Carrying on and keeping Rustan’s’ Christmas spirit alive

BY MARINEL CRUZ

OCTOBER 23, 2024

Rustan's Christmas window --CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

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“We are hoping to continue the legacy she has built,” said Anton T. Huang of his mother, Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco, who led the luxury retailer Rustan’s until her death in February. The company formally launched its holiday collection with an unveiling ceremony of its Christmas-themed window display on Oct. 18.

It’s a poignant time as the Tantoco heirs continue a longtime Rustan’s holiday tradition.

“It’s true that we’re no longer as complete as we were last year,” said Huang, president and CEO of Rustan Commercial Corp., SSI group of companies, and Rustan Marketing. “We’re doing what we can to continue the legacy that [our late chair and CEO] built, and also that of her parents—our grandparents.”

Rustan’s Christmas shop

The unveiling of the Christmas-themed display, which dates back to the 1980s, has become a tradition. The building façade of the flgaship store in Makati not only creatively brings many of its featured brands to the forefront, but also spreads the holiday spirit to every passerby.

“As I told the Rustan’s team earlier, I’m proud of what they’ve done. I really feel, as I entered the building today, that there’s some strong sense of emotion that brings us back to the magic that we felt during Christmas while we were growing up,” Huang told Lifestyle shortly after the unveiling held at the five-story branch in Makati City.

Celebratory moment

This year, the window display depicts Santa’s journey, showcasing his preparations in the workshop, and culminating in the delivery of gifts to children in the community. What makes this year’s concept unique is its modern interpretation of the folkloric tale, Rustan’s explained in a statement. For instance, instead of a sleigh, Santa is seen driving a beautiful vintage car loaded with gifts, as Mrs. Claus zips through town on a Vespa.

Anton Huang, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Lizzie Zobel, Marga Nograles and Donnie Tantoco

Meaningful cause

“We’ve always thought of Christmas as a celebratory moment or period of the year,” Huang said. “I want to make sure that this year, like in the previous years at Rustan’s, Christmas will be for all ages and not only for the children themselves. It should be for the child in all of us. That’s what we are really trying to achieve today. I think we did an incredible job of creating a magical place for our shoppers and loyal customers, for them to really enjoy themselves this holiday season.”

Rustan’s goes full-on with its lavish decorations. On launch day, the doorman welcomed visitors with a holiday tune. Inside, Santa’s elves ushered guests to the courtyard for refreshments. The Head Elf arrived shortly, signaling the start of the festivities by asking: “Do you believe in the magic of Christmas?”

Pundaquit Virtuosi Orchestra

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Tourism Promotions Board head Marga Nograles, Lizzie Zobel, Dr. Hayden Kho Jr., and Happy Ongpauco-Tiu were among the guests .

Each floor hosted a variety of activities. At the Beauty section on the ground floor was Santa’s Chocolate Corner, where guests were offered cacao samples. Meanwhile, the Men’s section featured a cocktail-tasting booth.

Rustan’s and SSI Group chair Donnie Tantoco, Happy Ongpauco-Tiu. Marga Nograles, Dr. Hayden Kho. Dr. Vicki Belo, Lizzie Zobel and Anton Huang

The second floor (Women’s) featured a Christmas tram where guests took souvenir photos. They also had the chance to interact with fashion designers such as Rosbert Villar, Yoya, Joyce Makitalo, Jim Weaver, and Puey Quinones.

Palace suspends government work, classes on Oct. 31

BY BETHEENA UNITE

Oct 22, 2024 09:48 PM

  

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Malacañang has suspended work in government offices and classes at all levels on Oct. 31, starting 12 p.m. for the observance of All Saints' and Souls' Days.

Davao City residents visit their departed loved ones at the Davao Public Cemetery on All Saints Day, November 1. (Keith Bacongco)

Through Memorandum Circular No. 67, the Palace issued a suspension to give government employees the full opportunity to properly observe the All Saints' and Souls' Day activities.

"In order to provide government employees full opportunity to properly observe traditional All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day activities, allow them to travel to and from different regions in the country, and promote domestic tourism, work in government offices and classes at all levels shall be suspended on 31 October 2024 starting 12:00 p.m.," the memorandum read.

However, agencies, whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services, shall continue their operations and render the necessary services, the memorandum added.

The suspension of work for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.

The memorandum was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

59 areas placed under tropical cyclone wind signals due to ‘Kristine’

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Oct 23, 2024 08:57 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Kristine could make landfall in Isabela or northern Aurora on Wednesday evening, Oct. 23, or Thursday morning, Oct. 24, potentially as a severe tropical storm.

• Nearly the entire country is expected to experience rainfall in the next 24 hours due to the vast circulation of Tropical Storm Kristine.

• Kristine may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, Oct. 25.

