What’s New at Rustan’s | Heart-2-Heart-Online.com

December 16, 2010

Father of Philippine Luxury Retailing

By Heart2Heart | Great Achievements, Tributes, What's New at Rustan's | One Comment

Congratulations to my Lolo!!! Congratulations also to the rest of the family who support him and Rustan’s

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The Philippine Retailers Association pays tribute to Ambassador Bienvenido R. Tantoco Sr. as the father of Philippine luxury retailing. Amb. Tantoco and his wife Mrs. Glecy Tantoco founded “Rustan’s” department Store. A high-end luxury retailing shop which has operated in the philippines for more than 50 years.

www.rustans.com.ph

Production Credits:

Production House : Imaginimage

Executive Producer : Ditas Garcia Project Manager / Field Producer : Conrad Vargas

Writer : Bodick Corpus DP : AB Garcia Cam Asst: Henry Paralege

Tech Asst: Don-Don Hinampas

Editor : Bryan Coroza Philippine Retailers Association:

PRA Secretariat : Ms. Evelyn Salire

PRA field Producer : Allan Lopez

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December 15, 2010

Traditions and Memories by Maritoni and Cris

By Heart2Heart | Christmas, What's New at Rustan's | No Comments

It could be chestnuts roasting on an open fire or quezo de bola on noche buena. It could be a mistletoe or lanterns. Christmas is a different experience for everyone. Each has a childhood memory—a special kind of Yuletide cheer that’s personal and cherished. Each has a story to tell.

“Christmas is a time to be with family and dear friends,” says ballet dancer and yoga instructor Maritoni Rufino, who looks forward to the season every year because of family reunions, a time to catch up and reconnect with relatives “and enjoy each others’ company just like we did when we were young.”

Being a mother, she has a renewed appreciation for Christmas as she sees it through the eyes of her children and remembers how it used to be when she was a child. “It was Christmas morning and our stockings, which hung on the stairs, were filled with toys and goodies. There were also snow-like footprints from the door going all the way to the landing of the stairs,” she enthuses of her favorite Christmas memory as a child. “It really felt as if Santa was there!”

“It’s the only time in the year that we get to spend at least four hours together,” muses performance artist Cris Villonco. “I get excited because I see people I hardly get to see all year. As Filipinos, we really spend a lot of time together during the holidays, with family and with friends.”

“Christmas is a big deal for us and we really make it a point to be together with our loved ones. It is a tradition in our family to hear midnight mass together,” shares Maritoni. Christmas in the Philippines is, indeed, an elaborate celebration. It may not be as lavish as the decorations in Manhattan, but rather, it’s the traditions that focus on family and centered on the birth of Jesus that make the Filipino Christmas truly special.

According to both Maritoni and Cris, spirituality, values and tradition are important, almost poetic, characters in their respective Christmas celebrations and that there are activities that they enjoyed and got accustomed to growing up, which they hope to be passed on to future generations.

“When I was a kid, my lola (Armida Siguion-Reyna) would do the ’12 Days of Christmas.’ So, everyday, for 12 days leading up to Christmas, we, the grandchildren, would get gifts. It’s funny because when we were really young, they were toys. Then, later on, there would be some makeup, and then, trinkets. And I noticed that most of them would be wrapped in Rustan’s Christmas Gift Wrapper,” Cris recalls.

“I think the gift wrapper makes gifts extra special. No matter how simple a gift is, if it’s expertly wrapped at Rustan’s, it stands out,” adds Maritoni. The iconic Christmas Gift Wrapper has become a hallmark of Christmas shopping at Rustan’s as it adds a little bit more excitement to those who receive gifts wrapped in them, knowing that unwrapping them will reveal something special. Every Yuletide season, the department store is like a wonderland of gift options, and then some. Rustan’s makes sure that Christmas shopping is a breeze.

“I love that I can pick out gifts, have them wrapped and just come back to pick them up. I like the coffee shop and the eating places in the store as I can have a back in between or after shopping. There’s something for everyone in the store so it’s really like a one-stop shop,” continues Maritoni.

