Morocco Kingdom of Light comes to Rustan’s

There is a Moroccan proverb that states, “He is a good storyteller who can turn a man’s ears into his eyes.” If this is so, then the Moroccans are some of the world’s best storytellers.

The iconic mosques in Casablanca, mesmerizing riads in Marrakesh, magical blue streets in Chefchaouen, medieval medinas in Fez el Bali, and colorful traditional souks in Tangiers all reveal volumes about their kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and their people’s brilliant artistry.

It is no surprise then that Morocco continues to intrigue and evoke wanderlust among those entranced by the allure of their exotic sensibility and aesthetic.

Through the grand festival, Morocco Kingdom of Light, leading department store Rustan’s, in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in the Philippines and the Moroccan National Tourism Office, whisks Filipinos away to this enchanting world of windswept sand dunes and blue Mediterranean waters.

Known to only serve the finest, Rustan’s presents a dazzling display of exquisite home, dining, and decorative items, lovingly created using traditional, enduring Moroccan craftsmanship of the highest standards. These artistic techniques date back to ancient times and are passed on as sacred skills through generations.

At the helm of the festival is Rustan’s CEO Zenaido Tantoco, who personally helped curate the selection. During a recent media walkthrough on the fifth floor of the Rustan’s Makati store to celebrate the festival, Tantoco shared highlight pieces such as Moroccan fountains, handwoven wool and leather Berber poufs, camel-bone jars, handmade Moroccan lanterns, and intricate ceramic tiers from pottery regions Safi, Oulja, and Salé.

There is also a wide assortment of ornate dinnerware: colorful ceramic clay plates, Zellige tajines, gold teapots and tea glasses, embroidered table linens, and more.

To enhance the mood, Oud traditional music is played in the background while various activities enliven the atmosphere with a calligrapher, henna tattoo artist, and tea master—all of whom are part of Morocco’s culture and way of life.

After the walkthrough, Tantoco hosted an authentic Moroccan feast together with Rustan’s vice president for home merchandising Marilen Tantoco, and vice president for store development and expansion Mike Huang.

East Café on the store’s second floor was transformed into Café Casablanca, a traditional Moroccan saloon, complete with accents and décor. A specially prepared menu was developed by celebrated chef Idris Bencherif/Mohamed, who flew in especially for this festival, and will be serving local patrons at Café Casablanca until Oct. 4.

The culinary experience included exotic flavors from a variety of seafood and meat tajine sets, a selection of Taktouka, Zaalou and Moroccan salads, and refreshing Jawhara and Moroccan mint tea.

The grand festival also features an art exhibition inspired by Moroccan jars by Nikulas Lebajo, as well as Moroccan-inspired tablescapes by Pinky Tobiano.

A raffle promo is also ongoing, giving seven lucky patrons the chance to win two business-class tickets to Morocco sponsored by Emirates Airlines; three Zellige tile Moroccan fountains; a Zellige tile table set of three; a Moroccan rug; and a Moroccan dinnerware set of 12.

Also, in light of the recent calamity in Morocco, 5% of the total sales for the first month will be donated to the victims of the earthquake through the Embassy of Morocco.