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Forecast track and intensity of Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) as of 8 a.m., Oct. 23, 2024 (Courtesy of PAGASA)

Twenty-six areas have been placed under tropical cyclone wind Signal No. 2 and 33 areas under Signal No. 1 as Tropical Storm “Kristine” (international name “Trami”) approaches Luzon on Wednesday, Oct. 23, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In the PAGASA’s 8 a.m. bulletin, Signal No. 2 was raised in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, northern and eastern portions of Quezon (Infanta, General Nakar, Real, Mauban, Perez, Alabat, Quezon, Calauag, Tagkawayan, Guinayangan), including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and northeastern portion of Sorsogon (Prieto Diaz, City of Sorsogon).

Areas under Signal No. 1 include Metro Manila, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Bataan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, the rest of Quezon, Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Calamian Islands, the rest of Sorsogon, Masbate (including Ticao and Burias Islands), Aklan, Capiz, Antique (including Caluya Islands), Iloilo, Guimaras, northern portion of Negros Occidental (Pontevedra, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Bago City, La Carlota City, Valladolid, Pulupandan, Bacolod City, San Enrique, Murcia, Silay City, City of Talisay, Enrique B. Magalona, Manapla, City of Victorias, Cadiz City, Sagay City, City of Escalante, Toboso, Calatrava, Salvador Benedicto, San Carlos City), northern portion of Negros Oriental (Vallehermoso, Canlaon City, City of Guihulngan), northern and central portions of Cebu (Alcantara, Argao, Dumanjug, Sibonga, Pinamungahan, Ronda, Liloan, Cebu City, Moalboal, Consolacion, Danao City, Borbon, Carmen, Daanbantayan, Tuburan, City of Bogo, Tabogon, City of Naga, Lapu-Lapu City, City of Carcar, Mandaue City, Catmon, Minglanilla, Toledo City, Cordova, Compostela, San Remigio, Balamban, Aloguinsan, San Fernando, Asturias, Barili, Medellin, Sogod, Tabuelan, City of Talisay), including Bantayan Islands and Camotes Islands, Bohol, the rest of Eastern Samar, the rest of Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte (including Siargao-Bucas Grande Group).

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Kristine has maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts reaching up to 105 kph.

The storm’s center was located 310 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora, and is expected to move west-northwestward at 15 kph.

PAGASA said Kristine could make landfall in Isabela or northern Aurora on Wednesday evening, or Thursday morning, Oct. 24, potentially as a severe tropical storm.

Heavy rainfall forecast

Nearly the entire country is expected to experience rainfall in the next 24 hours due to the vast circulation of Tropical Storm Kristine.

PAGASA warned of intense to torrential rainfall in Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quezon.

Moderate to, at times, intense rainfall is also expected in Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte.

The trough or extension of Kristine may also bring moderate to, at times, heavy rains to Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Soccsksargen.

The rest of Mindanao is likely to experience isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to Kristine’s trough.

PAGASA warned that these conditions may lead to flooding and landslides, especially in areas identified as highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards on hazard maps, and in areas with significant antecedent rainfall.

Kristine may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, Oct. 25.

Cushion natural disaster impacts; secure a safer future for all

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Oct 23, 2024 07:34 AM

  

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The Philippines, with its unique geographical location, faces an unparalleled challenge — it is the most disaster-prone country in Southeast Asia, leading to the highest rate of internal displacement due to natural disasters. 

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC) bared this in a joint report, “Harnessing Development Financing for Solutions to Displacement in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change in Asia and the Pacific.” According to the report, natural disasters displace Filipinos the most compared to their neighbors in Southeast Asia — nearly 43 million disaster displacements between 2014 and 2023. With this development, both multilateral lenders called for immediate aid and response to calamity victims to prevent them from sliding into poverty. 

This situation underscores the urgency of addressing this crisis through coordinated efforts of the government, private sector, and every Filipino citizen.

To begin with, the state must prioritize the integration of displacement considerations into national and local policies. This includes enhancing the National Climate Change Action Plan and the National Disaster Risk Management Plan to ensure they are robust and responsive to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) should expedite its review of the Manila Bay reclamation projects, ensuring that environmental and social impacts are thoroughly assessed and mitigated. It has been awhile since President Marcos ordered a review of the Manila Bay reclamation projects. 

Investments in resilient infrastructure are crucial, therefore the government should take steps to make this happen. It should allocate more resources to building disaster-resilient housing, improving early warning systems, and enhancing evacuation centers. Additionally, there should be a focus on sustainable land use planning to prevent settlements in high-risk areas.

The private sector plays a pivotal role in helping the government address displacement concerns. Businesses can contribute by investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure and technologies that mitigate the impacts of climate change. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives should focus on supporting displaced communities through job creation, skills training, and livelihood programs.