“Everything’s there!” Cris agrees. “You’ll find something at any section of the department store for everybody. And it’s so accessible. Really, anything that comes from Rustan’s is special. It’s become a tradition, actually, that I really enjoy. I remember going to Rustan’s with my mom or lola and it’s just, ‘Wow!’ It’s a really fond memory.”

This Christmas, Cris and Maritoni have rounded up their gift list with some of Rustan’s exclusive finds. For both of them, gift giving is always about what your loved one will enjoy.

For her son, Maritoni has picked out an ICE world edition watch while her daughter finds joy in playing with toys like the In Home Electronic Kitchen set. For her nieces and nephews she chose the Ferrari Race and Play Parking Garage, Tiffany & Co’s brush and comb set, Tiffany & Co.’s tennis charm, Tarte Tatin faux fur animal print jacket, and a pair from Fit Flops. For her sister, she has carefully chosen a J Boho wrap by Josie Natoris and a PFR Indigo jacket from Banana Republic while her mother-in-law would love those comfortable Aerosoles loafers and for her mom, sleepwear from Josie Natori together with the classic scent of Channel No5.

Cris on the other hand fills in her gift list also with her favorites like MAC, NARS and Laura Mercier make-up for some of her relatives and friends. For her mom, she prefers skin care from Dermalogica and Mario Badescu. Scents that top her list then include L’Occitane Shower sets and EDTs together with the Eau d’Hadrien by Annick Goutal as well as scented candles from Diptyque all made extra special with a personal touch from Rustan’s

Christmas is a potpourri of many things and gift-giving is just one of them. It’s also a time to look back on the year that was and be thankful for blessings and realize that there are some less fortunate than others. Rustan’s acknowledges this and plays an active role in alleviating poverty through its Corporate Social Responsibility program. The store not only provides its loyal patrons with the best shopping options, it also gives back to the community and reaches out to those who don’t have the means to afford the same luxury as its customers.

Rustan’s believes that everyone deserves to have a merry Christmas.

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December 13, 2010

Be Chic This Christmas, Harmonize Your Look

By Heart2Heart | Beauty, What's New at Rustan's | No Comments

Fine tune your fabulous look with perfect base makeup to carry your color all through the holidays

You’ll be attracting a lot of whistles with sexy lip colors, pick the one that gets you in a party mood

Make all your holiday parties that little bit more colorful and unpredictable with stunning face

color that suits every occasion

Harmonize your eyes this holidays season and lead admirers on a merry dance. Come on, show them your moves

Get skin that’s smooth and lustrous and super healthy, treat your skin well all year round and you

will glow with beauty

Be perfect right down to your fingertips with the perfect nail colors

Creating your makeup masterpiece needs the right tools, these deliciously soft brushes are ideal

for any and every occasion

Complete your Paul & Joe look with the cute range of pouches and makeup accessories,

beautifully designed and oh-so convenient

See you there!

XOXO,

Paul & Joe

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December 11, 2010

Creed Celebrating 250 Years

By Heart2Heart | What's New at Rustan's | No Comments

CELEBRATING 250 YEARS

These days, the perfume industry is increasingly dominated by heavily advertised international brands. It comes as a refreshing surprise to discover that there still exists a discreet family-owned perfume house dedicated to the creation of highly original fragrances of extravagant quality.

Operating from it’s luxuriously appointed boutique in Paris’ 8th Arrondissement, the House of Creed has been for many years one of the best kept secrets of the perfume world, patronised by the seriously rich, chic and famous.

From Heads of State to celebrities from the film and music industries, Creed’s client list reads like an international Who’s Who. Over the years the Creed family has produced over two hundred perfumes, all original and hand-made, often creating fragrances for the exclusive use of their wealthiest customers.

The House of Creed was founded in 1760 when James Henry Creed opened his first shop in London. It rapidly became a favorite of the aristocracy and soon Queen Victoria appointed Creed as an official supplier to the Royal household.

Eventually Creed was adopted by all the courts of Europe: Napoléon III and Empress Eugénie of France, Franz-Joseph and Elizabeth of Austro-Hungary and Queen Christina of Spain. In 1854, under the patronage of Empress Eugénie, the House of Creed moved to Paris where it established a firm reputation for the rare beauty, quality and exclusivity of its fragrances.

