Category: Time Out

Starbucks Philippines’ Journey: Brewing Impact, Sipping Sustainability

Starbucks Philippines, in its pursuit of becoming a resource-positive company, reiterates its commitment to giving back more to the planet than it takes. As the company celebrates its 25th year milestone, a series of impactful initiatives reflects its dedication to creating positive change in the communities it serves.

Prioritizing Well-being and Sustainability

President Noey Lopez emphasizes the guiding principle driving Starbucks Philippines: prioritizing the well-being of customers and giving more than what is taken from the planet. It’s not just a promise; it’s a commitment to a sustainable future. “Our local initiatives align with the company’s promise to contribute positively to our communities and have also evolved to reflect our commitment to sustainable practices through our partners (employees) and customers. As we navigate towards a more sustainable future, our guiding principle remains unwavering — by prioritizing the well-being of our customers and giving more than what we take from our planet.”

Social Impact Initiatives: Empowering Communities

Achieving Gender Pay Equity

Since 2021, Starbucks Philippines has achieved a remarkable milestone by ensuring 100% gender pay equity. The commitment to inclusion and diversity has created opportunities for all partners, with female employees now representing more than 50% of the Starbucks Philippines workforce.

Community Store for Youth Education

In September 2023, Starbucks Philippines opened its inaugural Community Store in partnership with the Young Focus Foundation and AHA! Learning Center. The Abad Santos Tondo Community Store focuses on advancing youth education, with a portion of every purchase contributing to scholarships and after-school programs.

Starbucks Foodshare Program

Launched in March 2022 in collaboration with the Philippine Food Bank Foundation and Grab Philippines, the Starbucks Foodshare program has become a nationwide effort. The company has donated close to 1 million rescuable food items to communities in need, addressing food waste while supporting those facing hunger.

Providing Clean Water and Meals

Through partnerships with The Starbucks Foundation and Planet Water Foundation, Starbucks Philippines has provided access to clean, safe drinking water and hygiene education to over 7,000 people across Luzon. The construction of a fourth AquaTower in San Antonio Central School, Quezon, in April 2023, marks another milestone.

Global Community Impact Grants

Starbucks Philippines, through Global Community Impact Grants awarded by The Starbucks Foundation, strengthens its partnership with Gawad Kalinga’s Kusina ng Kalinga. This collaboration has served close to 250,000 meals to 1,800 children in Metro Manila, Cebu, Camarines Sur, and Bohol, making a meaningful difference in the fight against hunger.

Sipping Sustainability: Starbucks Philippines’ Environmental Commitments

Greener Stores for a Greener Tomorrow

In a monumental step towards environmental sustainability, Starbucks Philippines opened its first two Greener Stores this year. Located at The Shops at Ayala Triangle Garden and One Ayala, these stores are designed to reduce carbon emissions, minimize water usage, and cut landfill waste.

Plastic Credit Exchange Partnership

Actively involved in waste management, Starbucks Philippines, in partnership with the Plastic Credit Exchange, has offset over 200 metric tons of plastic as of 2023. The Aling Tindera Site in Palatiw, Pasig, serves as a livelihood center and a plastic waste collection hub.

Ongoing Waste Reduction Efforts

As part of ongoing waste reduction efforts, Starbucks Philippines has transitioned to 100% paper straws in all stores and for delivery orders. The shift from bubble wrap to carton boxes and carton filters in packages from their official Lazada store since 2021 further reinforces the commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Encouraging Reusables: Discounts and Rewards

Customers are encouraged to bring their reusable cups or tumblers, enjoying a Php 10 discount on handcrafted drinks. During the Starbucks Global Month of Good in April, Rewards members received 5 Bonus Stars for choosing reusables.

Explore Starbucks’ Impact

Starbucks invites everyone to learn more about its social impact and sustainability journey by visiting Starbucks Philippines’ Social Impact.

January 23, 2024
Host Your Next Event for Free, Robinsons Malls’ Co-Events Spaces Got You Covered!

Looking for a cool space to hold your next community gathering or workshop? Robinsons Malls has got you covered with their Co-Events Spaces. These venues are equipped with basic amenities and are perfect for seminars, workshops, group study, business meetings, panel discussions, auditions, band practices, dance rehearsals, exhibitions, fandom meetups, and other small-size events, and they’re totally free!

