Fossil launches the Big Tic

The watch brand Fossil was founded in 1984, a time when watches were created for function rather than fashion. The company began to design watches explicitly as fashion accessories, incorporating ’50s American into their brand image. Such was the success of Fossil that Emporio Armani, DKNY, Adidas, D&G, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Diesel entrusted their watch divisions to the Fossil creative design and manufacturing teams.

The watch company once again introduced a new innovation via its latest collection of watches using its patented motion technology. Fossil’s Lorenz Manalang presented THE BIG TIC – Fossil’s latest of timepieces that feature the patented Big Tic motion technology of animated dials for men and women at Embassy Club.

The new hot watch has been flying off shelves in stores worldwide, of course due in no small part to its very endearing and recognizable spokesperson – Stan, the BigTic Robot, who communicates Fossil’s mission of engineering intelligent design with progressive and vintage style. After the dinner, Fossil continued the festivities with DJs Paolo Maralit, David Jacob and resident Martin Pulgar rocking Embassy until the early morning.

Fossil’s new Big Tic Watch is available at the Fossil Store at Glorietta 4 and in all L-Time Studio branches.

Savor Mandarin specialties at Gateway

The Mandarin Oriental Café & Deli had a vibrant grand opening at the Gateway Mall in Quezon City. The event was highlighted by a colorful lion dance and a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Araneta Group of Companies (AGC) chairman Jorge Araneta who came with beautiful wife Stella Marquez-Araneta, Mandarin Oriental Manila GM Helmut Gaisberger, AGC EVP Judy Araneta-Roxas and Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte.

Araneta said, "This momentous event truly calls for a big celebration for both Gateway Mall and Mandarin Oriental Hotel. This time, our mall patrons will not only come to this place to experience shopping but to enjoy the fine selection of innovative Asian dishes offered by no other than Mandarin Oriental Café & Deli." Gaisberger assured "the presence of Mandarin Oriental Café & Deli will give diners a genuine taste of luxury as they will experience Mandarin Oriental’s distinct level of service and cuisine in a relaxing and comfortable venue."

Guests were treated to a fine selection of wines from Premium Wines and house specialties. Also present were Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista, Makati Rep. Teddyboy Locsin and wife Louie, recently crowned Miss International Precious Lara Quigaman, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Gionna Cabrera, Megaworld’s Andrew Tan, Albertito and Emily Lopez, Cecile Mitra, interior designer Sonia Olivares (who did the café’s interiors), Ria Roxas-Ojeda, Donnie Tantoco, designer Randy Ortiz, The STAR EVP Grace Glory Go, Bambi Harper, Vernon Go and Jun-jun Ablaza. Mandarin Oriental executive assistant manager for food and beverage Dave Thomas and director of communications Charisse Chuidian were also present.

The art of lounging according to PAL

Philippine Airlines (PAL) launched its new 269 square-meter Domestic Mabuhay Lounge at its NAIA Centennial Terminal 2 hub, thoroughly redesigned and refurbished by noted interior designers Ivy and Cynthia Almario.

It was formally dedicated by Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano, NAIA GM Alfonso Cusi and PAL president Jaime Bautista. Bautista noted that "the new Mabuhay Lounge represents the best that PAL has to offer. We undertook this project despite challenging times in our industry. It underscores our commitment to our premium customers, who have come to expect a superior product from PAL."

Beyond the aesthetics, the Mabuhay Lounge comes equipped with some of the most useful amenities for business travelers. It has a business center with telephones, fax machine and personal computers with free, unlimited Internet access. It boasts Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) Internet access for patrons bringing their own laptop computers. Travelers can also enjoy a 42-inch plasma-screen TV set with satellite broadcast. A quick-massage service is available, too.

The new Mabuhay Lounge was redesigned to cater to the tastes of the modern, global business traveler and it reflects the most endearing traits of the Filipino and PAL – warm, bright and always welcoming.

Citigold clients get preview of Chopard

In celebration of its 103rd year in the Philippines, Citibank, the country’s largest foreign bank, gathered its select clients at the NBC Tent in The Fort to preview the latest of jeweler Chopard’s Happy Diamonds. Guests were welcomed by Citibank country business manager for global consumer group Nina Aguas, Rustan Commercial Corporation president Bienvenido Tantoco Jr., and Chopard Asia managing director Hardy Gattiker.

A sit down dinner was prepared by Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and complemented by excellent wine from Rene Barbier. Chopard’s Happy Spirit and Happy Diamond collections and timepieces from the Tycoon, Mille Mignia and Happy Sport lines were displayed for the appreciation of CitiGold clients who were all given generous discounts.

 Gattiker said that "Chopard is definitely pleased to be part of this exclusive affair, which is being hosted by an admired industry leader like Citibank. Our watches and the Happy Diamonds Collection 2005 indeed befit the profile and status of CitiGold clients, who are renowned for their fine taste."

Seen at the glittering event were Citibank’s retail branch banking director Ailene Litonjua and marketing director Cecille Fonacier, Chopard brand manager Cat Arambulo, Rene Barbier’s Francis Oliva, Citibank’s Jacqui Wieneke, Kerwin Chua, Tuttie Lecaroz, Ofie Nuñez and Emily Santos.

The affair was just one of the many exciting activities that Citibank has lined up for its valued customers as it marks its 103rd year in the country.

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