Uniquely stylish

Since its arrival in the country in 2012, Uniqlo’s simple yet stylish and functional aesthetic has truly been a hit with Filipinos.

Recently, after celebrating its sixth anniversary in the Philippines, the Japanese global apparel retailer launched Uniqlo Manila — the brand’s first global flagship store in the country (located at Glorietta 5 in Makati City) and its largest store in Southeast Asia to date with over 4,000 square meters of sales floor area.

Ambassadors Koji Haneda of Japan and Kok Li Peng of Singapore, Ihoko Haneda and US Ambassador Sung Kim.

Uniqlo Southeast Asia and Oceania CEO Satoshi Hatase said, “Our global flagship stores are designed as showcases to the world, displaying the very best that the brand has to offer. Uniqlo Manila is an important example of our commitment to Southeast Asia. It is one of the brand’s largest stores in the world and is a big step toward continued growth in the region and globally.”

Fast Retailing chairman, president and CEO Tadashi Yanai (reportedly the richest man in Japan) as well as members of the diplomatic corps and government agencies including Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda were present at the event.

Pauline Juan, Kenneth Cobonpue and Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.

I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Yanai through Uniqlo Manila’s Camille Rose Pacis. He was very humble and down to earth. He was also happy to know that I was wearing a shirt and a pair of trousers from Uniqlo that night.    

 (Check out www.uniqlo.com/ph/manila, facebook.com/uniqlo.ph and Instagram.com/uniqlophofficial.)

At the forefront of global tourism

(Lef) Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat. (Right) Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) deputy COO Arnold Gonzales.

Now, more than ever, is the best time to further promote the country as one of the best travel destinations in Asia, with government taking serious steps in rehabilitating our natural wonders, starting with the island paradise of Boracay.

And with the recently concluded Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City, the Philippines was once again set at the forefront of global tourism by strengthening travel and trade opportunities with the international market.

Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and supported by the Department of Tourism, PHITEX, one of the biggest and most significant trade events in the country, saw over 200 international buyers from 30 countries with more than 220 local sellers present at the event.

Diamond Hotel GM and TPB director Vanessa Suatengco, Fidelis Cariño and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Leo Herrera Lim.

Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat welcomed foreign delegates and said, “PHITEX is the biggest government-hosted trade event in the country. I am sure each of our prospective buyers will love every moment of their stay here in the country especially when they get to experience Filipino hospitality.”

Pacific Asia Travel Association-Philippine chapter secretary general Dakila Gonzales added, “Our valuable guests are in for a great experience when they discover why it is more fun in the Philippines and why they should include the country in their respective markets’ tour packages.”

At the event, international buyers enjoyed the cultural performances of Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild and Princess Rivera Virtudazo.

TPB also impressed foreign delegates with special tours in Laguna, Tagaytay, Iloilo, Bacolod, Bicol, Ilocos, Dumaguete, Siquijor, Palawan and Davao.

‘Interactions’

  (Left) Vito Selma. (Right) Paloma Urquijo Zobel.

High-end global home furniture brand Roche Bobois Manila celebrated Interactions, its first collaboration with 10 Filipino designers and artists, who created their own interpretation of the brand’s classic Mah Jong sofa.

Those who showcased their one-of-a-kind pieces in an exhibition and auction for charity at Whitespace Manila in Makati City were Bobby Mañosa (newly minted National Artist for Architecture), Ed Calma, Bea Valdes, Vito Selma, Paloma Urquijo Zobel, Chat Fores, Jojo Lofranco, Geraldine Javier, Costantino Zicarelli and Nikki Luna.

The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) in the Philippines, the exhibition’s main beneficiary, treated guests to performances by three of its beneficiaries: dance artist and choreographer Carissa Adea, artist Leeroy New, who created the otherworldly costumes for the performance, and sound artist and multi-awarded composer Teresa Barrozo.

The night ended with all 10 chairs auctioned off to new owners. Each winning bid contributed greatly to ACC Philippines Foundation Inc., PAWS, Tukod Foundation, AHA Learning Center, Global Seed Savers and Baigani Feminist Solidarity.

Roche Bobois Philippines managing director Eugene Lorenzana said, “We’re welcoming more local design talents to integrate their aesthetic within Roche Bobois. We’re excited to promote another collaborative design project with another iconic Roche Bobois piece in the future.”

 (Roche Bobois Philippines showroom is located at 2100 Don Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City. For more information, call 519-8240 or visit www.roche-bobois.com/en-PH.)

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(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)