The Co-Events Spaces are clean, well-lit, and have complete facilities. Plus, they are located within Robinsons Metroeast, Robinsons Naga, Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, Robinsons Las Pinas, Robinsons Imus, Robinsons Gen Trias and Robinsons Dasmarinas, so they’re super easy to get to.

Here’s how to book your spot! First is download and register on the RMalls+ App, head to the RVoucher section, and look for the Co-Events Space voucher. You need to reserve at least three days before your activity and keep in mind that there will be a maximum guests allowed per mall locations.

Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to hold your next event at Robinsons Malls’ Co-Events Spaces! For more information, check out Robinsons Malls’ Official Website: www.robinsonsmalls.com

January 19, 2024
GCash and Heart Evangelista Collaborate For Her Newest Endorsement

GCash, the country’s leading finance super app, brings a powerful start to 2024 with the launch of its newest endorser — international fashion icon, Heart Evangelista-Escudero.

The unveiling of Heart as the new face of GCash was announced together with the release of the brand’s latest digital film, set to take over our feeds. The film not only showcases Heart’s exciting partnership with GCash, but also demonstrates how GCash has made its way into her heart, being her go-to super app for easy, safe & secure transactions, whether it be online, in-store, or even abroad.

Inspired by her travels and experiences, Heart shared her anecdotes of the moments GCash saved her in times of need –from receiving a sweet gift from her loved ones by using the app’s Send Money feature, to shopping online for cute trinkets for her dog, Panda. She even talked about how the ease of the Scan to Pay feature when it comes to simple things, like buying kwek-kwek when the craving strikes, and of course, who could forget her delighted reaction when she successfully used her GCash Card for the first time to pay for a coffee run in Paris!

“For me, GCash has been a game changer. You can use it for so many things, and literally EVERYWHERE! From my local cravings, shopping finds and even now that I’m getting ready to head out for Fashion Week season, there is no limit when I’ve got my GCash with me. Ang galing diba? ” – Heart Evangelista-Escudero

Much like Heart, there are so many new things to discover and love about GCash! Apart from being able to send and receive money for FREE, and get free vouchers and discounts when paying online, thanks to the GCash Card, its users can transact seamlessly in over 200 countries — with lower foreign exchange rates vs. competitors, it instantly became one of her travel essentials!

The different scenes showcased in the brand’s new film were inspired by the star’s day-to-day life. In fact, Heart was heavily involved in crafting the script, and dressing herself in some of her signature pieces from her personal wardrobe, some of which we’ve seen all over social media!

“In my Heart, GCash is the best way to pay”

Quoting Heart’s ending line in her newest film, GCash invites its users to enjoy the best things life has to offer in the most convenient and secure way possible.

“Heart was really the perfect, and easy, choice for us when it came to developing this campaign. She gave a mountain’s worth of ideas from the very first time we met her and the team was left inspired! Her attention to every detail was key for us to develop a material that was unique but also very personal to her. We loved the way she was able to share her personal experiences with us in highlighting how her GCash has made her transactions easier, not only in the Philippines but all over the globe. ” – Neil Trinidad, GCash Chief Marketing Officer

GCash, the country’s no. 1 finance super app continues its mission to empower Filipinos to move towards financial progress. Through this new collaboration between Heart and GCash, users can only expect more to come in 2024 as they continue to open doors to a brighter future for all Filipinos, so that they too can say that GCash is the best way to pay.

Watch the full GCash short film produced with Heart through the official GCash page @gcashofficial on Facebook and YouTube.

January 19, 2024
Regus to open a flexible working space at Doña Elena Tower in Sta. Mesa, Manila

Regus, a globally renowned brand for flexible workspaces, is set to open its first facility at Doña Elena Tower, a bustling 11-storey building in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Regus at Doña Elena Tower will offer a range of flexible spaces, including private office spaces, coworking areas, virtual offices, and well-equipped meeting rooms, all designed for comfort and productivity. Regus is the perfect choice for professionals who are looking for a productive workspace solution in a prime location.

