Smilee Apparel donates P1-M to City of Manila

Smilee Apparel donated P1 million to the City of Manila during the grand opening of its flagship building in Binondo, Manila last Jan. 18.

Paul Lee, president of Smilee Apparel, said that the donation would help the various projects of Manila.

Also joining Mr Lee in presenting the check were his children, including son Lloyd Lee, his son's wife Miss Universe Philippines national director Shamcey Supsup-Lee, former Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up; and singer Christian Bautista.

Mr. Lee describes himself a true-blue Manileno who have faith in the leadership of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.

"Sa magandang pamumuno ng ating butihing mayor, I am pretty sure mas lalo pa niyang pagagandahin ang Maynila," said Mr. Lee.

Moreno was not around when Mr. Lee announced the surprise donation.

Mr. Lee said that he is excited for Smilee Apparel which will come up "with quality goods at affordable prices."

"Few years back, I got this chance to buy this property. And I have already envisioned that this would be the flagship store for Smilee Apparel," Mr. Lee said in his short talk to the guests. "My company will be supplying quality knitted fabrics to a lot of major companies in the country."

"It was three years ago when we went into garments. It's Shirt Asia Apparel. In Shirt Asia Apparel, we used top of the line automatic machines from the US;

"As you know it is in Binondo area, maraming namimili rito. Hindi lamang mga mamamayan natin kundi mga dayuhan;

"Ang Smilee Apparel ay gawa ng Pilipino para sa Pilipino. Ito ang tunay na sariling atin," said Mr. Lee.

In a separate interview, Lloyd Lee said that the second Smilee Apparel building would be opened in Cubao, Quezon City in one year.

"More than the industrial concept of the store, what sets Smilee Apparel apart from the rest is its 42 years of expertise in the industry. Every shirt is created with the highest quality standard set. The process starts from yarn selection which are purchased only from Cotton USA accredited suppliers then it is carefully knitted, dyed, and sewn using the latest and state-of-the-art technology and machinery;

"All of the processes that every Smilee shirt goes is done by a dedicated, passionate and skilled Filipino," said Lloyd. (Robert R. Requintina)/Images by Edmund Ong Chua