lumintang, who graced the affair held at New World Makati Hotel to personally congratulate Sianturi for receiving the citation.

Ambassador Lumintang said, “I am delighted to be here and share my pride as a fellow Indonesian and as Ambassador of Indonesia to the Philippines to Mr. Sianturi for winning this award, for his personal and professional achievements.”

Joining Sianturi on the roster of PeopleAsia’s Men Who Matter were Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, actor Piolo Pascual, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office GM and acting chairman Jose Ferdinand Rojas II, The Philippine STAR Entertainment editor Ricky Lo, champion figure skater Michael Christian Martinez, basketball stars Jeric and Jeron Teng, broadcast journalists Paolo Bediones and Atom Araullo, award-winning chef Tony Boy Escalante, Coca-Cola director Juan Carlos Dominguez, Beer Below Zero inventor Luigi Nuñez and Camarines Sur Gov. Miguel Luis Villafuerte.

Club Tropicana

Amina Aranaz-Alunan had “living the life” theme in mind when she hosted an Aranaz Pool Party, which launched her Club Tropicana collection. This collection brought together a range of brands sharing the Aranaz aesthetic. The event also launched the brand’s new Aranaz Beach Boutique, an online store.

The Club Tropicana collection exhibits a rainforest theme with unique combination of flora and fauna that can be seen in embroidered straw toucans, flamingos and palm leaf motifs on a background of natural materials. Hand-carved wood clutches in hot pink, lagoon blue and leaf green lacquered finishes and woven leather totes complete the artisan feel.

Aranaz’s newest pieces were showcased at the venue and on Frame Up Display screens alongside brands like Neon Island, Amarie by Anne Marie Saguil, Vania Romoff, Isla Leticia, Cocotini, Insane Instax, Om Lifestyle and Café, Lomography Philippines, Brown Belly, Iya Misa and Priti NYC. The chill atmosphere simulated a fashionably laidback setting with cool refreshments from Belvedere Vodka, The Daily Jusa and Kool Kids Ice Cream. Ninyo Fusion Cuisine contributed some tasty bites and cocktails as guests had customized manicures care of St. Nails and Priti NYC.

There was a “Customize your Carrie” station where guests were able to design their own Carrie, an Aranaz piece. Aranaz sewers and artisans were also on standby to do on-the-spot assembly. TV personality Ces Drilon, bloggers Camille Co, Kryz Uy and Patricia Prieto went home with their own personalized Carrie totes from the collection.

Brand manager Rosanna Aranaz said, “We just wanted to treat our friends and clients to shop, drink and relax the Aranaz way!”

(The Aranaz Club Tropicana collection is available at all Aranaz boutiques in Rockwell and Greenbelt 5, as well as Raffles Hotel in Makati, Balesin Resort in Quezon, Amanpulo Resort in Palawan and District 32 at Cebu International Airport. Visit Aranaz Beach Boutique at shop.aranaz.ph.)

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)