Fall in love with all things Spanish at Rustan's

MANILA, Philippines - In line with its tradition to hold international festivals to celebrate goodwill and partnerships that provide an authentic experience for their valued customers, Rustan’s recently launched its “Corazon de España” Spanish festival, in cooperation with the Embassy of Spain in Manila, The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines known as La Camara, Metrobank Card, Stores Specialists, Inc., and Rustan’s Supermarkets. 

Paying tribute to the vibrant lifestyle of Spain for the entire month of September, Rustan’s has unveiled a new collection that showcases the fashion, workmanship and flavors of the passionate Castilian country. 

During the opening ceremonies last Sept. 4 attended by Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines Jorge Domecq and wife Rosa, Senator Edgardo J. Angara, and Metrobank Card Corporation president Riko Abdurrahman, Rustan’s Commercial Corporation president Zenaida Tantoco noted “the centuries of meaningful relationship between Spain and the Philippines.” 

“Spanish influences abound in our arts and culture and in our way of life, including my attempt to speak Spanish tonight. Let us cherish this special bond that ties us closer to home, for truly, we can say, that in fact, Corazon de España also lives in the heart of Filipinos,” Tantoco said in her welcome speech. 

During the same speech, Tantoco also announced that La Camara has provided the Spanish chef for Rustan’s Cooking Demonstrations, while Instituto Cervantes will be giving free Spanish classes and Spanish books during the month-long celebration. 

She also mentioned two special guests namely Oscar Lerena, export manager of Consorcio de Jabugo Capa Negra, and the maestra cortadora la señora Francisca “Paquita” Torralbo who flew in directly from Spain to be part of the festivities. 

Torralbo’s fine hand-slicing techniques is just part of Rustan’s celebration of the “Taste of Spain,” weekends filled with the finest and fondest assortment of Spanish cheeses, wines, and cold cuts from deli greats like Jamon Iberico Bellota,Gracia Baquero and Consortio de Jabugo. 

Other attractions include “La Vida Lladro” a special exhibition of centuries-old, specially crafted porcelain figurines and home décor displayed in their finest gleam. 

For women, there’s “Belleza España,” an exhibition on Spain’s most desirable veils and fans, with lace from traditional Spanish craft label Volart worn by no less than Queen Sofia, as well as a showcase of the loveliest Castilian couture and accessories from fashion labels Perlas Majorica and Hoss.  

Mantones de Manila is also available exclusively at Rustan’s for women looking for more contemporary fashion statements. 

Men can also look forward to Spain’s refined rugged aesthetic, courtesy of Pedro del Hierro, Massimo Dutti, Springfield, and Zara, while young fashionistas can check out the new colorful line of children’s ready-to-wear Neck & Neck, Spain’s most popular kids wear brand. 

The sweet smell of Spanish shopping is not complete without the olfactory pleasures of Hierbas de Ibiza, Gotas de Oro Classica, Gotitas, FamosinCalber and Para mi Bebe as they take center stage in every Rustan’s fragrance department.  

As Tantoco urged in her speech, Metrobank Card holders are entitled to special privileges during the Spanish festival including a limited-edition Corazon de España canvas bag for a minimum single-receipt purchase of P5,000 of Rustan’s Spanish merchandise.

Rustan’s and the Spanish Embassy’s Corazon de España Spanish Festival 2012 will run until Sept. 30.