Day: November 10, 2010

Destination of the week: Focus Global Inc.’s spanking new and spacious showroom at the Greenbelt Residences in Makati City. Do visit the place if you’re searching the market for high-end brands. And even if you’re not looking to buy, derive inspiration from the professionally-designed space. Several in-house interior designers are around to assist visitors.

Ethan Allen furnitures are patronized by celebrities like Kris Aquino. I was surprised to find that this brand doesn’t only do furnitures, but the whole gamut of furnishings as well. These include artworks, shelves, lighting, rugs, mirrors, bed covers, mattresses, frames etc.

My jaw almost dropped from seeing the sturdy-looking Sub-Zero refs and Wolf dual fuel ranges priced at P400,000 up. But I guess the price is just a pittance if you’re a big-time smuggler lotto winner or earning like Manny Pangilinan.

The modern kitchen from SieMatic even has a computer built-in for easy internet surfing while cooking or eating. Yay!

I dig Siematic for incorporating technology in their designs. A high-tech kitchen with built-in sound system and a dock for connecting the iPod really rocks!

More Ethan Allen designs to adore, including my dream four poster bed. With couches priced from P100,000 up, how much more this bed? The furnitures are arranged to reflect the following lifestyles: Metro, Glamour, Estate, Country House, Global, Villa and Loft.

Focus Global Design Center
Ground Floor, The Residences at Greenbelt
Esperanza St., Makati City Philippines
(Beside New World Hotel and across Greenbelt 2)

Tel. Nos. 7942095 to 97
open 10 a.m. to 8p.m.

November 16, 2010 has been declared a holiday by Malacanang today to celebrate the Muslim feast of Eid’l Adha. As Nov. 16 falls on a Tuesday, this doesn’t qualify as a long weekend holiday, but at least the day off is still something that students, state and private sector workers will enjoy

The holiday announcement was made possible through Proclamation No. 60 signed by President Aquino.

Eid’l Adha is recognized under the law as a national holiday by virtue of Republic Act 9849. The date for the celebration of this holiday is movable, depending on the lunar cycle.

Earlier, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) headed by Secretary Bai Omera D. Dianalan Lucman recommended to Malacañang the declaration of the Nov. 16, saying the Islamic event is celebrated for at least three days in Arab and Muslim countries.

The remaining 2010 holidays are the following:

Bonifacio Day – exact date of observance is November 30

Christmas Eve – December 24 (additional special non-working day)

Christmas Day – December 25

New Year’s Eve – December 31 ( last day of the year)

Rizal Day – exact date is December 30

If you’re looking for a freestanding store of the noted watchmaker Rado of Switzerland, there’s only one in the Philippines, and it can be found at the ground floor of Glorietta 4. We got an invite recently to witness the unveiling of their redesigned store. It turned out to be a costly proposition since hubby and I ended up buying two of their impeccable Swiss watches

I tried to console myself by saying it was my birthday, 2) Mr. Z was buying it for me anyway,and 3) a well-made watch is a better investment than a designer bag. Its durability and design lasts through time, and I figure that they’re a good thing to pass on to any of my three girls when the time comes.

First off, am impressed with how Rado watches are constructed, just from reading about it. This brand has always been known for being scratchproof and only a diamond can bruise it. The latest models are now made with high-tech diamonds, high-tech ceramics ( the kind used in space) and flawless surface finishes. Of course, it’s crafted with the famous Swiss precision that we desire in a watch of high quality. I also commend this brand for giving attention to every detail by ensuring that their timepieces are skin-friendly when worn. This is useful for someone like me who gets allergic to certain watch straps.

Rado’s latest designs are just lovely.

The most expensive watch on display was priced at P2.2 million. See the price tag.

The other watches, which are in the vicinity of two hundred to three hundred thousand pesos. Chronograph models and those studded with diamonds are generally more expensive than those with simple designs.

For the budget-conscious, some of the watches are priced at P30,000. My personal choice is the new Original Jubile S (retail price: P91,000, but bought this with a little discount.) Only 1000 of these were made since 2007. And here’s the description: “8 diamonds embrace the crown. Thirteen additional diamonds , set in a line, accentuate the facetted crystal and striped dial of this limited edition watch.”

Oh yeah, diamonds are indeed a woman’s best friend. And I like the fact that the watch came with a Precious Stones Certificate. Look for it in the next stone-studded watch you buy.

More pictures from the Rado store launch:

Issa Litton and Rima Ostwani are flanked by Rado executives.

Charles Vincent Sy & Noel Jacinto of Wizer Inc. are two of the men behind Rado Philippines.

Lola Evelyn is a Rado brand loyalist.

I admired these well-trained ladies behind the counter. They were armed with knowledge, and ready to answer every question about the watches.

Rado Watch Boutique
G/F Glorietta 4
Ayala Center, Makati City
Tel. No. 8167774
rado@timeline.com.ph