DreamPlay to stage children's “Summer Dream Workshop” for aspiring singers and dancers

Tweet

City of Dreams Manila’s DreamPlay, the only DreamWorks-inspired interactive play space in the world, is holding the “Summer Dream Workshop” from May 6 to 11, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Open to children ages 6 to 13, the six-day singing and dancing workshop aims to let kids hone and discover their skills in performing arts, boost their self-confidence, and at the same time, make new friends throughout the program.

A fitting educational yet fun-filled activity for kids this summer season, the singing workshop includes exploring various vocal exercises, the application of proper singing techniques, and concepts on basic stage performance; while the dance workshop involves lectures and exercises on the creative process of dance, choreography, improvisation, as well as different types of routines and techniques in Jazz Funk, Modern Dance and Hip Hop.

As a culminating activity of the workshop, participants are set to perform live on April 6, at 2 p.m. at DreamPlay, where they can get the chance to become a DreamPlay Ambassador or get special awards. Apart from the kids’ individual performances, exciting production numbers are also lined up, where they will be joined on stage by DreamWorks’ Trolls characters Poppy and Branch and The Dreamers, DreamPlay’s talented in-house performers.

Zhan Dela Pena will facilitate as vocal coach together with his team. Dela Pena is a graduate of University of Santo Tomas’ Conservatory of Music with ten-year experience in teaching voice techniques and performance, highlighted by his stint as a former vocal coach for The Voice Kids Philippines. On the other hand, DreamPlay’s in-house dance group, The Dreamers, will lead the dance workshop.

The Summer Dream Workshop is limited to the first 20 registrants. Included in the Php 4,888 registration fee are DreamPlay’s All-Day Pass for six days, a workshop shirt, snacks, scrapbook, printed photos, a string bag, certificate, and a DreamPlay shirt for the culmination concert. Deadline for registration is on March 24.

DreamPlay, known for its commitment in honing and discovering talented young children, annually stages competitions that include “King Julien Dance Off” and DreamPlay “Sing-Off,” which have served as a platform for children from all around the country to showcase their skills and a launch pad for budding superstar singers and dancers here and abroad.

DreamPlay by DreamWorks at City of Dreams Manila is a first-of-its-kind indoor, interactive play and creativity center. Built upon the incredible stories of DreamWorks and brought to life through the latest digital technologies, DreamPlay allows kids to experience their wildest dreams. 

Located at the Upper Ground Floor at The Shops at the Boulevard, DreamPlay is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays (Monday to Thursday), and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends (Friday to Sunday, and on Holidays).

For more information, call 808 0909 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

Mother’s Day treats at City of Dreams Manila

Tweet

City of Dreams Manila pays homage to moms on Mother’s Day with diverse choices, from dining specials at its award-winning restaurants Crystal Dragon and Nobu Manila and finely-crafted chocolate gifts at Café Society, to a DreamPlay special treat, Nobu Hotel staycation packages and pampering treatments at NÜWA Spa and Nobu Spa.

Crystal Dragon

Families can express their love and appreciation for their moms with a premium Cantonese feast at Crystal Dragon offered in an a la carte and two special set menus for lunch or dinner especially prepared by Chinese Executive Chef Bong Jun Choi, Crystal Dragon Chef de Cuisine Chan Choo Kean, and their culinary team in the Mother’s Day specials are available from May 2 to May 14.

A la carte dishes include: braised sea cucumber and mushroom meat balls with brown bean sauce; pan-fried stuffed lotus root filled with chopped minced pork, wok-fried grouper fillet with fragrant spices and salted egg yolk; pan-fried scallop filled with minced prawns and abalone sauce; fried crispy stuffed chicken with prawn mousse and almond nibs; and wok-friend noodles with seafood, sliced pork, vegetables and century egg.

The Munificent 6-course set menu is composed of: a combination platter of deep-fried prawn on toast, hand-rolled pong-pong chicken and deep-fried crispy black pepper duck dumplings; braised seafood treasure with bird’s nest and spinach in superior broth; steamed cod fish fillet with shredded pork and mushrooms; oven-baked fresh scallop with fragrant cheese on shell; work-fried flat noodles with sliced beef and vegetables; and warm sweetened coconut flavor custard canton cake.

The more lavish 9-course Virtuous menu, alluding to moms’ virtues of unconditional love and kindness, offers : specialty appetizer platter of aromatic duck roll, deep-fried prawn ball, simmered shredded pork ear with spicy vinegar and Shanghai marinated fish slices; braised sea treasure and bamboo piths with crab meat in superior broth; home-made style steamed grouper fillet with ginger and cordy ceps flowers, crispy roasted chicken in double flavor preparations; wok-fried butter prawn with crispy pumpkin; braised abalone with mushroom, bean curd and broccoli, wok-fried egg noodles with abalone, vegetables and century egg, special dessert platter and chilled mango puree with steamed walnut custard bun.