Doña Elena Tower is one of the most highly anticipated real estate projects in Manila, particularly for its suitability as a hybrid workspace. Its prime location is a standout feature, with close proximity to the entry and exit ramps of Skyway Stage 3 and seamless connectivity to the public transport system, linking EDSA through Shaw Boulevard.

Doña Elena Tower is a modern and sustainable building that offers innovative features and specifications. The building offers spacious parking areas and high-security standards, making it a perfect environment for businesses to thrive. To ensure uninterrupted operations, the facility is installed with a dual 24/7 generator system that provides continuous power supply in case of emergencies and fiber optic-ready cabling that allows fast and reliable internet connectivity. On top of these innovative features, the tower is also EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certified, and it meets the standards of excellence in energy and water efficiency, as well as reduced environmental impact. Apart from being the epitome of sustainable development, the building houses a mix of thriving industries such as banking, retail, restaurant, government agency, and more, creating a diverse and vibrant community.

Regus is a brand under the International Workplace Group (IWG) umbrella, which specializes in delivering flexible and professional workspaces. They will oversee the design and management of a premier shared office space within Doña Elena Tower in Santa Mesa, Manila. For over 30 years, Regus has fostered a global community of over 2.5 million members across 122 countries, assisting businesses in discovering the ideal workspace solutions for their teams.

Happy Coral Way Realty Corporation (HCWRC) and International Workplace Group (IWG) formalized their partnership on September 22, 2023, during a contract signing event at SPACES 29F World Plaza, 4th Avenue, BGC. The signing ceremony was attended by Larry Cochanco, Director of HCWRC and Fly Ace Corporation, and Frederick Ong, Senior Executive Vice President – Chief Operations Officer of Fly Ace Holdings, Inc. (FAHI). Representing IWG were Country Manager and Senior Vice President, Lars Wittig, and Head of Partnership Growth & Network Development, Rowena Natividad.
“We are excited about our collaboration with IWG on this project. With Doña Elena Tower as the future home of Regus, we are confident that we can provide flexible and comfortable workspaces that will boost efficiency and adaptability for hybrid work,” said Larry Cochanco, Director of Happy Coral Way Realty Corporation and Fly Ace Corporation.”

“This initiative aims to enable businesses to elevate their work environments while fostering adaptability for hybrid work setups. Our overarching objective is to provide Filipinos with all-inclusive, digitally-equipped, and inviting working spaces,” stated IWG Country Manager and Senior Vice President Lars Wittig.

January 14, 2024
Cinemalaya 2024 Calls For Short Film Entries

After two decades of celebrating Philippine independent filmmaking, the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. open the screens for submission to the Short Film Category of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2024.

The deadline for submissions is on or before 6 pm on March 8, 2024.

The country’s biggest independent film competition is open to all Filipino filmmakers. Interested participants may submit a maximum of three (3) entries but only one (1) entry per proponent may be considered as a finalist.

Submitted entries must have been produced from March 3, 2023 to March 8, 2024. Short film entries that participated in other local and international festivals and competitions are qualified to join Cinemalaya. However, if an entry is submitted and is selected as a finalist in both the Cinemalaya and Gawad Alternatibo, the said entry will automatically be removed from the Gawad Alternatibo lineup, in favor of Cinemalaya.

Entries may be submitted ONLINE or OFFLINE. For online application, submit all requirements through https://forms.gle/gb4csK1rcDqFwnhs7 . Requirements include a duly completed entry form, synopsis in English, a brief resume with 2×2 photo/s of the filmmaker/s, and the final work in MP4 format, with violator/watermark (for screening purposes only) and properly labeled with title, production company, address and contact numbers, production date, director’s name, running time which should not exceed 20 minutes including credits.

For OFFLINE submission, send entries to the Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division office, located at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Annex Building, Vicente Sotto St., Pasay City.

For OFFLINE submission, film entry must be submitted on a thumb drive (USB), with the entry form, synopsis, and filmmaker’s profile. All must be submitted in a long brown envelope properly labeled with the proponent’s name, title of the film, and contact details.

The Cinemalaya Selection Committee will shortlist 10 film finalists which will be screened at the 2024 Cinemalaya Film Festival on August 2 to 11, and will have the chance to compete for the coveted Balanghai trophies.

