A world of undisputed luxury and service

The telecom brand known for providing the ultimate in premium service, Smart Infinity, celebrated another innovation in the Philippine market by launching the Smart Infinity Privilege Card. It is the first telecom service to offer personal account management, international concierge services, and instant and regular rewards to loyal clients. The core vision of Smart Infinity is to provide customers with services suitable to their lifestyle. The service user can have access to tickets, first option at exclusive sales or an instant welcome into members-only establishments.

At the launch, Smart Infinity brand manager Tom Valderrama and his team transformed the Peninsula’s Rigodon Ballroom into a luxurious lounge. An eclectic yet interesting crowd was seen mingling as they were treated to a variety of hors d’oeuvres and Moet & Chandon champagne. There were numerous giveaways from Sony Ericsson, Technomarine, Corporate Air and Shu Uemura as they were entertained by Smart Infinity brand ambassador and STAR columnist Johnny Litton, Acoustic Jive Band and Kuh Ledesma.

Seen at the event were PCMSD group head Boy Martirez, Smart’s Ricky Isla, PLDT’s David Nugent, Gina de Venecia, Dennis and Tessa Valdes, Francis Lumen, Sandy Poblador, Randy and Irene Martel-Francisco, MTV’s Jack Madrid, Shu Uemura’s Tina Tinio and Tessa Dragon and Embassy’s Erik Cua and Jon Herrera.

Stepping into style

John Kenner Shoe Couture was launched through an exhibit at the Ayala Museum. The 40-piece collection created by Cesar Gaupo was executed by Rachy Cuna. The company behind the brand has been in the shoe business for almost 10 years and this time they bring the technology and craftsmanship onto a different level by tapping Gaupo, who has created very meticulous designs for this collection named after Gaupo’s business partner.

Guests enthusiastically went through all the designs as they enjoyed drinking the free flowing wine courtesy of Wolf Blass. Spotted that night were Mellie Ablaza, Helen Ong, Evie Costa, Jessica and David Bunevacz, Nini Licaros, Ching Cruz, Sigalit Djemal, Lia Delgado, Liza Ilarde, Randy Ortiz, Lulu Tan Gan, Paul Cabral, JC Buendia, Dawn Zulueta and Tessie Sy.

(Check out the shoes at www.johnkenner.com)

A night of stripes

The program that night was all about stripes as guests were also requested to come in stripes. Metrobank Card Corporation hosted Stripe Night, inspired by the stripes of Metrobank Card’s signature ’M Here look.

Metrobank Card Corp. president Anne Young said, "It’s very pleasing to see Manila’s most fashionable donned in their own interpretation of the stripe. The ’M Here stripe, of course, has become the trademark of exciting ’M Here offers. Wherever you see the ’M Here stripes, you’re sure to enjoy perks, privileges, discounts and freebies."

Guests enjoyed the fare prepared by MYLK’s Melissa Sison. Designers Randy Ortiz, Dennis Lustico, Ivarluski Aseron, Avel Bacudio, Joey Samson and Jojie Lloren showcased their latest designs to a very appreciative crowd.

Seen at the event were Metrobank president Antonio Abacan Jr. and wife Mary Jane, banker Mary Ty, Metrobank vice chairman Arthur Ty with wife Zandra, Bong Dy-Buncio, Dawn Zulueta, Mia and Jenny Floirendo, Sigalit Djemal, Ana Buenaventura, Ruby Gan, Cesar Gaupo, Lulu Tan Gan, Vanessa Dulay and Aimee Marcos.

Chocolate-y clothing

Creative and managing director of Chocolate Clothing Company Ana Amigo Antonio was inspired by Grab Industries founder Amanda Gilham Fisher. Fisher started her company selling t-shirts from the back of her pick-up truck so Ana tried her luck and put up Chocolate Clothing with her friend Mike Advani. As the cliché goes, the rest is history as the successful clothing store brought in more brands for the Filipino market. Ana has brought in Australian labels Grab, Endless Spirit and Earth Angel. 

Chocolate Clothing opened two shop-in-shops in Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Tower and on its third year, they opened the 12th store at the fifth level of Shangri-La Mall. They also opened a bigger store at the Power Plant in Rockwell. 

At the anniversary party, these Australian labels were showcased together with Loungeri Lux, Celine Lopez’s new resort wear line. Loungeri Lux, Grab, Endless Spirit and Earth Angel are all available at Chocolate Clothing boutiques.

 (E-mail me at [email protected])