A stylish partnership

When card brands Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) Bankard and MasterCard join forces with a leading international brand, it can only mean another unique credit card is about to enter the market.

The much-awaited Mango-RCBC Bankard MasterCard is the latest addition to the rich roster of unique, value-driven cards currently being issued by banking stalwart RCBC through its servicing entity Bankard, Inc. The card was formally launched late last month at the Atrium, Eastwood Mall, in time for the launch of Spanish brand Mango’s Spring-Summer collection.

A co-brand card, Mango-RCBC Bankard MasterCard is the product of the partnership between RCBC Bankard and Mango clothing company, a world-famous manufacturer and distributor of women’s and men’s apparel and accessories. Founded in 1984, the Mango clothing brand MNG has evolved into one of the leaders in European retail sales. The Barcelona-based company currently has over 1,200 stores located in over 93 countries worldwide. In the Philippines, Mango has just celebrated its 10th anniversary with the opening of two new stores.

The Mango-RCBC Bankard MasterCard is targeted to serve the shopping needs of both the vast majority of Mango patrons in the country and RCBC Bankard Gold and Platinum MasterCard cardholders. Card members can expect zero percent installment for three or six months at any Mango store; exclusive members-only sale for Mango-RCBC Bankard card members; priority access to the next season’s catalog offers; and first-hand advice on the latest hot offers. The Mango-RCBC Bankard MasterCard also has a rewards program that lets cardholders earn rewards points that they can use to exchange for more Mango items.

Rated R

Nokia celebrated its partnership with Island Def Jam Music Group (IDJMG) and Universal Music Group International (UMGI) in three simultaneous parties that celebrated the release of Rihanna’s Rated R album via Nokia’s latest music device, the Nokia X6. The sleek music device features a full touch screen, 16GB internal memory and a Universal Music voucher that lets you download Rihanna’s latest tracks. You can also download for free the “Come Get Rihanna” application at the Ovi Store and receive Rihanna news, songs, videos, themes and photos all on your Nokia phone.

Each of the three venues had different Rihanna themed highlights — The Manor at Eastwood had IAC bands like Ill-J, The Ambassadors, Salamin, Techy Romantics and Kjwan performing Rihanna covers; Bed at Malate featured DJ Brian Cua; while Encore had DJ Mars Miranda and drummer Bea Lao beating to Rihanna’s songs.

The members of Nokia team present at the parties were led by their GM Benoit Nalin, Nokia marketing head Sandeep Khanna, Nokia marketing manager Mitch So, Nokia corporate communications manager Nikka Abes and Nokia product manager Mike Smith.

A Tagaytay party

Good friends in the island luxury property business, my cousin Nino Zulueta of Chilline and Matt Morrison of Barefoot, had a one-of-a-kind joint birthday celebration at Chilline headquarters in Tagaytay. Chilline is an eco-tourism boutique and real estate company with partners Nino, his brother Bacchus Zulueta and Jo Mitra. Barefoot is involved with green technology, eco-sustainable and luxury island development in Palawan. Matt Pontoles from Australia is the other half of Barefoot.

It was truly an international affair with well wishers from Middle East, England, Australia, Russia and Manila who were treated to signature drinks by my favorite bartender/mixologist Doods Dayto, live performance by upcoming band Techy Romantics, DJ Allrock Rox and DJ Manolet Dario. The party began from sunset and lasted all the way to sunrise.

Happy birthday, guys!