THE love affair between Morocco and Rustan’s began with the founders of the retail giant, Gliceria Rustia Tantoco and Bienvenido Tantoco, Sr. Their daughter, Marilen Tantoco, Vice-President for Home Merchandising recalls that her parents lived in Morocco at the invitation of then-King Hassan II, sometime after the EDSA Revolution of 1986.
The retail store is holding its second Moroccan festival, which is ongoing until Sept. 1 at Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-La.
Ms. Tantoco goes to Morocco a lot on buying and business trips — she serves as the country’s honorary Consul-General there. Of the many items on sale at the Rustan’s Moroccan Festival, Ms. Tantoco recommends the mosaic fountains. “That’s why I bought big and small.”
Other houseware finds include embellished tea sets, plates, bowls, saucers, and tagines; rugs and carpets, and poufs and pillow covers; embellished lanterns and lamps and tables.
Fashionistas can choose from bejeweled shawls, slippers, kaftans and d’jellaba, and that beauty favorite argan oil.
Among the events related to the festival are a tablescapes workshop with Rachelle Wenger at the Grand Atrium, Shangri-La Plaza on Aug. 30; and a belly dancing performance at Rustan’s Makati on Aug. 31. Get front-row seats with a minimum single-receipt purchase worth P10,000 of Moroccan merchandise.