Today Olivier Creed, direct descendant of James Henry Creed, continues this great tradition as Createur Parfumeur and President of the House of Creed. In France, or travelling abroad, he personally selects the purest rose essences from Bulgaria, Turkey or Morocco as well as Italian jasmine, irises from Florence, Tuberose from India or genuine Parma violets. Creed also manufactures their own essences using the traditional infusion technique, now abandoned as too costly by the modern perfume industry.

Wherever possible, Olivier Creed insists on using natural essences instead of the synthetic ones used increasingly by large perfume companies these days. This enables Olivier Creed, a perfectionist, to preserve

the originality and superior quality of his fragrances. The components are then weighed, mixed, macerated and filtered, all by hand, before being shipped to only the finest department stores and specialist retailers worldwide. Creed fragrances offer all those who appreciate excellence the opportunity to rediscover the art of fine fragrance.

His two children, Erwin and Olivia, thoroughly instilled with the family heritage, are now initiated into the delicatecraft of the parfumer, and both appear bewitched by the special magic involved in the creation of perfume.

The Parisian fragrance house Creed is commemorating an astonishing milestone this 2010 – it’s 250^th anniversary.

We welcomed Mr. Erwin Creed, 7^th generation luxury perfumer and heir to the family owned fragrance business, to celebrate the brand’s achievement in Manila with the reopening of the Creed fragrance counter at Rustan’s Makati’s newly constructed Grand Mall area on Thursday, November 25, 2010

Erwin Creed had a special signing of Creed perfumes.

CREED’S BEST KEPT SECRET

All Creed fragrances are created using ingredients of the highest quality: MILLESIME. “Millésime” is a French term that denotes a product of extra fine quality and Creed’s “Millésime” fragrances contain the highest percentage of natural essences to be found in the French perfume industry.

They continue to be produced, largely by hand, using time-honoured techniques in the highest tradition of classical perfumery.

They are mostly of Eau de Parfum strength, and therefore more complex and long lasting than the Eau de Toilette.

The Lady Millesimes

The Lady Millesimes are more heady perfumes due to a sophisticated and foppish alliance of many rich flower essences. From each fragrance is born an atmosphere that divulges the personality of the woman who wears it.

Fluerissimo

Enjoy a real-life storybook romance with CREED Fleurissimo, the classic floral fragrance commissioned by a royal prince for his American bride on her wedding day. Fleurissimo was made to complement the royal bouquet she carried down the aisle.

Classification: Floral / Fresh

Top Notes: Bergamot

Middle Notes: Tuberose, Bulgarian Rose, Violet, Florentine Iris

Base Notes: Ambergris

Spring Flower

Celebrate the exuberance of new romance with CREED Spring Flower, a fresh, floral fragrance of pure femininity from the House of CREED. CREED made Spring Flower as the signature scent of a silver screen legend, fashion icon and renowned humanitarian. The scent was released to the public many years later. Delightfully pink and pretty, CREED Spring Flower is a playful and unapologetic celebration of feminine energy and style that is true to the spirit of the woman who inspired it. Fruity, floral, sweet, youthful and sexy.

Classification: Floral / Fresh

Top Notes: Peach, melon, apple

Middle Notes: Jasmine, rose

Base Notes: Musk, ambergris

Love in White

Enjoyed by two First Ladies of the United States, Love In White evokes America’s most influential women. The fragrance takes its name from Mr. CREED’s love of sailing. Hand-made with ingredients of rare quality from five continents. A worldly mix of blossoms in the hands of Mr. CREED becomes a fragrance at once exclusive and welcoming.

Classification: Floral / Oriental

Top Notes: Orange zest from southern Spain

Middle Notes: Young iridescent rice husk from Tonkin in the south Asian seas; iris from Egypt; white jasmine from the Italian coast; daffodils from the French Riviera; magnolia from the mountains of Guatemala; and Bulgarian rose

Base Notes: Vanilla from the island of Java; ambergris from Calabria; sandalwood from Mysore, India

Love in Black

Olivier CREED with his son, Erwin, presents a fragrance that evokes in dusk blooming wildflowers the enigmatic beauty of America’s most intriguing First Lady of the 20th century: her dark, mysterious eyes behind black sunglasses, her wavelets of brunette hair, her trim shape in a black sheath. To create Love In Black, Mr. CREED blended ingredients from places loved by this well-traveled woman. Even the bottle is made with black sand like that in the Greek isles where she wed a legendary shipping tycoon.