The Mother’s Day Munificent and Virtuous set menus are at P2,380++ (minimum order for 2 to 8 persons) and P4,380++ per person (minimum order for 8 to 10 persons), respectively. Chinese tea is served with the set menus.

Nobu Manila

Moms and their loved ones craving for renowned Chef Nobu’s Japanese Peruvian fusion artistry will be delighted with the Nobu Mother’s Day Sunday brunch buffet on May 13. 

Nobu Manila Head Chef Mike de Jesus, Sushi Chef Kirika Oi and the culinary team will showcase Nobu hot items such as black cod miso, soy glazed salmon, Nobu style sisig; a selection of sushi and sashimi; yakisoba station with a selection of noodles and condiments; carving station highlighting whole fish lapu-lapu, roasted prime ribeye and vegetable fried rice; robatayaki at the cabana grilling station with various charcoal-grilled meats, seafood and vegetables; and a Mother’s Day themed dessert corner.

As a special treat, all moms will be given a gift of Nobu chocolate petit fours. Nobu Mother’s Day brunch is at P3,880++ per person, with sodas, juices, mocktails, and iced tea; additional of P990++ per person to avail of the standard alcohol package and P1,990++ per person for the premium champagne drink package. Children ages six to 12 years old dine at half price while those five and below are free-of-charge.

Café Society

For moms with a sweet tooth, the stylish delights at Café Society are the perfect Mother’s Day gifts among which are gourmet chocolate stilettos and purses in pink, red and zebra print at P1,200 net and P1,400 net, respectively. Other gift choices that would elicit smiles from moms are the jam flower brioche at P1,400 net and the pop cake at P425 net.

DreamPlay

At the only DreamWorks-inspired play space in the world, each mom is treated on Mother’s Day to a complimentary DreamPlay ticket when accompanied by at least two DreamPlay ticketholders. Moms can enjoy special bonding moments with loved ones in the more than 12 interactive and fun activities inspired by DreamWorks animations Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, Puss in Boots and Trolls. Together they can create their own 3D animation inspired by Trolls, Kung Fu Panda or Madagascar movies, attend Gingy’s Cooking Class, learn fun martial arts moves from Po at Kung Fu Fighting Fast As Lighting Dojo, build and fly dragons at How to Fly Your Dragon, take an adventure at Shrek’s Swamp, watch Madagascar Puppet Show at DreamTales library starring King Julien and immerse in DreamWorks short films in 4D at the Dream Theatre. DreamPlay ticket on Mother’s Day is at P880 net per person.

Nobu Hotel Manila

Nobu Hotel Manila offers a month-long Nobu staycation package in celebration of Mother’s Day. The package includes an overnight stay with complimentary buffet breakfast for two at Nobu restaurant, P5,000 dining credits valid in City of Dreams Manila-operated outlets such as Nobu Manila, Crystal Dragon, The Tasting Room, Red Ginger, Jing Ting and Café Society. A special welcome amenity awaits moms. 

Guests can choose from Nobu Deluxe or Nobu Premier rooms with either city view or pool view, Nobu Executive, and Nobu Suite with the package net price starting at P15,888. The Mother’s Day offer is available until May 31, 2018.

NÜWA Spa and Nobu Spa

To honor moms and provide them a respite from their busy schedules, the 2018 Forbes Travel Guide Four- Star awardee NÜWA Spa and Nobu Spa offer curated Mother’s Day spa packages for a delightful pampering experience available from May 1 to 31. While gift vouchers are available, bookings can be made directly at the two spas.

NÜWA Spa at the 2018 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star awardee NÜWA Manila, draws inspiration from Nüwa, the goddess who created mankind in ancient Chinese mythology. Among many of her great deeds, Nüwa smelted together five colored stones to patch up the azure sky, saving the world from destruction. The myth about the five stones encapsulates the fundamental principle of Chinese medicine that equilibrium can be achieved by honing the power of nature. NÜWA Spa captures the power of these “healing elements” and incorporates the soothing power of nature in the spa therapies.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, NÜWA Spa has hand-picked a few of the highly-acclaimed holistic spa treatments for an indulgent experience for moms. 

