Night of Kaos

HSBC invited its valued clients, partners and friends to Kaos, a musical spectacle held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila. Over 1,500 guests from the bank’s Private Banking, Global Markets, Premier and Corporate Banking businesses were in attendance at the appreciation event, filling the theater with laughter, gasps and wild applause throughout the entire performance. Instead of the usual lauriat dinner to treat its clients after the Chinese New Year celebrations, the bank opted for something different this time when clients, partners and friends were treated to a show that featured a handsome prince, a futuristic heroine and a galactic adventure with some amazing acrobatics, death-defying stunts and those adorable tigers and lions.

At the exclusive pre-show cocktail, bank officials and guests alike feasted on wine and heavy cocktail fare as they mixed and mingled with Kaos actors Gian Magdangal and Joel Trinidad and other cast members. HSBC president and CEO Tony Cripps gamely posed with the lords and ladies of Kaos, but drew the line when he posed with Sito, the white lion. Cripps said: “My team kept encouraging me to pose with Sito, but our security people wouldn’t let me. Now I’m wondering if I should worry about my team’s motives!”

After the show, prizes were raffled off wherein lucky guests won gift certificates from Shangri-La Mactan and the Marriott Hotel Manila, electronics from Samsung, Prizmic wines and dozens of tickets to another Kaos show so guests could come back with their families. Cripps added, “Kaos is a combination of internationally acclaimed acts seamlessly woven together in one show. HSBC views the world as one fascinating whole and helps our customers unlock its potential. Tonight is our way of thanking these customers and our partners for their continued faith in us and their support.”

Scobell Consulting Services president Rica Rodriguez-Anderson and CEO Allan Anderson with the Kaos cast.

A Speedo summer

You know the season of the sun is here when Speedo showcases its latest Spring/Summer collection. Its lines for 2011 include Competitive, Swim Fitness, Play and Fun and Health and Well-being. Recently, the collection was shown at Bonifacio High Street, in front of the brand’s flagship store.

This season’s collection key colors include lobster, iron gray and pink. The women’s collection includes the swim dress, a fun alternative to the bikini. The tankini and bikini from the same collection are highlighted by vintage prints in bright hues. For men, Speedo has created an exclusive range of retro-inspired water shorts.

The Swim Fitness collection provides the perfect range of swimwear for those who keep fit through swimming. The range is functional and sporty, including the women’s Superiority Muscleback suit and the Aquashort for men.

(From left) The Philippines swimming national team members Jose Joaquin Gonzales, Jessie Khing Lacuna, Jasmine Alkhaldi, Banjo Borja and Kendrick Uy.

Speedo also created a range of stylish and practical Health and Wellbeing swimwear with bust support and adjustable straps. Designed to offer security and comfort during water-based exercise, the Aqua Active suits replicate the function of a sports bra in land-based exercise. Speedo proudly introduced its Competitive collection. The LZR Racer suit is available in three choices: Elite, Pro or Comp.

Present that night were the country’s strongest swimmers, Philippine National Team member Women’s 100m Butterfly record holder Jasmine Alkhaldi, Philippine Men’s 200m Freestyle record holder Jessie Khing Lacuna, national medalist Jose Joaquin Gonzales and Banjo Borja as well as Speedo sponsored athlete and 2010 ASEAN University Games 50m Freestyle record holder Kendrick Uy. Also present were UAAP star swimmers from Ateneo de Manila University and UAAP 2010 MVP Evan Uy, UAAP 2010 Women’s Rookie of the Year Jasmine Ong, UAAP 2010 multi-time gold medalist Celina Gonzales from De La Salle University, Philippine 200m Backstroke record holder Johann Aguilar, STASA multi-time outstanding swimmer Trixcee Tan, University of the Philippines’ and CHED 2010 Most Be-medalled Athlete Claire Adorna and University of the East’s and four-time Girls UAAP MVP Sabrina Ingrid Ilustre.

(Speedo concept shops are located in Alabang Town Center, Ayala Center Cebu, Bonifacio High Street, Chimes Davao, LimKetKai Mall, Marquee Mall, Gateway, Glorietta 4, Paseo de Sta. Rosa, Robinsons Place Bacolod, Robinsons Place Manila, SM City Cebu, SM City Davao, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, The Podium and TriNoma.)