If you look up the Kingdom of Morocco, chances are you’ll be most familiar with one of its largest cities, Casablanca. After all, the city is also the setting for one of the most iconic films ever made, which shares the same name. Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, the film centers around Rick Blaine and his complicated relationship with Ilsa Bund. The two have formed a relationship in Paris after Ilsa thought her husband, Victor Laszlo (played by Paul Henreid), to be dead, only for her to discover later on that he was still alive. Without telling Rick, she decides to leave him just as they have made plans to exit the soon-to-be-invaded country. Years later, they reunite in Casablanca, Morocco after Ilsa and Victor try to flee from the German Nazi. It’s a tough decision for Rick, but ultimately, he has to decide on doing the right thing or to continue being bitter about the past.

Morocco is also known for myriad cultural beauties. If you ever find yourself visiting the kingdom, you might notice how highly they regard their tea time. The male head of the family prepares tea in front of his guests through the process referred to as atai. Their most popular choice of tea is the Moroccan mint tea, using green tea as the base and mixing it with sugar and mint leaves. When served, it is regarded as a sign of hospitality and friendship. 

Of course, to experience the cultural beauties of Morocco, one need not fly all the way to North Africa but instead, make their way over to Rustan’s Makati or Rustan’s Shangri-la. In collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in the Philippines and the Moroccan National Tourism Office, everyone can marvel over the beauty of Moroccan craftsmanship at Rustan’s Morocco Kingdom of Light. 

Rustan’s Morocco Kingdom of Light celebrates light as a source of inspiration, creation, and energy. This cultural festival offers a continued commitment to enrich the Filipino shopping experience through quality and curated merchandise and also shares the authentic traditions and craftsmanship of Moroccan artistry. Such could be seen during a recent display of Morocco’s traditional musical entertainment, calligraphy art, and henna tattoo artistry. 

On display is a wide array of tabletops that hint at the best of Moroccan entertaining. Witness the fascinating display of handmade Moroccan fountains made of Zellige tiles, brass lamps from Casablanca to brighten your homes, jars and jewelry boxes made from camel bone and handcarved with beautiful designs, handmade Moroccan porcelain dinnerware, tajines, silverware, and a colorful array of Moroccan linens, poufs, ottomans, and rugs. It should transport all beholders to the very heart of Marrakesh, sipping on some Moroccan Mint Tea. 

Purchasing from this special display also helps the Moroccan people as five percent of all sales from the first month will be donated to the victims of the recent earthquake through the Embassy of Morocco. There’s also a chance for seven lucky shoppers to win a ticket to Morocco or luxury merchandise. All they need to do is present a receipt with a minimum purchase of ₱10,000 to participate. 

Immerse yourself in the beautiful culture of Morocco now by visiting either the fifth floor of Rustan’s Makati or the second floor of Rustan’s Shangri-la. Promo runs until Dec. 31.