Tag: shangri-la plaza

Explore Cinema-inspired Spots and Finds as Shangri-La Plaza Moves Into the Heart of Japan

From the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the vibrant cityscapes of Tokyo, Japan continues to be a highly popular travel destination for Filipinos. Shangri-La Plaza is giving Filipinos more reasons to visit and love Japan, as it hosts Into the Heart of Japan, a curated selection of exciting events that celebrate and promote Japanese arts and culture, as made possible in partnership with The Japan Foundation, Manila.

Shang’s Into the Heart of Japan is headlined by Journey Through Japan on Screen, a new initiative by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, which aims to introduce essential destinations, goods, and culinary delights as seen in Japanese films. It will be launched first in the Philippines from February 15 to 16 at the Red Carpet Cinemas as a special program of the beloved Japanese Film Festival.

The films to be featured on Journey Through Japan on Screen are My Sunshine, a 2024 coming-of-age film about two young figure skaters in a small wintry town; DitO, a 2024 drama about a Japanese father who tries to revive his boxing career in the Philippines; Komada: A Whisky Family, a 2023 Japanese animated film that documents a small whisky distillery in rural Japan; and The Dancing Okami, a 2023 musical comedy on a young dancer’s journey to becoming an okami or a traditional Japanese inn manager, just like her mom. The mini film fest includes two talk-back sessions with Hiroshi Okuyama, the director of My Sunshine, accompanied by celebrated Filipino director Brillante Mendoza, and Takashi Yuki, the director of DitO, joined by upcoming Filipino director Mikael Joaquin.

Coinciding with the screenings is JAPAN DAY Fair, happening also at the Red Carpet Cinemas. This is where cinephiles can check out the film locations they should visit and browse all the goods and delights featured in the films. Hosted in cooperation with the Japanese local governments and tourism-related organizations, it also offers guests unique giveaways and promotional presentations about the places you should visit next in Japan.

Into the Heart of Japan concludes with Nihongo Fiesta 2025 at the Red Carpet Cinemas and the Grand Atrium. This year is extra special as for the first time, the fiesta will run for two days from February 22 to 23. As a celebration of the spirit of collaboration for all Nihongo learners across the Philippines, the fiesta features the much awaited 52nd Nihongo Speech Contest as well as a unique Kobanashi (comic storytelling) performance. Guests must also catch the rare live performance of Japan’s renowned Maiko and Geiko from Gion Higashi, Kyoto, renowned for their graceful interpretations of classical Japanese dances on February 22 at 6:30 PM at the Grand Atrium.

Special booths will also be available on the second day of the Nihongo Fiesta 2025. This includes Kana Art from the Ateneo de Manila University; anime-inspired artists @rinishi_, @bloomerart__, and @haranikala.

With the theme issho ni or togetherness and co-creation, Nihongo Fiesta has become a platform that showcases Japanese language, art, and culture; and more importantly, it fosters and deepens connections and camaraderie within the Nihongojin community in the Philippines.

For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.

February 12, 2025
Going green? Get some inspiration from these brands doing their bit for the planet

With a deeper understanding of how our actions can impact the planet, it’s no surprise that more people are doing their share and finding ways to care for Mother Earth. Shangri-La Plaza is one with all the advocates and hopes to support a gentler lifestyle by sharing an inspired list of brands that are doing their bit.

Truly enjoy a cup of good brew from local roaster Candid Coffee. Their 100% compostable cups are made from sustainable bamboo plants with sugarcane bagasse cup lids and straws that are all free from sneaky plastic coating. Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI has always been committed to recycling and cutting packaging waste, and it’s helping guests do the same by offering water refilling service at their Shang store. Just bring your own bottle!

Recycled materials also shine as The Travel Club+ carries hip Herschel bags crafted from 100% recycled EcoSystem™ fabrics made of repurposed water bottles. Japanese eyewear brand Owndays pitches in with its Filipino-designed Cases for Change wherein 100% of the sales go to non-profits such as Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions (CURMA) that’s collected 1600 pounds of trash in 2023 alone as part of its efforts to protect sea turtles and conserve the marine ecosystem in La Union. The Marketplace also strides towards a cleaner future by carrying limited-edition “Seas the Day” shopping bags, with proceeds going to marine conservation organization Save Philippine Seas.