Since 2005, Cinemalaya has been committed to the development and promotion of Philippine independent film. At its core, it provides an avenue for the production of cinematic works of Filipino independent filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity. With its call for submissions for the 2024 short film competition, Cinemalaya continues to invigorate the Philippine film industry by developing a new breed of Filipino filmmakers.

For full mechanics, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and the Cinemalaya website (www.cinemalaya.org). Follow the official CCP and Cinemalaya social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for more updates.

January 11, 2024
Light up your New Year with Globe in NYE AT THE 5TH!

Are you ready to ring in 2024 with a bang? Globe is teaming up with Bonifacio Global City and the local government of Taguig for NYE AT THE 5TH – a street celebration that’s going to brighten your world.

Prepare to dive into a night of unforgettable fun on December 31 at the Globe Booth at Bonifacio High Street Amphitheatre. As you step into this festive arena, feel the pulse of a community coming together, ready to set the stage for a truly fantastic year ahead.

A spectacular K-Pop performance

A stellar performance by one of K-Pop’s biggest groups is set to electrify the evening, which is why Globe KmmunityPH and Anything K-Pop Manila is teaming up once again to amp up the energy. Whether you’re a long-time stan or new to the scene, there is a diverse array of awesome activities designed to immerse you in the vibrant world of K-Pop.

Capture your moments at the Globe photobooth

Make your New Year’s Eve more memorable at the Globe photobooth. It’s the perfect spot to snap your festive OOTD, gather with loved ones for a group photo, and capture the spirit of the celebration.

Arcade fun with friends

Challenge your friends and test your skills at Globe’s arcade machines. It’s not just about winning; it’s about enjoying every playful moment and maybe even snagging some cool prizes.

Dance parties to keep you moving

Get ready to move and groove! Spontaneous dance parties are set to erupt, offering you a chance to dance your heart out. Mingle with fellow party-goers in these impromptu dance-offs and let the rhythm of the night take over.

Exclusive deals from 0917 Lifestyle

Fashion meets fandom with 0917 Lifestyle’s exclusive freebies and discounts on some of their most popular collections. Enjoy up to 50% off on shirts, accessories, and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your style and express your fandom.

Concert experience at the Globe booth

Experience the concert with added comfort at the Globe booth. This is your chance to enjoy the performance in a cozy setting, making your New Year’s Eve celebration even more special.

“Joining BGC and Taguig City in this celebration is our way of bringing people together and fueling their passion. We’re creating a vibrant space where fans can connect, and we’re excited to offer an experience that’s both fun and meaningful as we welcome the new year,” said Crisela Magpayo-Cervantes, Globe’s Vice President for Marketing Communications.

As the countdown to the New Year begins, don’t miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration. Join Globe at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheatre on December 31 for a gathering of hearts and dreams, all united by the excitement for new beginnings.

See you there!

December 29, 2023
Give back while you shop:Unwrap the joy of sharing as SMAC supports Hapag Movement

This festive season, you can help the hungry even while on a shopping spree.

Globe and SMAC, SM’s customer loyalty program, are back with “Ibalik ang Sarap ng Pasko sa Hapag,” a campaign that turns your holiday shopping into a beacon of hope for those suffering from involuntary hunger. For every SMAC card purchased from December 15, 2023, to January 31, 2024, SMAC donates PHP50.00 to Globe’s Hapag Movement.

Every swipe of your SMAC card does more than just tally up your purchases. With each transaction, you also have the opportunity to help someone in need.

“When you choose to avail of a SMAC card, you’re embracing that holiday spirit beyond the usual. You’re joining a movement that feeds hope and joy to countless Filipino families affected by hunger. Each card is a pledge to make the season brighter for someone in need,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe Group.

“In our second year of our partnership with Globe, our goal is to bring even more support to the Hapag Movement to make a greater impact and help more Filipinos in need. We believe there is no better way to celebrate the holidays than by sharing, and like last year, we are assured that our members will join forces with us in making this campaign a success,” said Jay Beltran, Head of Sales and Marketing, Digital Advantage Corporation (DAC).

The Hapag Movement aims to help 500,000 Filipinos experiencing involuntary hunger. Every point you donate through your SMAC card becomes a lifeline.

