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HSBC has a lot of new exciting things in store for us this 2011. I remember enjoying their Coffee Talks 3 session, wherein celebrities discussed politics and showbiz. This time around, I and my fellow bloggers Rowena and Michelle, were invited to HSBC Red Mastercard Hot Deals launch at the Makati Shangri-la.

Apprently, the theme of the day was red. But first, let’s get lunch out of the way. (I normally don’t document what event buffets have to offer but Makati Shang’s Filipino cuisine just tickled me.)

Yeah, this was my messy plate, which contained lumpiang ubod, fish and mostly vegetables. Johanna actually complained that my plate was too healthy, haha! (I skipped the lechon.)

This tinola was just divine. Rowena said that she tasted lemon grass in it, so that probably explains the soothing effect it had on my very sore throat.

I’m a Brazo de Mercedes addict, by the way. But the ones they served were delectable minis.

Om nom nom. Eez my dessert plate!

Anyway, I’ve segued long enough. Let’s get to the exciting part. The Red Mastercard obviously targets the woman on the go. Hm. I notice we’re always represented by the color red.

To start off, a few items were raffled off and given away. The items were from the establishments that HSBC partnered with.

As the press kit indicates:

[W]here for every P2,000 everyday spend, you get a P100 Gift Certificate or P100 off from select retailers. Whether it’s shopping, groceries, movies, salon or spa HSBC Red Mastercard has got every woman’s need covered.

“At HSBC, we’re always on the lookout for new and exciting deals for our customers. With this permanent feature, your everyday spend allows you to be able to treat yourself to a round of shopping, buy groceries, catch the latest movies, get a new hairdo, or enjoy a massage at the spa!” said Annette Tirol, HSBC’s Deputy Head of Personal Financial Services.

Needless to say, we were showered with a looooot of goodies from the partner merchants. Michelle won one of ’em bags! (That’s Rowena right behind her.)

Ok, now for the most entertaining part. Johanna went retail hopping in the name of market research. I had fun taking photos of her projections so even though I found out later on that the hi-res versions were actually inside the press kit CD, I’m opting to use the ones I took. Let’s just call it re-appropriation of art, if you will. Besides, I kind of like the vintage effect these projected images seem to exude. Anywaaaaay…

Shown here is Johanna playing with Forever21’s cute accessories. I received one of those gorgeous off-white rose rings.

She also surprised us by saying she loved Ace Hardware. Seeing her kikay tendencies, this came off as almost shocking. (But then I also carpenter my stuff, as well as buy paints, thinner etc. from Ace Hardware, too. The only thing I can’t get there is an 8ft x 4ft plywood. And raw palochina.)

Then there’s my favorite Korean beauty haven: The Face Shop. I’m afraid to remember what it was Johanna was holding here (looks like a syringe) so let’s just assume that she’s doing it for beauty. Everyone who’s used to this blog probably knows that my ultimate favorite lip balm can be found in The Face Shop.

Who wouldn’t enjoy almost free movie passes?

Judging from this picture, it seems like I’m not the only one who goes gaga over The Body Shop’s bath products. (I was supposed to review my TBS vanilla bath set this week but just got too busy reminiscing about Boracay.)

Thanks, Johanna and Annette! I definitely had fun watching you have fun!

For more information about these Red Hot Deals and the HSBC Red Mastercard, you may visit the website at http://www.hsbc.com.ph.

For a more personalized service, you may contact one of HSBC’s representatives, Ivy P. Raya, at 7592781 or 0922-8564373.