Classification: Violet Oriental

Top Notes: Night-blooming wildflowers from the Greek isles, Violet from Italy, Virginia cedar.

Middle Notes: Iris from Florence, Clove, Tonkin musk

Base Notes: Blackcurrant from Bourgogne in her beloved France, where her ancestors were born; Bulgarian rose

Acqua Fiorentina

Master perfumer Olivier CREED with his son, Erwin, offers a fragrance of lasting artistry and permanent value with CREED Acqua Fiorentina. The inspiration is 15th century Florence in Italy, where artists and innovators such as da Vinci and Michelangelo lit a new flame of beauty and culture, sparking a Renaissance of art always growing in worth, even today. Orchards and farms around Florence are sources for CREED Acqua Fiorentina ingredients.

Classification: Fruity / Floral

Top Notes: Lightly sweet greengage plum, often used in cuisine as a dessert plum, and bergamot orange

Middle Notes: Renaissance roses, pink carnations and Calabrian lemon are a finely rendered portrait of fruits and blooms.

Base Notes: Virginia cedar and Indian sandalwood are the warm, sculpted frame for this work of art.

The Gentlemen Millesimes are fresh and hot perfumes, although all virile. All recalls a distinctive ambience that project men in a different world; they create a unique climate whom none resist.

Millesime Imperial

This light and invigorating scent evokes the citrus groves and lush landscape of a seaside palace in Sicily. A scent for persons of stature, Millesime Imperial is famed for its golden look and feel that fit perfectly with the Oscar, Emmy, Grammy and Tony, a reason for this fragrance’s lasting popularity with the world’s top entertainers, male and female. Imperial Millesime is literally the gold standard in fragrance.

Classification: Citrus / Floral

Top Notes: Crisp fruit notes, sea salt

Middle Notes: Sicilian lemon, bergamot, mandarin, Florentine Iris

Base Notes: Musk, woody and marine notes

Himalaya

CREED Himalaya is a fragrance of rugged masculinity and strength. Olivier CREED made this scent to commemorate his daring climb in the beautiful but treacherous Himalayan mountains. CREED Himalaya is a fragrance that evokes the power and majesty of man and nature. The one-of-a-kind metallic bottle makes a statement of unmistakable confidence. The bottle was developed by Erwin CREED, the seventh generation and designated future head of the House of CREED. Many say it resembles ice on mountain rocks. Others say it resembles a climber’s canteen.

Classification: Woody Oriental / Fresh

Top Notes: Grapefruit, bergamot from Calabria, lemon from Sicily

Middle Notes: Sandalwood

Base Notes: Musk, ambergris, cedarwood

Green Irish Tweed

As classic as a perfectly tailored tuxedo on Oscar night, CREED Green Irish Tweed is loyally worn by today’s Hollywood leading men who ask for it by name. A film colony legend like the stars who wear it, Green Irish Tweed has an invigorating freshness and pure masculinity that have made it not only one of the most artistic fragrances from Olivier CREED, but also one of the most successful.

Classification: Green / Woods / Classic

Top Notes: French verbena, Florentine iris

Middle Notes: Violet leaves

Base Notes: Sandalwood from Mysore, ambergris

Royal Water

Royal Water is a dry, clean understated classic created as a tribute to the next generation of royals. With its versatility and regal appeal, Royal Water is a scent beloved by men and women alike. Royal Water captures the glamour, energy and power of tomorrow’s international newsmakers.

Classification: Herbal / Citrus

Top Notes: Fresh citrus infusion with peppermint

Middle Notes: Juniper berry, basil

Base Notes: Musk, ambergris

Original Santal

India’s royal and spiritual splendor meet in Original Santal, the contemporary scent for men and women from master perfumer Olivier CREED, who for the first time looks to Asia for inspiration. Mr. CREED combines the essence of royal sandalwood trees from India with other pure elements known for sublime scent, spiritual strength and calming power. Red-as-rubies Original Santal aspires to opulent inner calm for those who wear it.