You may also contribute through various platforms, including GCash, credit card donations, or Rewards points via the GlobeOne app. This inclusivity means that anyone can join in this cause, amplifying the impact of the campaign.

In this season of joy and giving, your shopping choices have the power to transform lives. Your SMAC card is more than just a shopping companion. Every card purchase and every swipe counts towards a future where no table is empty, and no heart is hungry.

Unwrap the joy of generosity together with Globe and SMAC. Learn more by visiting https://digiweb.smac.ph/perks/ibalik-ang-sarap-ng-pasko and https://www.globe.com.ph/globeofgood.

December 29, 2023
Google unveils 2023’s top search trends in the Philippines
Google ends the year once again by releasing the Year In Search 2023, its annual compilation of the top trending keywords and terms that Filipinos search for.

These top 10 lists serve as a record of the many events and issues that people have gotten caught up in over the year. For example, SIM registration topped the News list because of the new law that mandated everyone to register their phone numbers, and because Filipinos wanted to know more about the process. Major international events are also high on Filipinos’ awareness, as the Israel-Hamas war is ranked fifth in the top News trends.

The pop culture lists are also full of names that are bound to trigger specific memories from months past. Among many other keywords, there’s Japanese actor Mackenyu who ranked #2 in Male Personalities because of the reception to his One Piece role, Jenna Ortega (#8 in Female Personalities) who’s enjoying her career highs from Wednesday and Scream 7, and local TV drama Maria Clara at Ibarra that gripped Filipinos during its TV run.

TV shows and movies available on streaming platforms earned more places on this year’s lists, which lines up with the steady growth of online media consumption as projected in this year’s eConomy SEA Report.

Below is the full list of the top search trends in the Philippines:

News
1. SIM registration
2. precinct finder
3. persona non grata
4. Nipah virus
5. War in Israel and Gaza
6. lato-lato
7. Typhoon Egay update
8. Taal Volcano update
9. Turkey earthquake
10. MoCa Farm
Sports
1. Lakers vs Warriors
2. Lakers vs Nuggets
3. FIBA World Cup
4. Miami vs Denver
5. Lakers vs Grizzlies
6. Suns vs Nuggets
7. Celtics vs 76ers
8. Heat vs Knicks
9. Golden State Warriors vs Kings
10. Ginebra vs Bay Area
Shows or Series
1. Duty After School
2. Maria Clara at Ibarra
3. Moving
4. The Glory
5. Twinkling Watermelon
6. King the Land
7. XO, Kitty
8. The Last of Us
9. My Lovely Liar
10. Strong Girl Nam-soon
Songs or Lyrics
1. Say You Won’t Let Go
2. ERE
3. Pasilyo
4. Uhaw
5. Lupang Hinirang English
6. Angels Like You
7. California King Bed
8. Rapstar
9. Raining In Manila
10. Jopay
Games
1. Blade Ball codes
2. Delta Executor
3. Soldier, Poet, or King quiz
4. Cosmic Values
5. Anime Adventures codes
6. Farlight
7. Choox Sega
8. Honkai: Star Rail
9. Minecraft 1.20
10. Project Slayers codes
Male Personalities
1. Ahn Bo-hyun
2. Mackenyu
3. Marco Gumabao
4. Taylor Lautner
5. Travis Kelce
6. Liam Hemsworth
7. David Licauco
8. Kyle Kuzma
9. Juan Karlos
10. Chen Zhe Yuan
Female Personalities
1. Katy Louise Saunders
2. Cristine Reyes
3. Millie Bobby Brown
4. Lee Da-in
5. Issa Pressman
6. Janna Dominguez
7. Bada Lee
8. Jenna Ortega
9. Emily Rudd
10. Isabel Santos
Movies
1. Oppenheimer
2. John Wick: Chapter 4
3. Barbie
4. Insidious: The Red Door
5. The Menu
6. Extraction 2
7. I Love Lizzy
8. Evil Dead Rise
9. Nowhere
10. Kill Boksoon
Farewells
1. Mike Enriquez
2. Joey Paras
3. Matthew Perry
4. Andrei Sison
5. Patrick Guzman
6. Mario Dumaual
7. John Regala
8. Michael Gambon
9. Park Soo Ryun
10. Tina Turner
Korean Series
1. Duty After School
2. Moving
3. The Glory
4. Twinkling Watermelon
5. King the Land
6. My Lovely Liar
7. Strong Girl Nam-soon
8. Alchemy of Souls
9. Island
10. A Time Called You
To see the full Year in Search 2023 list, click here.
December 21, 2023
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Teams Up with Make-A-Wish® to Host Summer Snow Day Wishes Celebration

For the first time in forever, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) teamed up with Make-A-Wish® to grant life-changing wishes at the all-new themed land World of Frozen.