The 2-hour One Mom-ent in Time package consists of a bespoke body polish, gold hydration intensive facial and head, neck and shoulder massage at P5,800. For an immersion in Philippines’ age-old healing techniques, traditions and ingredients handed through generations, the 2 hour-and 30 minute Mother’s Day Out comprises Heal-ot massage with Dagdagay foot massage and NÜWA Radiance facial at P6,800 net. An option for Ayurvedic therapy to balance mind, body and spirit is available with the 2 hour-and-30 minute Mum Me-Time which includes Shirodhara treatment, Abyanga massage and OM facial express at P7,800 net. All packages come with a long-stemmed American rose and a signature chocolate bar.

The Nobu Spa situated at the Nobu Hotel Manila offers a fully-immersive rejuvenation in an elegant and contemporary Japanese oasis. The 1 hour-and-30 minute Super Woman Retreat consists of chocolate body glow treatment and Juan Hilot’s Pride massage at P3,800 net. For a more youthful radiance, the 2-hour

Flawless Mom package includes pink salt body polish and collagen skin booster facial at P4,200 net. For a total revitalizing experience, the 2 hour-and-30 minute Ageless Beauty package comes complete with a renewal massage, Dr. Babor BTX lifting facial and For Your Eyes Only treatment at P4,600 net. All packages come with a special Ikebana flower token and a signature chocolate bar.

For inquiries and reservations, guests can call 8008080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreams.com.ph.

City of Dreams Manila celebrates the season of giving through granting a father's wish

Tweet

Following a touching father-daughter short video titled “Perfect Moments Made Real” that went viral in October with almost seven million views in Facebook, the luxury integrated resort City of Dreams Manila released another video granting the wish of a father to bond with his family this holiday season, captioned “This was our response to a father who had a simple dream for his family”.

The story of Don Pilapil, an app-based driver and bottling company agent and father of four, was discovered through his comment on City of Dreams’ first viral short video. He expressed a wish to have the time to bring his children to DreamPlay and have the same memorable experiences that his passengers seemed to enjoy when he would drive them to and from the resort. Because Don held two jobs, he got anxious about losing touch with his growing kids because of the little time he spent with them.

City of Dreams Manila’s team reached out to Don to give him the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience and quality time with his family, which included lunch in an elaborate set-up at the Grand Ballroom, play hours at DreamPlay and a staycation at Nobu Hotel Manila. 

“Don’s moving story was something we wanted to share with our audience on Facebook because it resonates with a lot of Filipinos striving for a brighter future for their families. In this season of giving, we take pleasure in making a father’s dream come true to have memorable moments with his family,” stated City of Dreams Manila Property President Geoff Andres.

Barely a week since its posting on November 30, Don’s story on City of Dreams Manila’s official Facebook page has reached over 1.4 million views, garnered more than 40,500 likes and reactions, over 7,600 shares and more than 1,600 comments. Don’s heart-tugging words certainly merit a thumbs-up: “I’ve learned that being a good parent isn’t measured by how much you’ve given. It is felt by caring, by spending time with them. So before they totally leave my side, if there’s something they could bring as they grow, I hope they remember that I have been a good father.”

City of Dreams Manila’s viral video ends with the caption “Make more perfect moments together”, which inspires its viewers to give the gift of time and love for their family this holiday season. 

To view the video, click on the following link: https://www.facebook.com/cityofdreamsmanila/videos/740108586180253/.

DreamPlay's “Spookfest”, a Halloween adventure at City of Dreams Manila

Tweet

 DreamPlay, the DreamWorks-inspired interactive play space at City of Dreams Manila will hold its annual “Spookfest”, a Halloween adventure from October 28 to November 1 packed with thrilling games, exciting activities, special performances, and awesome prizes.

Children who wish to join can sign up for the “Spookfest VIP Package” for P1,500 which includes an all-day pass at DreamPlay, an exclusive experience to participate in the “Shrek or Treat Pumpkin Hunt” and “Shrek It Out” Costume Contest, admission to view the DreamWorks Halloween movie at the Dream Theatre, a pass to create pumpkin-shaped gingerbread cookies at Gingy’s Kitchen, photo ops with Shrek, and a Spookfest bag with DreamPlay goodies.

The “Shrek or Treat Pumpkin Hunt” enables kids to compete in groups to collect all the pumpkins of their assigned color – orange, yellow, blue, red, green, or white. The pumpkins are hidden in DreamPlay’s various attractions and each pumpkin gives a clue on where to find the next one. The first team to complete their specified pumpkins wins a prize.

Kids who come prepared with their scariest, coolest, or most creative costumes can join the “Shrek It Out” costume contest to be held on November 1 at 3 pm and get a chance to win an overnight stay at Nobu Hotel Manila or DreamPlay tickets. Each contestant shall register and secure an entry number. All participants will be called on stage to showcase their costumes. 

