Rustan’s is offering a chance to escape to the experience-destination of food, shopping, and visual surprises that is Morocco. From September to Dec. 31, 2023, the fifth floor of the country’s premier retail center at Makati Commercial Center, Ayala Avenue, Makati, showcases an awesome array of merchandise—special finds the range of which perhaps cannot be found in Southeast Asia. The setting recreates the medieval maze of wonders in the souks and riads of Marrakesh.
Rustan’s chairperson and CEO Nedy Tantoco with Moroccan chef Idrissi Bencherif Mohamed
It is an experience of Moroccan tradition and culture, from crafts and arts to food—Moroccan specialties are prepared by Moroccan chefs on the 2F up to October 4.
Marilen Rustia-Tantoco, vice president for home merchandising of Rustan Commercial Corporation, and Michael Huang, Rustan Commercial Corporation VP for store development and expansions
Up to December 31, shoppers can choose from the fascinating display of handmade Moroccan fountains made of Zellige tiles; brass lamps from Casablanca; unique camel bone jars and jewelry boxes, hand-carved with beautiful designs; handmade Moroccan porcelain dinnerware and tajines; Moroccan silverware; as well as bursts of colors in Moroccan linens, poufs, ottomans, and rugs.
Moroccan maillechort lamps
It will feel as if you are right smack in the heart of Marrakesh, sipping mint tea, sampling spices and dates, and slathering on Argan oil, all of which are available at Rustan’s.
Morocco the dream destination, the grand festival—Morocco Kingdom of Light is the event—is presented by Rustan’s in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in the Philippines and the Moroccan National Tourism Office.
Zellige fountain
The country on the edge of northern Africa has evoked a sense of mystery and magic in modern times, from the iconic mosque Hassan II in Casablanca, the heritage souks and riads of Marrakesh from the medieval times, to the quaint, quiet blue streets of Chefchaouen, and the infinite expanse of the Moroccan desert.
Wooden table, ceramic tiers and service tray with tea set
Moroccan tea glasses, tajines, and ceramic plates
The Tantoco family that owns Rustan’s and the pioneer of luxury retail in the country has a special affinity with Morocco, since they lived there in various years. “It holds a special place in our hearts,” said Rustan’s chairperson and CEO Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco, who hosted a special Moroccan dinner for select press to launch the event. Also at dinner was Marilen Tantoco, who, having lived in Morocco, knows the souks and towns so well; as head of Rustan’s home division, she was behind the merchandise selection during the first Moroccan festival in 2018. Also around was Michael Huang, VP for store development and expansions of Rustan’s Commercial Corp.
Ceramic plate sets
The festival celebrates light as a source of inspiration, creativity, and energy. It aims to be a shopping experience featuring quality and curated merchandise, produced from authentic Moroccan traditions and craftsmanship.
Moroccan ceramic plates, “tajines,” carpets, and leather pouf
Cafe Casablanca on the 2nd floor of Rustan’s Makati
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- Menu at Cafe Casablanca (2f, Rustan’s Makati)
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- Jawhara dessert
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- Chicken Tanjine
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- Moroccan tea
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- Zealouk salad (eggplant)
In light of the recent calamity in Morocco, 5 percent of the total sales for the first month will be donated to the victims of the earthquake through the Embassy of Morocco. As Rustan’s makes this humanitarian move, Nedy Tantoco noted the resilience and the innate faith of the people of Morocco, how they leave life in the hand of the Supreme Being.
Moroccan calligrapher at Rustan’s Morocco Kingdom of light
The media were treated to the traditional musical entertainment, calligraphy, and henna tattoo, in a setting displaying walls of blue Zellige (handmade tiles) in intricate mosaic patterns.
Featured are an art exhibition inspired by Moroccan Jars by Nikulas Lebajo, and Moroccan-inspired tablescapes by Pinky Tobiano.
Morocco Kingdom of light is a celebratory coming together of charm and culture held in Rustan’s with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in the Philippines and the Moroccan National Tourism Office.
Live henna artwork at Rustan’s Morocco Kingdom of Light
A raffle promo will give seven lucky patrons a trip to Morocco or luxury merchandise. A receipt for a minimum purchase of P10,000 entitles each shopper. The prizes include two business class tickets to Morocco sponsored by Emirates Airlines; three Zellige Tile Moroccan fountains; a Zellige tile table set for three; a Moroccan rug; and a Moroccan dinnerware set for 12.
Morocco Kingdom of Light runs at Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-La Sept. 20, 2023-Dec. 31, 2023. Store hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
