The land of lyrical landscapes and exotic treasures, Morocco seems tailor-made for travelers with its beautiful Saharan dunes, romantic waterfalls and caves, and exciting souks and corners. Morocco is more than just an ancient city; it’s a rich cultural capital, where one can find colorful diversity in fashion, food and wares. True to its promise of providing customers with experiences with no boundaries, Rustan’s brings the heart of Morocco to the Philippines at the 5th Level of Rustan’s Makati.
This whole month of August, delight in the full Moroccan experience as Rustan’s brings the sights, sounds, tastes and feels of this exotic city through its month-long festival, titled “Le Coeur du Maroc” (The Heart of Morocco), held in partnership with The Embassy of The Kingdom of Morocco, the Moroccan National Tourism Office in China, HSBC, and Fairmont Makati. From a wide range of authentic Moroccan home items, fashion pieces, and beauty products, to delectable Moroccan cuisine, get set discover the heart and soul of Morocco with the country’s premier shopping destination, Rustan’s.
H.E. Ambassador Mohammed Rida El Fassi said “It is always with great pride and excitement that we share the beauty and bounty of our home country. From our cuisine to our crafts, fashion and beyond, the Kingdom of Morocco is such an important cultural and historical country. It is with great joy that we are able to share more of it to the Filipinos.”
Nothing beats visiting Morocco and experiencing it first-hand. But festivals like this do well in helping share a glimpse into our wonderful country. We bring the best and most iconic, aiming to give you an authentic and exotic experience of the Kingdom of Morocco here with the Filipino people,” Mr. Khalid Fathi of the Moroccan National Tourism Office in China) added.
A Festive Evening
During the opening night of the festival, special guests and patrons were transported to the street markets in Morocco, complete with an astonishing display of authentic Moroccan merchandise, festive sounds by the Moroccan Musicians, and artisans doing Henna Hand Tattooand Traditional Arabic Calligraphy.
The evening started off with a welcome by the lovely host Joey Mead King, calling on stage Anton Huang on behalf of Rustan Commercial Corporation Chairman and CEO Zenaida Tantoco, to shed light on what the celebration is all about andto formally thank those who made the festival possible. He was then followed by the H.E. Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco Mohammed Rida El Fassi, who gave an inspiring speech about how happy he was to share therich culture of Morocco with the Filipinos. Also gracing the event was the Philippines’ Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat as the key note speaker of the evening, and talked about how the culture of our country and Morocco are quite similar in some ways especially in terms of the importance of the craft of their artisans and how the people value the arts and culture of their country.

Commemorating the special evening, a ceremonial toast was made between Moroccan National Tourism Office In China Khalid Fathi, Honorary Consul General of Morocco Rico Tantoco, Madame Monia Zaoui and husband H.E. Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco Mohammed Rida El Fassi, Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Rustan Commercial Corporation Chairman Emeritus Amb. Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., and Rustan Commercial Corporation Chairman and CEO Zenaida Tantoco. Also joining them were special partners HSBC Philippines CEO Wick Veloso, and Raffles & Fairmont Hotel General Manager David Batchelor. Traditionally signifying hospitality and friendship, the dignitaries toasted with special Moroccan Mint Tea and opened the doors to the festival.
After the toast, the guests continued to celebrate the joyous occasion and explored the 5th floor to discover further what Rustan’s Moroccan Festival can offer.
A delight to the senses
As you shop, feel free to take in the full experience of Morocco. Moroccan musicians will be on the retail floor, enthrallingcustomers with performances from August 1 to 7, while talented artisans will have you feeling like a true Arabian princes or princesses with Henna Hand Tattooand Traditional Arabic Calligraphy from August 1 to 7, all complimentary for customers at the 5th Level.
After a whole afternoon of shopping, relax and reward yourself at the 5th Level of Rustan’s Makati. For the first week of the Festival, in partnership with Ralph’s Wine and Spirits, foodies and gourmands in Manila will be privileged to savor the finest Moroccan dishes by one of Morocco’s most famous chefs, Chef Moha Fedal. An internationally acclaimed chef, ambassador for Moroccan gastronomy, and resident judge in Master Chef Morocco, expect a one-of-a-kind gastronomic journey at Rustan’s Café Casablanca on Aug 1-7, 2018. Chef Moha has developed a Lunch Buffet menu priced at P1,300 and three set Dinner menuspriced at P895 each, all of them featuring authentic and beloved Moroccan dishes.
HSBC Premier and FSP cardholders are in for exciting surprises as Rustan’s prepared special events including an exclusive workshop and with Celebrity Chef Moha on August 7 and with Happy Ongpauco-Tiu on August 15.
Special surprises also await Rustan’s Shoppers. Apart from the tremendous merchandise and exciting lineup of activities, special surprises await! Take home a Decorative Moroccan Camel gift for a minimum single receipt purchase of Php 15,000 on Moroccan Rugs and Carpets for the whole month of August. Shoppers can also avail of a Decorative Bottle for a minimum single receipt purchase of P5,000 on all Moroccan Merchandise from August 8-31, 2018.
This month of August, indulge all senses as we savor the food, dance to the music, and treat our eyes with the beauty and color that comes from the Kingdom of Morocco… only at the premier retailer’s flagship store, Rustan’s Makati.
For more information, visit Rustans.com.ph