Moreover, private companies can collaborate with the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to develop innovative solutions for disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. This includes funding research and development projects aimed at creating sustainable and resilient communities.

To address displacement, every Filipino has a role to play. Community-based disaster risk reduction programs should be promoted, encouraging local participation in disaster preparedness and response activities. Education campaigns can raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices.

Citizens can also advocate for stronger climate policies and hold both the government and private sector accountable for their actions. By fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience, communities can better withstand the impacts of natural disasters.

The displacement problem in the country requires a comprehensive and unified approach. The government, private sector, and citizens must work together to implement effective solutions that address the root causes of displacement and build a more resilient nation. 

As Sen. Loren Legarda stressed during the plenary discussion of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Pasay City on Oct. 16, “government, the private sector, civil society, local communities, the education sector, must collaborate to create inclusive and innovative solutions.”

With the right policies, investments, and community engagement, we can turn the tide on displacement and secure a safer future for all Filipinos.

THE THEORY THAT MATTERS

By Klaus Döring

We love to complain! Many times we don't have reasons at all to do so - but, we love to complain. Especially nowadays. Our world is full of mess - isn't it? If we observe all news - well, what can we say?

We bring many assertions to bear: first, in the past we have been thriftier and economical, more religious and devout, more patriotic, industrious, more hard-working, keen and obedient. And, second, above everything and all: in the past we had more idealists. Third, nowadays we have (mostly?) material things in mind - what a disgrace.

Materialists or idealists? What do you love?

I just quoted Vox Populi... .

A "materialist" has indeed become a swear word. I don't mean with "material" the accumulated data out of which a writer creates a work of literary, historical, or scientific value. A materialist is being easily described as someone with an attitude, who ignores spiritual values, compared with an idealist, who has the tendency to seek the highest spiritual perfection.

Idealism means the doctrine that appearance is purely the perception, the idea of subjects, and that the world is to be regarded as consisting of mind. The coquetry of higher philosophy makes it difficult to bear the ups and downs in our daily life.

Sure, we all know that "our last earthly dress has no pockets  any more". Striving for earthly and terrestrial possession, property and estate might be the hit-man of idealism. That's how we have been taught. "Wine, women and song", having the unpleasant feeling of fullness, egoism and bragging as well as showing-off - are these the materialist's real attitudes?

Is the idealist, many times not being able to stand on earth with both feet, the only one who occupies himself with religion and virtuousness - so to speak, with celestial and heavenly things? Is that really so? Can we make such a distinction? Sure, it's easy to do so: it's manageable and comfortable. But well, why is the enjoyment of having a tasty meal BAD, and listening to a recital composed by Johann Sebastian Bach BETTER? Why should art be better than roasted pork and a bottle of wine? Value judgements and moral concepts... .

Owning a house and lot and care are - of course - earthly properties, as well as bank saving accounts, profitable insurances, and invest advantageously in stocks. Is a terrible underpaid nurse or a book author an idealist, because he or she doesn't work for the filthy lure but for higher values? Has Jesus been an idealist, because He renunciated and died without terrestrial possession? Has Jesus been a materialist, because He fed thousands of people on the breadline? Are we idealists, if we bequeath nothing to our families and might die without a single centavo, because earthly things are bad?

Amina Aranaz-Alunan’s world of design

The Filipino accessories designer on bringing local pieces to the international stage and shaping the minds of the country’s future design leaders.

BY JOHN LEGASPI

  

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It was the beginning of another semester at SoFA Design Institute when Amina Aranaz-Alunan scheduled an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. Unlike past opening days, this one was particularly special as the staff welcomed students to their new home at The Proscenium Retail Row in Rockwell, Makati City.

Amina Aranaz-Alunan

Compared to its former location on Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, the new space is larger, offering more room for students to interact and bring their visions to life. SoFA Design Institute was established in 2007, and in some ways, the school's building was inspired by Amina’s own journey. Growing up, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in fashion, but at the time, there were no fashion courses or degrees focused on designing clothes.

Together with Loralee Baron-Soong, Amina co-founded the school, which soon gained street credibility as the country's go-to institution for design and fashion.

“When I was in high school, I knew that fashion was my path, but there were no options,” Amina shared. “After attending Marangoni and experiencing what it’s like to live and study in a fashion capital, I felt that the Philippines needed something. It started with a dream that one day Manila would be a fashion capital. Part of that dream was legitimizing fashion education and professionals. Fashion can’t all be self-taught or viewed as just a hobby. That’s what led me to establish SoFA.”