Eleven children living with critical illnesses and their families from around the world traveled to Hong Kong to visit World of Frozen and have their wishes granted. They are among approximately 130 guests traveling from local Make-A-Wish affiliates including the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan to join the Summer Snow Day Wishes Celebration.

“Making wishes come true is some of the most important work that we do at Disney,” said Jill Estorino, President and Managing Director of Disney Parks International. “In fact, Disney is the largest wish-granter in the world for Make-A-Wish. Hong Kong Disneyland joined that journey when it opened in 2005, and has been bringing Disney magic to the local community and beyond ever since.”

The entire event was inspired by one child’s wish to meet the Imagineers involved with the all-new World of Frozen.

Dominic, a wish child from Singapore, was diagnosed with hemophilia seven days after birth. Despite facing an incurable condition that requires a lifetime of treatment, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of knowledge, fueled by a passion for mathematics, science, engineering, and space.

After watching the documentary “The Imagineering Story” on Disney+ during the pandemic, Dominic was deeply inspired by the Imagineers’ creativity and innovative use of technology to build Disney parks and attractions.

“While many Disneyland guests may only see what is presented, I am drawn to explore the rationale behind the scenes,” he said. “The work of Imagineers combines robotic techniques, architecture, engineering and other disciplines, turning imagination into reality through numerous trials and experiments. I am thrilled to meet them to learn more about their work.”

Jo Phoa, Director of Creative Development of Walt Disney Imagineering Hong Kong, and Angus Chan, Principal Ride Control System Engineer of Walt Disney Imagineering Hong Kong, were touched by Dominic’s thirst for knowledge and excitement about Imagineering. They designed a special exploratory tour for Dominic, guiding him through the new attraction Frozen Ever After, which utilizes state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics technology.

Additionally, Dominic learned about the electric motion simulator system of Iron Man Experience – the first at any Disney park, and had the unique opportunity to witness the design process.

Dominic, who visited a Disney park for the first time, expressed his thrill at exploring the new World of Frozen and learning about its technology and operations. His conversations with Phoa and Chan reaffirmed his passion for science, inspiring him to become an Imagineer.

Rhianne, a wish child from the Philippines, had her wish captured by the end of 2019. She was ready to travel during early 2020 but then the pandemic hit. During the wait for travel to be safe, Make-A-Wish Philippines continued to engage with her over three years through Disney-themed care packages, a surprise birthday party, and a special invitation to the first Wish Ball to give a testimonial. Throughout the last three years, Rhianne has been bravely going through her medical treatment while patiently waiting for her wish to come true.

“This is my first visit to Hong Kong Disneyland and also my first trip abroad, which is so exciting. I can’t wait to visit World of Frozen and experience Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs,” Rhianne said.

“This is a remarkable day for Make-A-Wish. For the first time ever, we are granting wishes from the Southeast Asia region at Hong Kong Disneyland,” said Dr Kevin Lau, Board Director of Make-A-Wish International. “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Hong Kong Disneyland for inviting us to this special event celebrating the power of wishes at the kingdom of Arendelle and joining hands with Make-A-Wish in bringing hope to children from all around the world.”

To commemorate the opening of World of Frozen and the 25th anniversary of Make-A-Wish Hong Kong, the resort will donate HK$10 for every transaction made at Tick Tock Toys & Collectibles in the kingdom of Arendelle to Make-A-Wish Hong Kong from today until Jan 10, 2024. Combined with the proceeds from the recent “Wish Upon A Chocolate Cake” charity sales at the resort, HKDL plans to contribute a total of HK$600,000 to support the development of Make-A-Wish Hong Kong.

