Without Batting An Eyelash : Malls, jewelry, whitening and other wows

Without Batting An Eyelash : Malls, jewelry, whitening and other wows
First posted 01:19am (Mla time) June 16, 2006
By Maurice Arcache
Inquirer/INQ7.net, Philippines

Editor’s Note: Published on page F2 of the June 16, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

THERE was adrenaline rush when the absolutely awesome SM Mall of Asia threw wide open its doors to tens of thousands of shoppers, palanggas.

As soon as SM Prime Holdings’ hotshot president Hans T. Sy and SM Inc. president Teresita Sy-Coson welcomed the first wave of customers, the crowd simply flowed into the shops. The others dined, watched the movies, or simply had fun checking the mall’s top main attractions such as the fantastic panoramic view of Manila Bay, the country’s first Imax theater (there are 10 other theaters) and an Olympic-size ice-skating rink.

There are over 600 local and international shops and over 150 indoor and al-fresco dining outlets.

Yes, palanggas, it’s a major wow!

A day earlier, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, celebrated the Mass, followed by the ribbon-snipping ceremony with President Macapagal Arroyo as guest of honor.

The distinguished Sy clan was there, led by visionary taipan, SM founder and chair Henry Sy Sr.,

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and his adorable wife Felicidad Sy.

Other members of the Sy clan present were SM Investments vice chair Henry Sy Jr., SM Supermarket SVP for marketing and SM Investments president Harley Sy, and SM Prime Holdings SVP for marketing Elizabeth Sy.

“Envisioned to be the premiere destination mall in the Asia-Pacific region, the more than 400,000 sq-m mall is located on a 19-ha property in the Bay Boulevard in Pasay City. It is SM Prime Holdings’ 25th supermall, and the company’s most ambitious project to date,” explained Millie Dizon of SM.

The complex consists of four buildings linked by elevated walkways. The main mall includes shopping and dining establishments, the food court, and skating rink.

The South Parking Building houses SM Department Store and half of the 5,000 parking spaces; while the North Parking Building has the SM Hypermarket and more dining areas.

The north and south streets have been converted to landscaped pedestrian lanes. It has outdoor retail and dining tenants.

Without batting an eyelash, I must say that the SM Mall of Asia was definitely designed with us, the customers, in mind.

Check out this dynamic mega-structure, it’s a one-of-a-kind in Asia, palanggas.

Miladay turns 40

For its dazzling 40th anniversary this year, Miladay launched “A Gift of Love,” a precious little gift card, at The Podium in Ortigas Center, palanggas.

“Because it is our mom’s dream for every Filipino to own a piece of Miladay no matter how small, we thought of introducing our newest product, “A Gift of Love from Miladay,” explained vivacious Michelle Dayrit Soliven, president of Miladay. “This gift card would surely put a smile on the faces of your loved ones.”

Men who want to give their sweethearts the best gifts should try “A Gift of Love.” It’s a precious little gift, palanggas.

In true Dayrit tradition (the late Mila and Vincent Dayrit used to hold grand parties here and abroad), the launch was an awesome good time, palanggas. Hosting the event were the cool second generation of Dayrits: Mark, Jaqui Boncan, Michelle Soliven, Christine and Yvonne Romualdez.

“A Gift of Love” was successfully received by Miladay’s regular clients and newfound friends like Peter Kawsek; Mike Toledo; Nikki and Tina Jurado; Joey and Gina Sunico; Marissa Garcia; Tina Camus; Pricesmart’s Jonathan Cayaon; FDCP chair Jackie Atienza; Sheila Lim; Roi Philips; Tessie Reyes; Nene Leonor; Gilda Salonga; and Blims’ Carrie Lim.

Also toasting the new Miladay line were Philip Juico, Susan Yap Sulit, Francorp’s Bing Limjoco, Lazartique’s Andie Montenegro, Ginnie Lim Fernandez, Randy Cepeda, Penny Cham, Grace Gobing, and other bling-bling lovers, dahlings.

They enjoyed the sumptuous cocktails prepared by popular Buddy Trinidad of Park Avenue Desserts. They drank red and white wines from Ralph’s Wine, natch. Those with a sweet tooth drank Paradise Mango Rum Liquor.

When the Dayrits entertain, there is no half-way about it. It’s all the way or nothing. In fact, fabulous prizes were raffled off, including a four-night stay in Nusa Dua Hotel in Bali, with a round-trip business-class air ticket from Royal Brunei.

Check out “A Gift of Love” at all Miladay branches: 150 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati; Glorietta 4, Makati; Waltermart, Pasong Tamo, Makati; Alabang Town Center; Robinsons Galleria; and SM Mall of Asia. Call 8964504 or 8964617.

Mary Kay’s all-white affair

As I breezed in the grand ballroom of Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila in Ortigas Center, I saw that everything was totally white, palanggas. After all, it was the fantastic launch of Mary Kay’s new brightening line, PureWhite System.

Shortly after being warmly welcomed byNancy Harel of Nancy Harel and Associates Inc., we were pampered and beautified.

We met Mary Kay Phils. Inc. general manager, Bernie Mercado, marketing director Reena Rodrigo, and sales development and training director Lynne Tribino.

The long list of VIPs included stylish Susan Freeman, a special guest from Mary Kay’s Dallas headquarters, who is also marketing manager for the Asia-Pacific region.

We were introduced to the new Lucentrix technology behind the PureWhite System. Mary Kay’s PureWhite System effectively targets the source of skin discoloration and restores the skin’s balance.

Great gifts were raffled off, including personalized charm bracelets. In addition, some early birds received fab gifts like limited-edition Mary Kay cell-phone charms with sparkling Swarovski crystal and special Mary Kay jewelry sets.

At the end of the all-white afternoon, the dazzling women were given exclusive samples of the PureWhite System, while the men received Mary Kay TimeWise 3-in-1 cleansing bars.

The grand prize in the raffle was a familiarization tour of the new Mary Kay facility in China, palanggas.

Hey, experience pure beauty. Exude pure perfection with PureWhite.

Call Mary Kay Phils. at 8596211 or visit www.marykay.com.ph