Classification: Woody / Oriental

Top Notes: Royal Indian sandalwood; cinnamon evoking calm and home; divine coriander; fragrant, cleansing juniper berry

Middle Notes: Tender lavender, leaves of the absolute orange tree; fragrant rosemary; revitalizing ginger

Base Notes: Soulful Tonka bean; dreamlike vanilla

The Lady Millesimes are available in 75ml (P7,700), 30ml (P4,600).

The Gentlemen Millesimes are available in 125ml (PHP8,800), 75ml (PHP7,700) and 30ml (PHP4,600).

The Creed Fragrances are exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati and are distributed by Prestige Brands Philippines, Inc.a subsidiary of the Prestige Group of Companies, which represents international designer fragrances in Southeast Asia.

December 9, 2010

Tod’s Saint Tropez Boutique Celebrates its new Tod’s Home Concept

By Heart2Heart | Fashion, Homes and Interiors, What's New at Rustan's | No Comments

The Tod’s Saint Tropez boutique inaugurated it’s newly renovated ‘Home Concept’’ with a celebrative cocktail in the newly innovated space that approaches luxury shopping in a warm and welcoming home like environment.

Tod’s has recently renovated many of its important global flagship boutiques from refined, clean- cut sales floors to a more contemporary, comfortable and warm retail atmosphere, complete with special vintage furniture and unique decorative pieces.

In an increasingly globalize world of cookie cutter aesthetics, Tod’s stands apart with its innate capacity to balance its essential DNA with exceptional and truly personal accents. Upon entering the space, one feels as if they are walking into a close friend’s or family’s inviting yet impeccable home. No two Tod’s boutiques will be furnished with the same decorative pieces, mirroring the group’s ethos and selection of finest handcrafted Italian leather goods and ready to wear.

The Tod’s “Home Concept” features renowned Elliot Erwitt portraits, handmade precious carpets and distressed oak panelled accents juxtapose with bookshelves and open closets that sit seamlessly alongside furniture designed by some of the 20^th century’s most outstanding designers including Parisi, Redaelli and Ulrich.

An enriched contemporary retail experience created for more than mere shopping that mirrors the true DNA of Tod’s Italian luxury lifestyle.

Tod’s Home Concept

Milan, London, Paris, Munich, Saint Tropez, Los Angeles

In the Philippines, Tod’s shoes, bags, and accessories are exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and are available at the boutiques located in Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati and Rustan’s Tower, Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

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December 7, 2010

Banana Republic Presents Life at Work

By Heart2Heart | Fashion, What's New at Rustan's | No Comments

Sensible Fashions for Everyday Wear

Effortless strength. Understated cool. These artful juxtapositions reflect Banana Republic’s Fall 2010 collection. Personifying these traits are 5 of the most successful career men and women in their respective industries: President of GMA Films Annette Gozon-Abrogar, Interior Design Consultant Marilen Faustino-Montenegro, Photographer Philip Sison, and Doctors Arnel and Ome Nuguid.

Beautiful, intelligent and well-established as career women, Annette Gozon-Abrogar and Marilen Faustino-Montenegro take on their big responsibilities in effortless grace and style emanating a refined impression as women of stature.

As a top honcho of the film arm of the GMA network station, Annette Gozon-Abrogar also manages to fulfill more roles for the network. Aside from being a program consultant to the President and CEO lawyer – and her father – Felipe Gozon, she is also involved in the drama sub-committee that conceptualizes dramas aired, and heads GMA Worldwide Inc., the subsidiary that purchases canned programs and sells GMA programs to countries abroad. Annette always strives for excellence and performs all her duties with ease and finesse. That probably comes from being a top caliber lawyer before embarking on the entertainment industry which she shares an equal passion for.

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Even with her hands full, Annette manages to balance her time and fulfill the most important role for her – being a wife and a mother of two kids. Annette and her kids enjoy simple things like going to malls and playing tennis together. She shares that planning her schedule well and technology has helped her a lot in being able to spend time with her family. “I can be connected to work via cell phones and through the internet.. I try to also not schedule meetings after 6 so I can be home for dinner and have time to teach my kids their homework before they go to bed.”