The “Shrek It Out Costume” contest criteria for judging are: creativity (based on overall look, color and personality) - 30%; originality (uniqueness of the costume) - 30%; complexity (intricacy of the costume) - 20%; and overall-appearance (overall style) - 20%. 

For inquiries and admission, guests can call 800 8080 or 800 0909 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

Higher Level Kids, Grand Champion at DreamPlay's “King Julien Dance Off” at City of Dreams Manila

Tweet

Higher Level Kids, an all-boys group from Cavite, bested the other seven finalists and bagged the championship trophy of DreamPlay's “King Julien Dance Off” at Chaos Manila, City of Dreams Manila on August 27, 2017.

Higher Level Kids

DreamPlay, City of Dreams Manila’s Dreamworks-inspired interactive play space, staged its second nationwide children’s dance competition dubbed as “King Julien Dance Off” to celebrate its second year anniversary and mark its one million visitors to date.

Ace of Spades, a mix group of boys and girls from Angono, Rizal were awarded as 1st runner up. The other six finalists that made it to the grand finals were: Southernside Dance Theater, Super Kids, Small Fries, The Class, GFAM, and Mover’s Impact. They were judged according to creativity, style and originality of choreography; themed-costume based on Dreamworks movie song choice, stage presence and over-all impact or star quality.

Participated in various dance competitions in the country and abroad, the Higher Level Kids dance group stood out when they sent shockwaves of delight and excitement as they performed amazing dance moves and stunts executed with seamless choreography to the remixed Dreamworks movie soundtrack of Madagascar’s “I Like to Move It,” Kung Fu Panda’s “Kung Fu Fighting,” Shrek’s “I’m a Believer” and Troll’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling”.

The children’s dance crew’s dynamic and talented members are also known for their memorable performances in Dance Kids, a dance competition and reality TV show aired on ABS-CBN 2 in 2015 and Super Kids – The World’s Greatest Little Talents TV show in Cologne, Germany in 2016.

The show opened with a dance number featuring DreamPlay’s Dreamers dance group and Madagascar movie’s character King Julien, the charismatic “Lord of the Lemurs” who can’t help but dance to the music and the inspiration behind the children’s dance contest. This was followed by a special dance number by last year’s winners and the first “King Julien’s Dance Off” champions - FMD Extreme.

They wowed the audience once again with their high-flying stunts and electrifying moves.

Higher Level Kids

The main highlight of the program is the performances of eight finalists who set the stage ablaze with their youthful energy and street dance moves ranging from popping, locking and breaking peppered with ballet movements and acrobatic stunts.

The Voice of the Philippines Season 2 finalist Bradley Holmes and Noon Time Show: It’s Showtime’s singing competition segment Tawag ng Tanghalan 2016 contender Nina Espinosa sang a rock duet to entertain the crowd.

The entire bunch of DreamWorks characters Shrek, Fiona, Alex the Lion, King Julien, and Puss in Boots also performed a special dance number. 

(From L-R)  Romina Gervacio, CoD Director of Public Relations; Gelai Aguzar, G-Force Senior Choreographer; Troy Montero and Aubrey Miles; and Marlon Hirsh, City of Dreams Manila General Manager for Non-Gaming Operations.

The judges included City of Dreams Manila General Manager for Non-Gaming Operations Marlon Hirsh, City of Dreams Manila Director of Public Relations Romina Gervacio, G-Force Senior Choreographer Gelai Aguzar, and celebrity couple Troy Montero and Aubrey Miles. 

As the competitions grand champions, Higher Level brought home P80,000 in cash, a DreamPlay trophy, an Annual Pass for unlimited DreamPlay access for each member, a photo op with DreamWorks characters, DreamShop voucher worth P1,000 and Chez Gingy voucher worth P1,000 for each member. The group will also be returning to perform in various DreamPlay and City of Dreams Manila events.

Ace of Spade’s first runner-up prize consisted of P25,000 in cash and a DreamPlay trophy. Every member likewise won a weekend pass at DreamPlay, a photo op with DreamWorks characters, DreamShop voucher worth P500 and Chez Gingy voucher worth P500.

Each of the other highly-talented grand finalists was given P10,000 in cash and a DreamPlay plaque. Each of their members also had a photo opportunity with the Dreamworks characters and brought home a complimentary DreamPlay ticket, DreamShop voucher worth P500 and Chez Gingy voucher worth P500.

To find out the upcoming activities at DreamPlay, interested parties can call 800 8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.