This May, Rustan’s, in partnership with the Consulate of Portugal in Manila, invites everyone to celebrate the wonders of Portugal with PORTUGAL DIVINIO!: A Portuguese festival. Be transported to the romantic land of Portugal through the vibrant imagery and sensual colors of the festival.
Highlighting this special occasion is a special colorful art and home exhibit, where the works of renowned Portuguese painter Arlinda Frota will take the center stage. Through her exquisite, meticulously hand-painted works, Arlinda Frota, an icon in her own right, shares the amazing stories of her homeland her travels across the world.
Choosing porcelain as her canvas, Arlinda has found the means, in her own words, to “bring into physical form feelings and harmony that give meaning to the universe, society, nature and humanity.” Since she took up the brush in her youth, she has held numerous exhibits, and her works have become prized pieces. In fact, one of her works as even presented as a Kofi Anan Prize given by the former UN Secretary General at the 7th World Peace Exhibition.
“The delicacy of the traditional arts, the minutiae of the details when painting flowers, trees, landscapes, birds, plants, butterflies, bees and other subjects drawn from nature or human figures, have enchanted me since my childhood. Even the touch of the porcelain itself and the brightness and light it emanates are complimentary reasons for my devotion,” Frota shares in her book, Reflections, shedding light on what inspires her to create art.
Starting May 11 until May 25, revel at her works at the 5th Level of Rustan’s Makati, and at Rustan’s Shangri-la from May 26 to June 6, The artist herself will grace the launch of the festival on May 11, sharing an afternoon with friends, family and other art enthusiasts. The next day, May 12th, Arlinda Frota will also have a meet and greet at Rustan’s Makati where her works will be showcased alongside other handsome pieces and home décor from other heritage brands, helping paint a more vibrant, evocative image of Portugal.

In addition to the pieces by Arlinda Frota, have a look at the classic cookware of Silampos, bold ceramic serveware from Bordallo Pinheiro, and contemporary porcelain dinnerware and glassware from Casa Alegre. Flatware from Herdmar and Table linens from Texteis Iris will also be highlighted. The festival also coincides with the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima and in this light, Rustan’s will present collections of Our Lady of Fatima at the festival. An exhibit held in honor of the blessed Lady will be held on the 5th floor of Rustan’s Makati from May 11-June 6.
Tickling everyone’s curiosity more for the southern European country, Portugal Divino! will also host a wonderful wine tasting afternoon, where you can savor the exquisite port wines, empadas (Portuguese patties) and pasteis de nata (Portuguese egg tarts) at Rustan’s Makati (May 12) and Rustan’s Shangri-La (May 28). On both occasions, Joao Brankinho gives a guided journey of the wonderful flavors of their distinct wine offerings.
On May 24, Vicky Barrera shares more sumptuous Portuguese food and wine pairing at Rustan’s Makati, while Chef Robby Gocco inspires the palate with healthy Portuguese cuisine at “A Taste of Portugal” food demo on June 6 at Rustan’s Shangri-la.
Along with celebrating food and the arts, Portugal Divino! will shed the light on the fashionable trends and styles with collections by Ricardo Preto and U by Ricardo Preto. Ricardo Preto’s exclusive collection for Rustan’s is inspired by movement. The designer crafted the Ricardo Preto collection using architecture as a starting point. The sharpness of the lines is tempered with softer fabrics, providing the perfect fit. From this, structured silhouettes became flowing silhouettes, in white, blue, black and earth tones. U by Ricardo Preto, on the other hand, is a collection made to provide ease of choice, ease of movement through life. Taking inspiration from the beauty present in quotidian life, the designer imagined relaxed silhouettes, in which every detail matters. Peaceful lines in flowing and soft fabrics, in a range of colors: blue, orange, white, pink and green. The famed Portuguese designer will have meet and greet events at all Rustan’s stores during the month of May.

This month of May and June, at Portugal Divino!, be swept away and be inspired by the evocative colors and rich cultural history of Portugal.
Portugal Divino! is from May 11 to May 25 at the 5th floor of Rustan’s Makati, and May 26 to June 6 at Rustan’s Shangri-la. For more information, visit www.rustans.com.ph