First time mom, Interior Design Consultant, host, and model Marilen Faustino-Montegro has the same take on prioritizing family. Having given birth 2 months ago to a baby boy, Marilen is more focused and hands on as she enthusiastically takes on the role of being a mother. Marilen has managed to still do the things she loves and be a mom to her little boy, “Now I have to cut down on the amount of projects I take on but I don’t consider it a loss. I try to always schedule my day to do things when the baby is asleep, or I bring my baby boy with me as I work with the help of our nanny.”

Marilen used to have a hectic schedule handling several projects her profession requires all at the same time. She takes on residential, resort and occasionally commercial projects meeting clients, planning, and shopping for accessories or furniture which she enjoys a lot. On top of all that, she also hosts a weekly ultimate home improvement TV show and models on the side as part of the Board of Members of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines. But now, “I’m really focused on my baby, changing diapers and doing activities with him.” she eagerly shares.

As professionals and icons in their own fields these two women share the same fashion sense: classic and simple sophistication that works best for their lifestyle and personalities. “I’m a bit conservative with what I wear, I like comfortable clothes. I don’t like itchy fabrics and too tight-fitting clothes.” During more casual days Annette goes to work in a pair of jeans and a basic top which she considers essential to her wardrobe aside from a carry-all bag. Marilen also prefers to stick to the basics like neutral colors, classic cuts instead of bright colors and prints as it gives a more classy and sophisticated look. In line with her profession, her essential wardrobe pieces are, “A good pair of jeans, a crisp white polo, a black dress, shawls or cardigans I can throw over a top and leggings” she shares that’s practical for work and as a mother.

Just as passionate and dedicated as Annette and Marilen are three well-respected and established gentlemen in the fields of art and medicine: Photographer Philip Sison and Pediatricians Dr. Arnel and Ome Nuguid.

There’s no ordinary day for professional photographer Philip Sison. Having worked as an investment banker before pursuing his love for photography Philip enjoys the beauty of an unpredictable day of work that comes with his present career. “I can start my day at 6 in the evening and it ends by midnight if I’m lucky, each day is different. You don’t know who you’ll meet and there’s something new you learn everyday.” He shares.

Starting out as a hobbyist when he was in grade school and doing photography on the side while working in a bank for 16 years, Philip decided to go full-time taking photographs in 2005. Since then, things have changed – but only positively for Philip, even if at times it gets difficult. He has learned to master the art of balancing time and being professional. “In photography the demands are very personal. Sometimes my personal time becomes secondary after my commitments are fulfilled.” But he shares he is able to manage his time well and rest from work to spend time with his wife and three children. They enjoy traveling together as a family and make it a point to go out of town or the country couple of times in a year.

Travel is even more a luxury for Doctors Arnel and Ome Nuguid who are identical twins and both pediatricians. Their responsibility as doctors to their patients is 24/7 as they are one of the few doctors who also take on house calls aside from working in a hospital. They rarely get to travel together wanting to make sure “there’s always a Dr. Nuguid in town.”

As identical twins in the same profession, they have been discouraged by some friends and family to take on the same career path that might lead them into conflict. But they think otherwise, “We proved them wrong, this is a healthy competition if there is any, and it’s really working well for both of us, one covers for the other, and we always learn from each other.” Dr. Arnel shares. They have also established themselves individually even as identical twins and they have learned to deal with criticisms with a positive outlook. “We have different set of patients and we tend to get compared with one another, but it never got in the way of our relationship as brothers and to do well in our profession.” Dr. Ome expounds.

Sharing three clinics in different hospitals in the metro the Nuguid brothers attend to their patients, do their rounds, and are always ready when duty calls. Leisure comes secondary for them and their patient’s well-being is always top priority. However, they both manage to squeeze in work-out everyday to stay fit and as well as find time to spend with family and relatives.

