Palawan's Best

I was invited earlier last month to a luncheon at Terrace on the 5th hosted by Jewelmer.

Don't you just love our table setting? Golden pearls from Palawan were placed in these tiny bowls :)

Through Jewelmer, I've come to realize how amazing pearls are. Pearls, like diamonds, are a girl’s best friend. Whether you want to keep it simple with a single strand or you’re going for extravagance by piling them on, wearing pearls adds a classic and elegant vibe to your ensemble of choice.

A great place to go to for pearl-shopping would be Jewelmer, a brand that proudly boasts of producing one of the best Palawan pearls. For this holiday season, gift-giving is made easier with the Noël pendant (a great way to start wearing pearls, which is perfect for newbies) and gift certificates with denominations of P5,000 and P10,000.

Ladies who are fans of the design house would love to know that they have released their Premier 2010 collection: The Rivage Perle (Pearl Shores), Riviere des Perles (River of Pearls) and Harlequin necklaces. Overflowing with lustrous golden Palawan South Sea pearls and set with sparkling diamond and 18-karat yellow gold, the Premier collection shows off the exceptional craftsmanship of their mastercraftsman Paul Gächter.

In photo: Girlie Benitez, Danii Fenix-San Agustin, host Suzi, with Isabel Roces and Melissa Frye

Melissa Frye wears the Riviere des Perles (River of Pearls),

with Girlie Benitez wearing the Rivage Perle (Pearl Shores).

Other simpler designs are also exclusively available and on display at the following showrooms: EDSA Shangri-La Hotel (02.6343596), Manila Peninsula Hotel (02.8440307), Makati Shangri-la Hotel (02.8135027), Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel (02.5515555 loc.7048), Alabang Town Center (02.7723529), Eastwood City Mall (02.4701051), Glorietta IV (02.7296735), SM Megamall (02.6335068), SM Mall of Asia (02.5566344), Shangri-la Plaza Mall (02.6375146), TriNoma (02.9015823), Ayala Center Cebu (32.2315665).

Mark Your Calendars

Kris Kringle just got even easier ;)

Happy Feet :D

Psst! Got this e-mail last night that Payless will be here SOON, wheeeeee :D

PAYLESS SHOESOURCE ANNOUNCES THE PHILIPPINES AS NEWEST INTERNATIONAL MARKET FOR RETAIL CHAIN

Payless and Stores Specialists, Inc. to Bring Payless Brand Promise of Affordable Fashion, Brands and Quality to Millions of New Customers in the Philippines

MANILA and TOPEKA, Kan., Dec. 1, 2009 -- Payless ShoeSource announced plans today for the continued international expansion of the Payless retail chain. Through an agreement with franchise partner Stores Specialists, Inc., (SSI), the Philippines will be the next country in Payless' strategic global expansion initiative, with the first stores planned to open by mid-2010.

Stores Specialists, Inc., has a strong background in developing well-known international brands in the Philippines, and is the leading fashion specialty retailer in the country, managing 72 well-known brands and 340 retail stores.

The two companies said they expect to start opening new Payless stores in 2010 and that the Philippines -- the 12th largest country by population with more than 97 million people, and a family-oriented culture that is attracted to affordable fashion -- appears to be a strong fit for the Payless offering and brand promise. Approximately five stores will open in the Philippines beginning mid next year, and more stores are scheduled to open in the coming years to ensure that the market is fully served. This is a multi-year transaction; additional terms were not disclosed.

In the past year, Payless has announced franchise arrangements for the company’s global expansion initiative, with six new stores now in the Middle East and stores planned for Russia next year with M.H. Alshaya Company.

"The franchise model is proving to be the most efficient way to reach more international markets with the Payless brand and all it has to offer -- great fashion, well-recognized brands and quality all at a great price," said LuAnn Via, chief executive officer and president of Payless ShoeSource. "Payless brings the know how in footwear specialty retailing, and our franchise partners like SSI bring its strong infrastructure and experience in the local region. Filipino people love to shop and have a strong appetite for American brands, fashion and footwear and accessories. Together with SSI we are truly excited to bring the Payless brand to the Philippines and to affordably serve the footwear and accessory needs of families in the country."

Through the franchise arrangement, Payless provides SSI with seasonal product assortments, as well as expertise in retail operations, merchandising, marketing and brand strategy. SSI provides retail location strategy, construction, logistics, and store training and staffing. SSI will utilize Payless' newest store format, the "Hot Zone" layout, and will purchase Payless product directly from Payless' seasonal assortment.

Like the Payless stores in the U.S., the stores in the Philippines will feature a wide assortment of shoes and accessories for the family including branded products for women, men and children covering a range of wearing occasions.

“We are thrilled to bring Payless and all it represents to the Philippine market,” said Anthony Huang, executive vice president of SSI. “As a retailer and fashion brand, Payless is doing tremendous things for people across the globe with its mission to democratize fashion and design in footwear and accessories for all to enjoy. We believe this brand promise will do well here, as it has in the U.S. and other areas of the world."

Payless and its more than 4,500-store chain has an expanding global presence today in countries and territories including the United States, Canada and in Central America, the Caribbean, South America and the Middle East.
The international franchise strategy is a significant move in expanding Payless' diversified real estate strategy that includes a well-balanced mix of mall-based stores with free standing stores and those located in lifestyle and local shopping centers.

Sale ;)

Was at Greenbelt 5 recently.

Went up to the third floor to check out some furniture and found these at Dexterton :D

Aren't they just soooo adorable? Good news is, they're now on being sold for 15% off.

I'd love to have these Barbie chairs for me and our future daughter ;)

All three stores are on sale this month, and up to 40% off on selected items.

1. Dexterton Kartell and Artemide Showroom
2. Dexterton Lifestyle Store - Furniture and Lights
3. Dexterton Home Boutique - Bathroom Fixtures

Their main showroom in Quezon City also goes on sale:

157 Sgt. E. Rivera St., Quezon City. Phone No.: 362-1111. our email is: info@dexterton.com

Freebies from Sanrio

Dropped by the nearest Gift Gate and claimed my Sanrio goodie yesterday :D

Got this cute Hello Kitty 35th Anniversary plastic drawstring for free!

Too bad they didn't have the pouch, or I would have chosen that.

Want to know how you can get one of these, too?

Simply click on this link, and follow the instructions. All you have to do is fill out their survey, and you'll get a code after which you'll use (along with an ID and your username) to claim your Hello Kitty 35th anniversary item. Wheee! :D