"With the Sampaguita Collection, we are bringing a part of our culture into our homes. It is the perfect gift for the stylish home. Friends from abroad will especially appreciate bringing back something special from the Philippines," declares Rachy Cuna.

The collection is composed of decorative accessories, bathroom linen, stationery, bolero, and Sampaguita paintings. Internationally-renowned pottery artist Ugu Bigyan created limited edition clay jars and platters with raised Sampaguitas. Capiz trays and vases come in unusual shapes. The linen collection has a variety of designs on throw pillows, runners, placemats and even curtains in canvas and jute. Sampaguita towels are perfect for the guest bathroom. To complete the lifestyle is a notecard set and a sampaguita linen spray.

This is a capsule collection to preview forthcoming offerings for 2007. Crossings celebrates the spirit of Filipino design by collaborating with local artists to develop unique product lines not only in home accessories, but also in fashion and shoes such as United Pop by Richie Ortega and Zcarpa by John Kenner shoes.

The Sampaguita Collection for Crossings Home is available in Crossings Shangri-La Plaza (635.4410), Quezon Avenue (373.2550). www.crossings.com.ph

Mobile 1: Where techies unite

Couples who want more than kitchenware or household items now have a fresh alternative to conventional registries. Mobile 1, the country's digital lifestyle store offers the first-ever tech bridal registry for soon-to-weds. A first in the Philippines, couples can now sign up at any of their branches and choose from among Mobile 1's wide array of gadgets. Couples can ask their friends to gift them with the pleasure of music by getting them an iPod with matching speakers or a his-and-hers set of headphones, while relatives can purchase a digital camera just in time for the couple's honeymoon trip. Other gadgets to choose from are PDAs, smart phones, and gaming consoles and paraphernalia. Jun Villanueva, Mobile 1's owner believes that couples are in need of a unique registry like this. "Most young, urban couples are trendy and mobile. This will fit in perefctly with their lifestyle. Plus, prospective husbands will be more interested now that they can choose a gift they can use as well," he quips. He also noticed how friends prefer pooling money together when buying a present. "The shared gift is very common here, especially for the budget-conscious. Friends can just chip in to get a couple, for example, a sound dock for their iPod; that way, they can get the couples something that they will appreciate and will last a long time."

Registering with Mobile 1 is easy. Simply go to any of their stores conveniently located at Glorietta, Powerplant Mall, Park Square 1, and The Podium. Registration is absolutely free and covers all 4 stores and 8 kiosks, so guests can go to the nearest Mobile 1 store at their convenience.

Wedding Basics 2006

 Wedding Basics 2006 made its mark last November 12, 2006 at The Heritage Hotel Manila. The event was organized by Groom’s Bestman Event Management together with Manila Bulletin’s About Weddings, Studio 23’s Breakfast and US Girls, Kasal.com, Celestial Wedding Jewelry, Dennis Martin, Asian Spirit Air Lines, Sunlife Financial Plans, Inc., Boracay Tropics, Nestle Ice Tea, Indoor Garden Designs By Pido, Oasis Manila, Metro Comedy Bar, Suriya Spa, and Callos Spa. The event was supported by Love Radio and The National Press Club of the Philippines. Mr. Pido Villanueva of PIDO was the event’s official stylist. 

A highlight of the event was the fashion show which featured gowns by Gerry Katigbak, Carmen Lazaro of Vonticar Bridal, Peter Lim, Alex Racho of Kingsmen, and Dennis Martin. Shoes were provided by Tenorio Manila and VNC.

Winners of the hourly raffle draws included Cristina Cristobal (Callos Spa Pre-Nuptial Spa Package), Edna Lontoc (Ritz Spa massage of choice for two), Jorge Godoy (hotel accomodations from Boracay Tropics), Veronica Aranda (2 tickets to Palau), and Rowena Tarlengco (diamond wedding rings by Mari Gonz of  Celestial Jewelry).

For inquiries regarding upcoming events, please log on to www.grooms-bestman.com or call 564-5887 or 559-0057.