For these revered men, they believe that what you wear is an extension of your lifestyle and most importantly of your self. Philip always thinks first what his job is for the day before deciding what to wear. As a photographer, the color black has been a staple, “We should be invisible. We’re not supposed to be interacting too much with our subject, but that has changed today.” So he tries to put on more color, experiments more with his style, but keeps on a pair of jeans and sneakers that works best for him. For doctors Arnel and Ome Nuguid, facing patients well-groomed and dressed decently makes all the difference. “We don’t go in front of patients looking so sloppy.” Aside from doing their job well, they make sure they put on a smile and look best for their patients to feel at ease and confident with their doctor. Being identical in their white suits, their fashion sense tells them apart. Dr. Arnel is more adventurous and experiments more in dressing up choosing a bow tie as one of his essential wardrobe pieces as Dr. Ome chooses to stick to the basic long sleeves he’s comfortable wearing.

Individuality. Versatility. Freedom. It’s about what works for your life. This season Banana Republic’s latest collection revolves around contrasting textures, thoughtful tailoring and effortless modernity. With each piece possessing enduring versatility and limitless opportunities for mixing, the line creates the perfect canvas to display one’s own individual style. “Today there‘s no separation between what we wear to work, to play, to unwind,” notes Creative Director and EVP of Design, Simon Kneen. “For fall, a series of opposing pairings—masculine shapes with feminine details, utilitarian essentials with tailored finery, romantic touches with military classics—creates a modern energy that suits every time and place.”

Banana Republic is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Casual Clothing Specialists, Inc. (CCSI), a subsidiary of Stores Specialists, Inc., and is available at Greenbelt 5 and Rustan’s Department Store Makati.

CREDITS:

Photography by Aldwin Aspillera

Styling by Sidney Yap

Make-Up by John Pagaduan

Hair Styling by Bea Misa

Special thanks to Annette Gozon-Abrogar, Marilen Faustino-Montenegro, Philip Sison, Dr. Arnel and Ome Nuguid

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December 4, 2010

Chocolates and Christmas Goodies!

By Heart2Heart | Christmas, What's New at Rustan's | No Comments

LOVE LOVE looking at all the chocolates in the store!!!!!! So many new ones!! Took these photos last week and this week almost gone already!! So hurry and get these yummy chocolates and christmas treats at Rustan’s Supermarket. These are from Makati store. Not sure what branches will also have them. There are many many more in the store!! Check them out! Easy gifts for Christmas 🙂

Panettone from Italy!

Oops I always get distracted by the salts! 🙂

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December 3, 2010

Rustan’s Christmas Registry 2010

By Heart2Heart | Christmas, For kids, What's New at Rustan's | No Comments

Javier asked me to bring him to do his christmas registry at Rustan’s!

I left Javier to choose his gifts with the elf and I went to get the registries of our nieces and nephews and did my christmas shopping. The christmas registry makes life easier for all of us in getting the gifts of the kids! It’s the best idea ever!

As I was getting the gifts, I hear Javier calling me and I see him riding a scooter with the salesman around the toy department! It was so funny!!!

Also love the christmas windows which everyone looks forward to every year

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December 1, 2010

A Holiday Season Imbued with Tradition and Passion

By Heart2Heart | Christmas, What's New at Rustan's | No Comments

Fruits & Passion is pleased to uncover their reflections of the joy and traditions of the season in their 2010 holiday season collection. The Canadian company has outdone themselves once more, offering a wide selection of exclusive products and gift ideas to fit every lifestyle and budget – all artfully decorated and wrapped with flourish.

Limited edition Cucina fragrance

Fans of the Cucina line will be delighted to learn that Fruits & Passion will be introducing a brand new exclusive fragrance, for a limited time only – Arancia Dolce – an orange confit scent with delightfully aromatic and warm spice notes capturing the spirit of the season. Arancia Dolce will be available in various products and “ready-to-give” gifts.

Festive fragrances

In keeping with tradition, Fruits & Passion will spotlight three seasonal fragrances, including their two holiday season classics Orange-Cinnamon and Winter Berries. Iced Vanilla, their newest creation, is a vanilla-based scent with fruity sorbet accents. These three exclusive fragrances will be available in ten products to create a festive atmosphere in the home.

Starting November 1st, the 110 Fruits & Passion boutiques in Canada will be decorated in their “holiday finery”, welcoming customers looking for truly unique gifts.

In the Philippines, Fruits & Passion is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 3, Bonifacio High Street, Alabang Town Center, Mall of Asia, Rustan’s Tower Mandaluyong City, and TriNOma.