What's On & Expat - Philippines

New Scents from Lewis and Pearl

By Ana Kristine B. Valenzuela

One’s scent is a first impression on another person. Like the Greek used to please their gods by the wonderful fragrance they send to please their deities, a scent can invoke diverse sentiments and even memories.
    Together with Lewis and Pearl Cologne, makers of vibrant and refreshing scents, Iris Go, one of the less than five hundred noses or what they call perfume experts, spearheaded the first fragrance appreciation workshop in the country.
    The fragrance appreciation is for Filipinos to say more than ‘it smells nice’ to the tropical weather whiff of the country. After all during the renaissance the perfume is considered as a status symbol. Only those who were affluent and well to do were the ones who had the chance to wear expensive fragrances. The cologne and the perfume is almost a blessing as new fragrances are introduced everyday and as almost anyone can have it. Many Filipinos favor the lighter and fruitier scents probably suggestive of the tropical warm weather.
    “What they’d probably say is that it smells like a burst of citrus rinds rising like the hot Eastern sun with droplets of orange and tangerine oils dripping over skins aglow, that gives a sense of urgency that escalates with each sniff,” describes Go on a scent recently launched by Lewis and Pearl.
    Among the new scents launched by Lewis and Pearl are Chill, Fantasy, Dream, Happy, Twist, Summer, Dew Drops, Rain and Ice Water.

Bobby Nuestro’s installation in “Controlled Spontaneity. See Cultural Calendar this page for details.

Caudalie

One of Caudalie’s signature star products is the Beauty Elixir, inspired by the “elixir of youth” made famous by Queen Isaballe of Hungary. The beauty elixir tightens pores and provides radiance to the complexion. It is best used with the rest of Caudalie’s cleansing and toning line. To fight ageing, the Lifting Line combats the loss of elasticity, wrinkles and fine lines with the lifting Serum and the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. For younger skin, the Energizing line preserves the skin with products like the Energizing Concentrate and the fresh Complexion Tinted Moisturizer.
    To simulate the perfect spa experience in the bathroom, Caudalie’s Vinotherapie range is now available. Shower experience will never be the same with a range of fresh bath gels and delicate French milled soap. There’s also a range of invigorating body scrubs all inspired by the vineyards: the crushed Cabernet Scrub, or the Sauvignon Scrub or the Merlot Friction Scrub. Caudalie products are free from parabens and phenoxyethanol (both chemical preservatives). They also stay away from mineral oil (which is occlusive for the skin) and animal derived ingredients.

Italian Embassy Presents Concert, Film

The Italian Embassy, headed by Ambassador Rubens Anna Fedele, presents a musical event, “The Spellbinding Sea” featuring famous Philippine artists, musicians, singers and dancers from the University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila and Batangas City. They will spotlight their personal journey in the world of the Sea through an enchanting program of songs and dances belonging to the Italian and Philippine traditions. The concert starts at 6 pm on November 15 at the conservatory of music of the University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila.
    On November 19 the Italian Embassy inaugurates the Italian Film Festival dubbed “The Sea Through the Camera.” The first movie to be screened is “Respiro: Grazia’s Island” at the U-View, B6 Bonifacio High Street, Andres Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. For exact schedules call or fax the Italian Embassy, (02) 812-4322 or (02) 817-1436.
 

Students Display
Talent in Art

Now on its 40th year, the Shell National Students’ Art Competition enjoys the distinction of being the longest running art competition initiated by the private sector. Anticipated and prepared for by thousands of students and artists from all over the country, the said competition has been the starting point for many well-known Philippine artists. This annual competition has motivated numerous students to take on flourishing artistic careers. A review of past Shell Art winners include National Artists Benedicto “Bencab” Cabrera, Jose Joya and Ang Kiukok.
    This year, the Ayala Museum will feature Shell’s top 100 finalists. During the run of the exhibit, which is ongoing until November 18, Shell will announce the 2007 winners in various categories.