A tea-licious affair at Marketplace by Rustan’s

MANILA, Philippines - In line with its current campaign “Everyday Gourmet” and its passion to present the best flavors of the world to discerning shoppers in the Philippines, Marketplace by Rustan’s recently held a special tea appreciation event exclusive to Fresh and Sapphire members.

Gracing the occasion was Stash Tea president and CEO Tom Lisicki, who was in Manila just for the intimate affair. He was joined by Stash Tea country manager Cindy Harling and VP for Rustan’s Supermarket Manuel Alberto.

Lisicki joined Rustan’s Fresh and Sapphire members in sampling both hot and cold tea concoctions crafted especially for the event. First among the selection was Mango Passionfruit, an herbal tea that Lisicki developed using none other than Philippine mangoes to achieve the perfect sweet-tangy blend.

Following suit was an all-new tea that guests enjoyed having first dibs on, as it has yet to be introduced to Philippine supermarket shelves: Guayusa Tea in a comforting spicy chai blend with milk. The Guayusa plant, found in the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador, provides balanced energy without the jitters as it naturally contains caffeine.

Up next was iced Japanese Green Tea featuring a refreshing dash of blueberry for an added fruity taste. Capping off the sampling was iced Lemon Ginger Tea, with an additional live demonstration by Harling on how to turn your ordinary iced tea into Shaken Iced Tea, which boasts a smooth, frothy finish on top.

The fun session was accompanied by informative and interactive talks by Lisicki and Harling on the history of each tea and the wide range of blends and flavors offered by Stash, as well as exciting giveaways that had lucky guests taking home special gifts from the brand.

At the helm of one of the largest specialty tea companies in the United States, Lisicki has been directing the development of hundreds of tea blends since he joined Stash Tea in 1985. He has also travelled extensively to all tea-growing regions around the world, meeting with growers and personally selecting many of the teas.

“We are honored to have Tom join us for this very special occasion,” said Alberto. “Marketplace by Rustan’s is all about appreciating fine food and beverages, and the craftsmanship that goes into creating each product. Stash Tea is known around the world for its premium quality blends and flavors, and we have no less than the company’s foremost expert with us to enjoy the art of appreciating tea.”

Lisicki said, “We have been partnering with Rustan’s Supermarket for many years to make Stash Tea available to Filipinos. We are happy to be here to share our love of tea with everyone, and to help support and educate Rustan’s shoppers.”

Visit Marketplace by Rustan’s at Rockwell Power Plant Mall.