MANILA, Philippines - Christmas came early to Kultura Filipino as members of the expat community and foreign clubs, civic leaders, corporate executives, and lovers of all things Filipino did some holiday shopping at its recent Christmas Crafts and Market at SM Makati.
Belgian Ambassador Christian Meerschman, as well as Togo Consul Evie Costa and Georgette Wilson, wife of Australian Consul General Hugh Wilson were among the members of the diplomatic corps present; while congressional spouses Lorie Ping-Ay of Ilocos, Gertie Batocabe of Bicol, and Cora Guanlao of Pampanga, were seen going over Kultura’s exquisite crafts from their regions.
Also seen shopping were Irene Marcos-Araneta, Patricia Araneta, Kit Zobel, Lynnie Laurel-Castillo, Terri Madrigal, Gloria Tan-Climaco, Gianna Montinola, Glenna Guidicelli, Maritess Pineda and Chona Lopez.
Dennis Orlina, president of the Philippine Chamber of Handicraft Industries, was happy to view Kultura’s world-class selection; while social entrepreneurs like Pacita Juan, Nena Ortoll, and Lu Limjoco were delighted at how Kultura was able to merge creativity and livelihood in its Crafts for a Cause projects.
Representatives from the various Crafts for a Cause foundations were also present — Dee Anne Zobel for the E. Zobel Foundation, Vicky Wieneke for the Kabisig ng Kalahi, Babot Oreta for Ginto Foundation, Geoff Lucraft for the Philippine Christian Foundation, Sr. Luz Maria Buitrago of the Holy Family Foundation, Fr. Bartolome Sagadal for Au Metier- Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Vilma Dalisay for Isla Para sa Kaunlaran, and Jonalyn Dupa for the Gifts and Graces Trade Fair Foundation.
They all shopped for the homespun holiday décor, as well as gift items like watch cases and jewelry boxes, mother of pearl table ware, exquisite bags and accessories, organic bath sets, and creatively packaged food items. Kultura’s VP for operations Ivy Yap and SM Retail’s VP for development Pascale Jimenez welcomed them.
Kultura Filipino stores are located at SM Makati, SM Megamall, the Block at SM City North EDSA, the SM Mall of Asia, SM City Cebu, and at selected SM Department Stores.