For over 40 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have together fulfilled more than 150,000 Disney-inspired wishes around the world. The bravery, tenacity, and optimism displayed by the wish children are an inspiration for all cast members at HKDL, and the resort will continue to work with Make-A-Wish Hong Kong and other Make-A-Wish International affiliates to support the wishes of wish children living with critical illnesses and their families, creating magical memories that last a lifetime.

December 20, 2023
Bridgetowne Lights The Towne with Bursting Lights, Great Music and Good Food

Bridgetowne offers lights, music and food—in a wide open space.

Filipinos love the yearend holidays and in fact, much has already been said about how we anticipate its arrival as early as September. But now that the holiday season is actually upon us, some of us might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of activities leading up to Christmas and the New Year festivities.

This year, why not take the opportunity to explore an open, tree-lined space where you can run around with friends, walk your furbabies, and then have a bite to eat? At Bridgetowne, Robinsons Land’s premier destination estate, you can do all that and enjoy the cool holiday breeze at the same time.

Earlier this month, Mercato Central, the country’s largest small food business market, opened an outpost at Bridgetowne located near the property’s football pitch. With almost two dozen stalls to choose from, visitors will be spoiled for choice. This Christmas season, the stalls are open for business Tuesday to Sunday, 4:00pm – 12:00 midnight while in January it operates from Thursday to Sunday, 4:00pm – 12 midnight until March 2024. Buskers provide entertainment, nightly.

If you’re feeling parched after all those steps you put in, there are fresh fruit juices and shakes at Heaven Shake, Nutrifresh and Face Buko, lemonade at Juice Factory, and a selection of brews at Kraft Coffee. Snackers can choose from Hungarian, John Crispy, Lyn’s Bibingka, El Angelicious Empanada, JD’s Takoyaki or shawarma at It’s A Wrap. Need something more substantial? Load up on Korean food at Uncle Kims or Kchase Korean Street Food, grilled faves at Cheng’s Grill or Guagua’s Best, and savories that will hit the spot at Bagnet Rice Patong, 921 Smoking Hot, Mongolian, Cocina Berenguer or Chicago.

Once dusk falls, Bridgetowne lights up and the effect is simply magical. Those who enjoy posting on social media won’t run out of picture-perfect backdrops starting with “The Victor,” a 60-meter high art installation of a human figure with one arm raised in victory. Located on the eastern portion of the 32-hectare estate, the structure by Fil-Am artist Jefrё Manuel-Figueras pays homage to the resilience and determination found in every Filipino.

This holiday season, The Victor will be festively illuminated. Then there’s the stunning four-lane bridge that connects two urban centers Quezon City to Pasig City, lined with colored lights. Designed by the late National Artist Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, the curvy 110 meter-long bridge was inspired by the ribbon depicted in the Bridgetowne logo. There are dedicated lanes for pedestrians and bikers who can enjoy the breeze as well as the view as they traverse the length of the bridge over the Marikina River.

A second art installation, breathtaking in its attention to detail, was recently unveiled and is well worth a visit—and several posts on one’s socials.

“Lambat” depicts a fishing couple at the precise moment when they cast their net. Created by multi-talented artists Jude Tiotuico, Miguel Aguas and Vito Selma, the sculpture is a tribute to the Filipino working class but also serves as a protective shade where people can converge and where children can play.

“Visitors to Bridgetowne can use the football field and obstacle park for sports and recreation, gather at the motorcycle community hub (Mototowne), and take advantage of the open spaces for family activities,” said Loise Albert Montes, AVP Business Development for RLC Destination Estates. Mr. Montes is particularly proud of how the estate has been illuminated for the holidays, and suggests that a weekend visit might be best for families and groups of friends. “There’s more flexibility to engage in recreational activities such as using the football field, obstacle park, and participating in community events without time constraints,” he said adding that the night food market that offers a diverse range of culinary delights would be at its liveliest after dusk.

Brigetowne will also holding its very first NY Countdown on December 31, featuring the country’s top bands-Sandwich Motherbasss with DJ Loonyo, MC Pao Avila, DJ Jet Boado DJ Alondra. Hosted by Kaladkarin and Princess Legaspi, the event will start at 9:00 pm. Entrance is free. After all, what is Christmas but a chance to gather with family and friends over a shared meal, lights and music—this time provided by buskers who will perform Christmas carols.

December 18, 2023