‘Invasion’

When Rocket Room was launched last year at the Bonifacio High Street, its first mission was to journey into the unknown, far beyond the outer rim of the galaxy. True to its eclectic form, the bar recently celebrated its first anniversary in a space-themed party entitled “Invasion — They Came From Outer Space!”

The venue’s indoor and al fresco areas were overflowing with guests who enjoyed the line up of “Space invader” entertainers coming straight from “outer space,” including Allen Umali on bass, Alvin Cornista on saxophone, Diego Mapa on synthesizer and Nikki Cabardo on keyboard. Providing space funk music were DJs Abdel Aziz and Miss Badkiss. There were also enchanting sparklers that were lit at the stroke of midnight to cap the celebration!

Gracing the occasion were Rocket Room habitués like Myrza Sison, Apples Aberin, beauty expert Jing Monis and artist Kiko Escora.

What a great party! We can’t wait for the second anniversary that will surely take us out of this world again!

The art & generosity of Tadashi

Tadashi Shoji never fails to create ethereal and elegant dresses. The Japanese-born American designer has been in the fashion industry for almost 30 years and his name has been linked to stars like Florence Welch, Katy Perry and Octavia Spencer to name a few.

Recently, Rustan’s, in cooperation with HSBC, brought the talented designer to Manila to present his Fall/Winter 2013 collection. Proceeds of the event, held at the Rizal Ballroom of Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City, will be given to the Assumption Transformative School in Passi, Iloilo, which brings hundreds of youth a step closer to making a difference in our country and in the world.

The Fall/Winter 2013 collection tells a tale of exiled nobility, inspired by the splendor of the Russian Empire and the eventual fall of the imperial rule. The result is a majestic blend of aristocratic vestments and folk costumes — a stylish succession of looks. Tadashi’s creations, from red carpet imperial outfits to wardrobes with historical touch, surely appeal to the fearless women of today.

Tadashi said, “I am honored to return to the Philippines and partner with Rustan’s again. Philanthropy is important and to be active within the community is fundamental. This year’s fashion show will benefit the Assumption Transformative School in Passi, Iloilo and I am humbled to be a part of the school’s aid.”

HSBC also decided to partner with Rustan’s in this event. The banking company believes in helping people fulfill their hopes and dreams.

HSBC head of retail banking and wealth management Gigi Pio de Roda said, “We are proud to partner with Rustan’s for an evening featuring the works of well-renowned fashion icon, Tadashi Shoji. HSBC shares the same vision of providing opportunities to further education in the country and continuously make a meaningful difference in the communities where we operate.”

Thai Airways helps victims of Yolanda

Thai Airways commits to transport from Bangkok to Manila about 4,000 to 6,000 kilos of goods and food products every day to help the victims of typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas region. This act of kindness was decided on in a meeting of its board of directors chaired by Ampon Kittiampon. The company will also sponsor travel of Thai government officials and other organizations of physicians and nurses from Thailand who will help the survivors in disaster areas. It will also provide assistance to the Association of Filipinos in Thailand, an organization involved in collecting products to be sent to typhoon victims.