Gadget geeks for the planet can head over to Power Mac Center for the first-ever carbon neutral Apple Watch Series, integrating recycled materials into its watchband while running on clean electricity and cutting down on fossil fuels in its supply chain. Playtime just got a lot kinder to Mother Earth too, as LEGO now makes bricks from renewable materials like sugarcane-based bio-PE and recycled materials from kitchen worktops.Iconic American apparel retailer Gap is pulling its weight for the environment. Its Washwell techniques in making denim and woven bottoms have already saved over 830 million liters of water since 2016. New Balance steps towards a better planet by using preferred leather and recycled polyester in its shoes, reducing environmental impacts and a reliance on fossil fuels.

Apart from choosing consciously made products, Shangri-La Plaza has also encouraged everyone to speak up and pledge their support for the environment with its #IStandWithMotherEarth Pledge Wall up during the recent Earth Hour celebration. It served as a reminder about what everyone can do for the planet and to apply these eco-friendly swaps and commitments in their everyday lives. The Earth Hour initiative also included the candle-lit LIVE at the Shang! Turn Up the Dark acoustic event featuring Viva Records artists Amiel Sol, Marielle Belleza, Michael Keith, CARLO, and Minimal Days.

To round it all out, Shang is set to host an exciting post-Earth Day outdoor workout session with boutique cycling studio Ride Revolution at the Sky Garden on April 27.

With collective action bringing us more hope for the future, Shangri-La Plaza hopes to inspire more people to take little steps in making everyday Earth Day.

For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.

April 18, 2024
Shangri-La Plaza sends K-fans over the moon with HallyUniverse Fair

Shangri-La Plaza dives into the dynamic world of K-culture with HallyUniverse KFair on August 19-21 at the Red Carpet Cinema.

The free fair blasts off with Hello Future: Hallyu Fest Opening on August 19, 11am at the Red Carpet Cinema Lobby.

It’s followed by back-to-back afternoon sessions on academic opportunities in South Korea starting 1PMat the Red Carpet Cinema Premier. Check out Go na sa Korea to Study (GKS): A Brief Talk on Academic Opportunities organized by Global Korea Scholarship Philippines Alumni Association, Following the K-Dream: Fan’s Journey for Academic Pursuit by UP Korea Research Center and UP Department of Linguistics.

Get the fun started with Zimzalabim: Fanzone and Games by 3PM at the Red Carpet Cinema Lobby! Hosted by singer and YouTuber Jinho Bae, Zimzalabim is where fans can join entertaining games and karaoke sessions, and win exciting prizes from Max’s, Puma, Globe Kmmunity PH and Viu Philippines. They can even shop for their merch must-haves at the booths run by trusted merchants like Shopparkjimin, Catherine Ong, KAJ Designs, Coolbreeze Charlie and Hangang Friends. Local fanbases such as BTS PH, ONCE HQ, Carat Land Philippines, Cha Eun Woo PH, NewJeans Philippines, Korean Drama Society PH, Red Velvet Philippines, ONE DREAM TXT Philippines, Enhypen Philippines, and ZB1 Philippines are also organizing booths and activities for Filipino fans at Hallyuniverse.

Brands like Dunkin Donuts that’s already brought Korean stars Cha Eunwoo and Kim Soohyun to the Philippines are also putting up booths to delight more fans. Others joining in are Korean grocery store No Brand, BT21 goodies seller Kosneyland, and online video streaming service provider Viu Philippines that’s loved for its diverse catalog of K-drama and K-films.

Explore more K-fun as the fanzone also features, mouth-wateringly delicious K-street food, and a spot to try on and take photos with the traditional hanbok. Keep the energy up at Polaroid Love: Meet Me Korean Photobooth and Blue Hour: K-booths and Fanclubs throughout the fair.

Dance The Night Away: A K-POP Random Play Dance led by Big Crown Productions completes the first day of HallyUniverse with energetic K-pop fans dancing to contagious K-pop earworms by 4PM at the Red Carpet Cinema Lobby.

