Valera lives on

The opening of Valera and the Modern: An Exhibit on the Life and Work of National Artist for Fashion Design Ramon Valera was held at the School of Design and Arts (SDA) Gallery of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).

This much-awaited exhibit of the genius who defined the style of an era features cocktail dresses, evening gowns and traditional ternos from the private collections of the country’s elite and celebrities such as former first lady Luz Banzon Magsaysay, Nedy Tantoco, Gloria Romero, Chito Madrigal Collantes, Gretchen Cojuangco, Elvira Manahan, Fe Dolor-Serrano, Marites Pineda, Sonia Olivares, Carmen Lichauco, Delza Lazatin, Margarita Romualdez Licaros and Ramon Valera’s nieces Paching de la Fuente and Chit Paraiso Zulueta. The exhibit is made available for the discerning gaze of fashion enthusiasts and millennial designers.

The showcase is presented by the college’s Center for Campus Art (CCA) in partnership with the Tantoco-Rustia Foundation, led by its president Nedy Tantoco. It is the first presentation of the works of Valera in his very own alma mater, as he was a La Salle alumnus and the recipient of the 2007 De La Salle Alumni Association Distinguished Lasallian Award.

Inspired by Valera, DLS-CSB’s Fashion Design and Merchandising program students interpreted his classic creations. Curated by CCA director architect Gerry Torres, the display will be on view until Saturday, Oct. 14.

(For more information, call 230-5100 local 3849 or e-mail [email protected].)

Achieve your ambitions

A certain amount of planning is involved when one decides to pursue one’s dreams and ambitions. But with the demands of one’s busy lifestyle, planning for the future should not be too much of a hassle.

To keep up with the digital age, leading global insurer AXA Philippines launched its newest product, MyAmbition, the first life insurance and investment product to be made available online.

With MyAmbition, AXA has added investment and life insurance to the things you can purchase through the internet. It lets you grow your savings so you can afford your dream house, car or vacation — even all three — when the time is right for you.

During the launch, two young successful entrepreneurs talked about the value of planning ahead to achieve dreams and ambitions. Gian Javelona founded the technology company OrangeApps in 2012 at the age of 19. Reese Fernandez-Ruiz created the successful social enterprise Rags2Riches that produces handmade bags to give women a means of livelihood and promote the sustainable development of communities.

AXA Philippines president and CEO Rahul Hora said MyAmbition addresses the unique demands of digital natives. “You can avail yourself of MyAmbition through our e-commerce site. You can also download MyAXA, the mobile app to access policy information anytime, anywhere.”

For her part, chief customer officer Amor Balagtas shares, “MyAmbition takes the lifestyle needs of young professionals into consideration. It is affordable, convenient and flexible.” *

(For more information, visit www.axa.com.ph.)

Driven to inspire

In celebration of its fifth year, Autostrada Motore recently launched its campaign “People of Passion” at its showroom in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Long recognized as the motoring icon that inspires passion and excellence, Maserati hails from a fine tradition of automotive engineering excellence and devoted craftsmanship.

Through the decades, Maserati has set fire to the human spirit. It is only fitting that the brand would give recognition to a group of people who share a common passion and serve as an inspiration for others to live their lives with the same fervor.

Honorees for the evening’s proceedings were Mark Nicdao, Paolo Soler, Marc Nelson and James Deakin.

Also gracing the occasion was Hope in a Bottle founder Nanette Medved-Po. Maserati commited to bring together passionate people for a socially relevant cause by partnering with Hope in a Bottle towards building classrooms all around the Philippines.

It is a goal shared by Maserati big bosses Willie Soong and his son Jason to provide for future generations of Filipino children. Jason said, “Building a legacy is something that can’t be done alone and we are very ecstatic to be doing this with Hope in a Bottle. In this campaign, we are working on raising funds to build more classrooms in the Philippines. We are strongly committed to this cause; just as we are extremely committed to our clients and to the continuous development of Maserati and the Autostrada brand.”

Guests were feted to an evening of fine cuisine, curated cocktails from Botanist and Bruichladdich and fun music courtesy of DJ Manolet Dario.

(For more information, visit @maseratiphilippines and @hopeinabottleph on Instagram.)

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)