RUSTAN’S took us on a subterranean odyssey via the opulent Lalique Aquatique Crystal Collection. These French treasured pieces were on elegant display for all of Cebu’s elite to admire and purchase! Jetting all the way from home base was Daniel Ong, regional director for Southeast Asia and Oceania, who enthralled his audience with Lalique’s history of fine French craftsmanship! Likewise, Rustan’s general manager Pepet Macachor was the perfect host.

We can’t resist mentioning some of our favorite pieces: Carpe Koi Bud vase in clear, mint green or Persepolis blue; Poissons-Combattants in mint green, limited edition; Shark Small Sculpture in Persepolis blue crystal; and the Double Fish Small sculpture in clear crystal.

Do drop by Rustan’s Cebu for an unlimited view of these exquisite pieces... all in soothing underwater hues!

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There was an undeniably Swiss mood throughout Cafe Marco at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, when the “Swissness from A to Z” foodfest descended upon it. The Swiss national colors of fire—engine red and pristine white—were strewn all over the hotel lobby to celebrate Swiss National Day!

And as we sauntered toward the cafe, a pair of “Swiss guards” warmly welcomed us! The ribbon-cutting rites followed with resident manager Michaela Priesner and general manager Brian Connelly doing opening honors, complete with ringing of the Swiss bell!

From then on, it was a beeline for Alpine-dried Beef to Zurich-style sliced meats! The gastronomic list seemed endless: Cheese fondue, choice meat cuts and sausages, potato roesti, and of course, desserts like Apple Strudel, Toblerone chocolates etc. But to us, the longest queue was unmistakably for the Raclette Cheese station for melt-in-the-mouth ecstasy!

The festival highlight was the raffling off of Swiss luxury brand Victorinox wallets, an everlasting combination of engineering and functionality!

Toasts to Swiss artistry and tradition!