Before becoming the co-founder and president of SoFA Design Institute, Amina was first an accessories designer. With her mother, Becky Aranaz, already in the bag manufacturing business, it was a natural step for Amina to pursue a professional career in fashion. After studying an interdisciplinary course at Ateneo de Manila and gaining formal education in fashion at Istituto Marangoni Milano, Amina set out to establish Aranáz in 1999. Together with her mother and sister Rosanna Aranaz, she aimed to elevate Filipino fashion and bring it to the international stage.

In a conversation with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, Amina reflects on her early days as an accessories designer, the challenges she faced as the leader of her brand, and SoFA’s role in shaping the future design leaders of the Philippines.

Aranáz's latest collection

What inspired you to become an accessories designer?

I would say that I was born into it. My mom had a bag business ever since I was born, and I was always interested in fashion from a very young age. I didn’t proclaim that I would be a fashion designer or an accessories designer, but I was definitely into fashion and the arts.

She had a bag factory and was also interested in fashion, so we were exposed to it early on. One of my activities as a child was playing dress-up with my mom's wardrobe. I remember she had a chest as tall as I was. Every drawer was filled with accessories from the ’80s—big, bold, chunky, and colorful. I would just have fun, opening the drawers and playing around.

What were the initial challenges you faced when you launched Aranáz?

We were blessed that the market embraced the brand. I grew up in a generation that patronized imported brands because there weren’t many local options. Introducing a Filipino brand was a challenge for us. At that time, wearing a handmade Filipino bag was something people typically associated with souvenir shops; it wasn’t viewed as a fashion item. I wanted to challenge that notion. We were pleasantly surprised that the market resonated with our vision. To this day, I would say everyone is proud to support a local brand.

Aranáz's pieces on display at Frensh department store Samaritaine

Was it hard to penetrate the international market?

When we officially started the brand from 1998 to 1999, the dream of making it an international brand was there. We began launching internationally in 2012, which felt like a long time because we didn’t know what to do. Unlike other local brands that made it abroad, we operated in the Philippines and didn’t have offices overseas. One of the main things that helped us was Manila Fame. It became our practice ground.

I was part of a group called Manila Wear, spearheaded by designer Josie Natori. She gathered designers who could eventually export their brands. I also undertook some initiatives on my own, but that practice allowed me to travel abroad for trade shows and connect with agents. Sometimes, I would travel with people from Manila Wear or a group of Filipino designers.

It took time to understand how to create wholesale prices, lookbooks, and line sheets—skills that weren’t taught in school, especially back then. Marangoni didn’t teach me these things because I took a design course. They, however, did teach me about branding, and I worked on Aranáz's branding while I was there.

When was the moment you felt you had finally made it?

It was when we started to seriously bring our brand internationally. My sister and I created a wish list of all the stores where we wanted to see our brand displayed. I can say that we have managed to cross off each store from that list. For us, that’s validation that the handmade Filipino bags we create are worthy of being on the same shelves as the international brands we once looked up to. To be among them is validation.

Our bags are our way of telling the Filipino story to the world. That’s why, if you buy our bags, you’ll see info cards stating, “a piece of Filipino culture in your hands.” One of the hashtags we frequently use is #WithLoveFromThePhilippines. It gives people a glimpse into the tropical Filipino lifestyle.

The newest addition to SoFA's campus

Let’s go back to SoFA. Can you tell us more about the new campus?

It was designed in collaboration with interior design students and faculty, with consultation from interior designers and SoFA board members Ivy and Cynthia Almario. The space is symbolic of the design process—a blank canvas.

When you enter the lobby, you’ll find the Think Tank. As you walk through, you’ll see curves that guide you through the design process, from the research and design lab to the collaboration space. The Collab Cove is one of the new features; it’s a multi-purpose room used for events, fashion shows, and exhibits. We also have a photo studio and workspace for students, along with a lounge for them to relax.

What have you learned from your students?

One of the unique aspects of our teaching at SoFA is our approach to the design process and inspiration. We encourage our students to incorporate their personal stories and perspectives into their designs. That should be the starting point—not something external or disconnected from their own experiences.

When I interact with students, it is on a personal level. Through their work, you can glimpse their innermost selves. The last class I taught was before the pandemic, and those sessions were, in some ways, therapeutic. There were emotions, even tears. They use design as a form of therapy and a tool for empowerment. Through them, I saw how design can be transformative; creative work is not mechanical or soulless. This might be biased, but it is a privilege to be a designer and to be exposed to other designers. It is a profession—a calling—that embodies one’s entire being.

Inside SoFA's new campus in Rockwell, Makati City

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud that I can do what I love. No matter how stressful or overwhelming it gets, I approach everything with love. With Aranáz and SoFA, I have always been guided by my heart. Some might see it as a flaw that I lean toward heart over mind, but I feel that what I do doesn’t feel like work because it is so true to who I am. Design is where I live and where I can always be found. I cannot imagine a life outside of design or what I am doing.