Finally it’s in Davao and everybody was excited, the fans of Japanese brand most especially (count me in), that is.
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| A preview of the first UNIQLO in Davao & Mindanao two days before it officially opened ot the public |
Though the official opening of the first UNIQLO store wasn’t until May 26 at SM Lanang Premier (the second store followed on June 2 in SM City Davao Annex), a few lucky souls (including me) got first dibs on UNIQLO’s quality clothing two days early.
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| Lemme in! Lemme in! |
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| Sneak peek for a select few |
“We at UNIQLO are thrilled to open our first two stores in Davao in SM Lanang Premier and SM City Davao Annex. We are looking forward to bringing our high-quality and innovative LifeWear pieces closer to Davaeonos,” said Katsumi Kubota, Chief Operating Officer, UNIQLO Philippines.
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| From Tokyo to Mindanao. CEO of UNIQLOPH Katsumi Kubota at the first store in this part of the islands |
Well, I am thrilled as well. Every since I discovered the brand that comes up with very wearable, comfortable, smart basic pieces that can last a long time I have become a fan. Knowing it’s Japanese and very affordable bring the label up my must-have list.
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| In my UNIQLO ensemble with Team UniqloPH -PR manager Camille Pacis; marketing director Georgette Barrera; & PR manager Chloe Cruz |
UNIQLO is known around the world for its LifeWear. Through LifeWear, the company constantly develops technologies and fabrics to bring more warmth, more lightness, better design and better comfort to people’s lives.
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Me: Can you give me 50% lifetime discount at UNIQLO?
Him: (see photo) |
Just like in all its 37 stores across the archipelago, UNIQLO in Davao will offer a full range of LifeWear essentials for men, women, kids and babies. This includes UNIQLO shirts, pants, dresses, proprietary clothing technology products such as AIRism and HEATTECH, as well as UNIQLO SPORT.
After the Japanese drum beating (kumi-daiko performance), the sake raised up in the air and the UNIQLO store opened its doors exclusively for the Davao media and VIPs, look who came shopping.
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| Kampai! Welcome to Davao, UNIQLO! UNIQLO SM Lanang store manager Rose Velardo; Japanese consul Tomoko Dodo; COO, Fast Retailing PH, Katsumi Kubota; Area manager Binnah Kim;& SM Lanang Premier mall manager Therese Lapeña-Manalo |
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| How else should a Japanese store be opened? |
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| Powerful performance from thsi troupe, the Utsuwa Taiko Drummers |
Who shopped first after the store tour?
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| Store tour & product presentation. Rose Velardo, UNIQLO SM lanang Premier store manager, shares LifeWear pieces |
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| Counc. Edgar Ibuyan Jr., Counc. Marissa Salvador-Abella, Uniqlo COO Katsumi Kubota, Japanese consul for Davao Tomoko Dodo, Counc. Diosdado Mahipus, Counc. Bernard Al-ag, DCCCII’s Sebastian Angliongto, and Uniqlo’s Camille Pacis |
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| Marciel Ng Suy, Ajean Bangayan, Bobbie Cheong, UNIQLO Country Manager Geraldine Sia & Gene Bangayan |
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| Pretty young lasses. Milen Aquino & Kettrice Ng |
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| Team Pamintuan. Marijac & Alice. |
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| Casual troop. Louie, Monica & Marylou Briones with Hansel Tan |
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| A surprise shopping tnadem- dad Jojo Bosquit with daughter, Janna |
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| When the Japanese brand come calling. Fenny Go, Chunwei Ang, Jen Lim, Jo de Vera & Janice King |
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| Sister act. Michele & Stephanie Bangayan. |
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| Always a wise idea to take mom when shopping. Pinky Pineda with kids, Patrick & Jessica |
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| What’s on the list? Ramvic & Em Rosales |
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| Shop before tea time. Espie Tepot, Debbie Hao, Golda Divinagracia & Bobsey Gan |
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| Pose & post. Bloggers Emjay Llenera & Xana Patal |
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| Mother & daughter fashion hunting. Dyan & Mollie Te |
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| Shoppers in a row. Penpen Villamora, Karen Alcantara, Ces Noblefranca, Cherry Al-ag, Joji Lacantara & Ian Garcia |
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| So what’s the Travel Teller is packing on his next adventure? Ask Olan Embuscado. |
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| Fans of the brand. Dianne Abella & Kenneth Hao |
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| All in the family. Keith Grapa with sister Gay Te & her daughters Anika & Marion |
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| Ready to shop. Lauren Yeo & Ella Ang |
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| Councilor Myrna Dolado-Ortiz on the hunt for breezy dresses |
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| City Information Officer GeneRose Tecson with son, Tonio Ferrazini |
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| The store has something for Cherry Al-ag & her kids |
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| Bloggers Glenn Santillan & Naprey Almario checking out menswear |
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| Bloggers who shop. Vince Matalam, Roxanne Lacap, Jeffrey Mondia, Renz Bolseco, and Eliza Dayanghirang |
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| Baskets ready. Tanya Gaisano Lee, Amy Diano, Katrina Vandenbroeck |
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| Women who loves fashion. Mylene Aquino, Lucy Jeng, Debbie Hao, Kathy Bangayan, Emma Ng & Bing Lima |
And to end this story….
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Me: Lemme pass.
Them: Domo arigato gozaimasu |
(Thank you Heldes Colimod, John Amparo and Renald Maglangit, the security guards of UNIQLO, for agreeing to take part in the mini telenovela),
Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com. For more lifestyle & travel stories, visit www.ofapplesandlemons.com & www.jeepneyjinggoy.com
Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.
