Simply Swiss

In celebration of Switzerland’s National Day, the Makati Shangri-La treated guests to the finest of Swiss cuisine and wines, and presented the art of age-old watchmaking at the Red.

All things Swiss-made were presented in commemoration of Swiss National Day. A week-long celebration of Switzerland’s food, craftsmanship and tradition was held in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland, Swiss International Air Lines, Breguet, Lucerne and Victorinox Travel Gear.

Makati Shangri-La’s area manager and GM Reto Klauser, a Swiss himself, together with counselor and deputy head of mission for the Swiss Embassy Juerg Casserini, welcomed guests and added valuable insight into Swiss traditions.

Over a delightful selection of Swiss cocktails and sparkling wine at the Red that evening, Breguet’s certified watch master James Cooke shared his knowledge on the remarkable craftsmanship of watchmaking. Guest chefs Oskar Marti, masterchef from Munchenbuchsee with a rating of 17 Gault-Millau points, together with his restaurant’s executive chef Michael Ramseier, prepared food for the evening.

Makati Shangri-La’s area manager and GM Reto Klauser, People Asia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez and lawyer Manuel Teehankee.

The Aspik-terrine from poached entlebucher veal shank with tuna mousse, radish-herbs salad and lime blossom-balsamic dressing was paired with 2009 Fechy Bonne Cote, Chasselas. The amazing match of flavors was continued on to the creamy Swiss Alps hay soup with poached sweetbread and air dried beef. The roasted veal fillet with basil in a puff pastry ring with summer vegetables, eggplant caviar and pepperonata was paired with 2006 Merlot del Tecino, Tessin. The night’s sweet ending was Oski’s garden set peas mint mousse served with raspberries, raspberry coulis and almond tuille.

Lucerne’s Emerson Yao and Breguet’s Martin Ganz joined the evening with watch enthusiasts. Makati Shangri-La’s F&B manager Mirko de Giorgi kept everyone’s spirits high with generous pours of the region’s wines.

‘Building the future together’

The allure of Cebu was a fitting venue to celebrate a year for the dealers of Tupperware Brands Philippines. The annual gathering held at the Waterfront Hotel had the premiere direct selling company’s top dealers strengthening its position as a direct selling leader with the theme Celebrating Changing Lives, Building the Future Together. Tupperware Brands Philippines president and managing director Perry Mogar welcomed the company’s independent business managers (IBMs) from all over the country.  

(From left) Marketing director Charmane Abad, Colour Collection chief makeup artist Bianca Valerio, assistant brand manager for cosmetics Kriska Ramos and marketing manager for beauty Jing Ganalon.

Mogar said, “This gathering recognizes our IBMs’ efforts and contributions to make Tupperware Brands the top company that it is today. As we continue with our journey together, let us all be inspired to work even harder, live the legacy of world-class excellence that we have built over the years and aim to make Tupperware Brands the gold standard in direct selling.”

After the event was opened by folk dancers, Colour Collection chief makeup artist Bianca Valerio performed free makeovers for some IBMs. Baby Care Plus+ Kids celebrity endorser Dimples Romana engaged in an educational discussion with pediatrician Krizzy Eyra Manapat-Celebrados to highlight the importance of using high-quality baby and skin care products for kids’ sensitive skin.

Tupperware celebrity cook Marvin Agustin whipped up a lasagna dish served on Tupperware’s new food storage product, Heat ‘N Eat. Aljur Abrenica got the guests on their feet as he performed for the audience and unveiled as well his signature scent Magnetism.

The 2010 Pride of the Nation awardee Jenie Lepiten of Tupperware Brands Cebu branch was recognized for achieving outstanding sales the past year that reached P20 million. Aside from a trophy, Lepiten also received a cash bonus of P120,000 and an all-expenses-paid vacation to an international location with her family.

New products under Tupper Home, Hanes, Playtex, Wonderbra, Popshop, iCloset and NaturCare were also presented via a fashion show and the celebration was capped off by a performance from Gary Valenciano.

Dr. Krizzy Eyra Manapat-Celebrados and Baby Care Plus+ Kids endorser Dimples Romana.

A sleeker Traffic store

Traffic celebrated its newly renovated Power Plant Mall Branch as the newest style hub and shoe haven for men. Top editors, stylists and bloggers were invited to a one-on-one engagement with Traffic director Mark Christian Chan who introduced the Fall 2011 collection.

Guests viewed the full collection and were given footwear of their choice, which included bright colored loafers, patent shoes, ankle boots and leather brogue shoes. Everyone found their perfect pair with the Fall 2011 collection of Kartel and Frank, in-house casual and formal shoes brand of Traffic. The combination of classic and trendy designs of Traffic footwear complements the different lifestyles and personalities of the guests.

Traffic Rockwell provides the best combination of style and price points. Kartel’s rubber soled slip-ons, sneakers, casual sandals and leather-upper shoes are available in color palettes of crimson red, royal blue, nude and moss green while Frank’s dress shoes and boots are available in the staple black and brown.

Mark Chan, STAR columnist RJ Ledesma and Frank Briones.