MANILA, Philippines - Rustan’s celebrated Europe, the continent of elegance and sophistication, the whole month of August with the European Union Festival 2013. Honoring the beauty of cultural diversity since 1993, the European Union brought nations together through a series of events and activities in a rendezvous to highlight the beautiful culture, artistry and craftsmanship of European countries — Italy, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Austria.
The festival formally debuted at the Rustan’s Shangri-La Tower with guests welcomed by Lumobir Frebort, Charges d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the European Union in the Philippines and Zenaida Tantoco, president of Rustan Commercial Corporation while the honorable Jejomar Binay, Vice President of the Philippines, delivered the keynote speech.
During the festival opening, a ceremonial ribbon cutting was inaugurated by Netherland ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Amb. Gijsbert Anton Boon von Ochssee and Mme. Martina Boon von Ochsee; Ignacio Perez-Cambra, Charges d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Spain; and First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Philippines, Dr. Alfonso Tagliaferri among others. Guests were entertained by world-class performances from concert violist and Juliard graduate Diomedes Saraza Jr. and award-winning premiere soprano, Rachelle Gerodias.
Following the formal opening was the inaugural tour of Rustan’s Shangri-la’s different departments from fashion to home. Each area showcased the participating brands coming from the member countries of the European Union.