On August 20 and 21, fanbase DOrKyungsoo Philippines is indulging EXO-Ls, Dandanies, and K-cinephiles with multiple screenings of the space survival drama The Moon starring the main vocalist of legendary K-pop group EXO and actor Doh Kyungsoo. Also featuring respected Korean actors Sol Kyung-gu known for acclaimed films like Peppermint Candy and The Merciless and Kim Hee-ae from the popular The World of the Married series, the highly anticipated Korean film by Along With the Gods film series director Kim Yonghwa is a riveting tale on what it takes for one man to survive in the cold depths of space.

Time to go over the moon with your ults and biases and have a jolly good Hallyu-filled time at Shangri-La Plaza!

For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.

August 17, 2023
Hitmaker SunKissed Lola sings Live at the Shang

Rising indie band SunKissed Lola, the group behind the viral and chart-topping hit Pasilyo, is bringing their signature sound to Shangri-La Plaza as they make their debut as part of Live at the Shang on March 25, 6:30PM at the East Atrium.

Pasilyo, the band’s first hit, is about feelings of deep love and affection, and the thrill of walking down the aisle to a promise of forever. Released in October 2022, it entered the Billboards Philippines chart in January and eventually reached the top spot in March, a huge feat as it won over American R&B singer-songwriter SZA, K-pop girl group NewJeans, and megapop star Miley Cyrus. In February, Pasilyo broke Spotify Philippines streaming records when it went straight to number 1 in the PH Viral 50 Chart in November 2022 and secured the spot for eight consecutive days. So far, it has at least 40 million streams on Spotify. Pasilyo became the number 1 song on Spotify Philippines for two weeks, the first OPM song to reach that status for the longest time.

Formed only in 2021, SunKissed Lola hails from Olongapo City and is composed of Dan Ombao, a top 5 finalist of The Voice Philippines on lead guitar and vocals; Alvin Serito, a WishCovery monthly finalist on vocals and acoustic guitar; Laura Lacbain on vocals and background vocals; Danj Quimson on bass; and Genson Viloria on drums. Ombao, Serito, and Quimson are credited as the songwriters for the group. Other songs in their discography are Makalimutan Ka, HKP, White Toyota, and their new single, Damag.

Catch SunKissed Lola Live at the Shang stage on March 25, 6:30PM. For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.

March 21, 2023
A Woman Unboxed: Shangri-La Plaza Hosts Book Launch and Exhibit

Marking International Women’s Day on March 8—a day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women everywhere—Shangri-La Plaza spotlights Filipina creatives banding together and showcasing their experiences, stories, and creations with A Woman Unboxed at the East Atrium at 5PM.

The anticipated book launch and art exhibit is a powerful collaboration between writer and publisher Gayle Certeza who is launching her book, A Woman Unboxed and Other Stories of Growing Up, which chronicles the joys and challenges of growing up in a small town in Mindanao; and mixed media artist Mimi Tecson whose own A Woman Unboxed pieces explore the complexities of motherhood, dreams, and aspirations through the mediums of assemblage and collage.

“This book is my homage to my roots. It celebrates my grandmother, my parents, and my siblings—all the sacrifices made to make it this far. The book journeys through woundings and hurts and comes out on the other side powered by hopes, dreams, and love,” says Certeza.

“Through my art, I aim to explore the idea of female identity and the challenges that come with being a mother, such as balancing career, family, and personal goals. By using a variety of textures, color, and form, I want to create an environment that encourages viewers to think more deeply about the roles and expectations of women,” Tecson explains.

The event also features female writers Carissa Singson, Dina Pecaña, Edlyn Ng Cha, Gina Verdolaga, Kat Gomez-Limchoc, Maureen Sandejas, Rose Marie Yenko, Sonia Roco, and Tweet Sering who are leading talks about inspiration, creativity, and storytelling.

Discover the many ways women continue to positively impact lives with A Woman Unboxed at Shangri-La Plaza East Atrium on March 8, 5PM. For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.

March 1, 2023