Explore the rich PH flavors, get freebies at New Gateway Mall 2’s Palenque

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Special treats await at the Pinoy food hall in Araneta City’s latest mall every weekdays until April 9

 

Take your palate on a culinary journey across the Philippines in Araneta City and get rewarded with a free treat when you dine at the New Gateway Mall 2’s Palenque every weekday from February 14 until April 9, 2024.

 

With just a ₱500 single-receipt purchase, you can get a free daily special from the restaurant of the day at Palenque:

• On Mondays, savor the specialties of the country’s culinary capital—Pampanga—at Bale Dutung and get free ensaladang talong. 
• On Tuesdays, enjoy the flavors of the northern region at BEL Iloco and get free authentic Ilocos empanada. 
• On Wednesdays, celebrate the rich marriage of Chinese and Filipino food culture at Chicken Fandian and get a free plate of chami. 
• On Thursdays, indulge in the flavors of Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi at Palm Grill and punctuate your feast with free Knicker Fruit Halo-Halo. 
• On Fridays, get the best of Cebu at Tindeli and enjoy a glass of cold brew coffee for free.

”Palenque is a celebration of Filipino cuisine and we’d love for you to experience it for yourself. With this promo, we encourage everyone to take a culinary trip around our country and experience all the diverse flavors the Philippines has to offer,” Marjorie Go, AVP for Marketing of Araneta City, said.

 

Palenque is a one-of-a-kind food destination at the New Gateway Mall 2. It brings together different restaurants that represent the diverse culinary tradition of the Philippines and brings them to one accessible food hall right at the heart of the metro. Palenque features regional delicacies that have propelled Philippine cuisine to the spotlight of global gastronomy and is also a great source of regional delicacies, from native grains, dried seafood, and artisanal food products from all corners of the archipelago.

“Come and visit Palenque today and enjoy all the flavors that our country boasts of.” Go added. “Not only does it promise a wide array of flavors and aromas, but it will also be a rewarding dining experience that you are guaranteed to enjoy.”

 

Palenque is located at the Upper Ground B level of the New Gateway Mall 2. For more information about this promo, visit https://aranetacity.com/happening/Palenque-Daily-Specials-415.

Araneta Group expands retail footprint with The New Gateway Mall 2

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Araneta City's latest transformational project, the New Gateway Mall 2, is coming to life with the gradual opening of exciting stores and attractions.

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Latest development elevates City of Firsts experience with unparalleled shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings

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The P5-billion expansion of the multi-awarded Gateway Mall promises to revolutionize the modern urban experience in the metro. This development extends Araneta City’s flagship mall to more than 200,000 sq.m. of additional choices for shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure spread over the multilevel mall.

The New Gateway Mall 2 introduces a comprehensive array of over 400 brands, offering the latest concepts in fashion, technology, gaming, entertainment, leisure, health, and wellness. Now open are brands such as Anta, Converse, Puma, and Skechers, with more brands continuing to open.

Mallgoers can also indulge in a plethora of culinary delights, making it a must-go destination for food enthusiasts. With about 150 restaurants and food outlets, the New Gateway Mall 2 is designed to be an adventure for food lovers. Dedicated zones such as the Restaurant Collection, Coliseum Plaza, and Palenque by Claude Tayag will highlight some of the best dining choices and sought-after food brands such as a mano, Mamou, Grace Park, Wolfgang's Steakhouse, Shake Shack, Abe, Tung Lok Seafood, Manam, Boteyju, Burgoo, Classic Savory, Vikings, Tim Ho Wan, and a lot more.

"Opening the New Gateway Mall 2 reinforces Araneta City’s commitment to its pioneering legacy in commercial development," Rowell Recinto, Chairman of the Management Committee said. "The New Gateway Mall 2 is truly a mall like no other, and we want to give our patrons memorable and gratifying experiences here at the City of Firsts."

The contemporary architecture of glass and steel gives way to an inviting urban oasis inside that features two gardens — the Sensory Garden, and the Culinary Garden — and The Lagoon, which offers a relaxing ambiance for mallgoers.

On top of the mall is the 1,000-capacity Sagrada Familia Church with a design uniqueness inspired by a mitre, the traditional headwear worn by Bishops. Additional cues are provided by The Oculus in Manhattan, New York City with the all-white structure that features a high ceiling, glass panels, and stained glass windows that invite natural light for a soothing and calming ambiance.

Another highlight is the 700-square-meter Quantum Skyview, an activity area that features the country's first ceiling-mounted LED display that offers a captivating visual experience like no other. With its central location, the Quantum Skyview offers unique possibilities to any event in the area. Recent activities such as pre-concert Korean pop (KPOP) fan meetings, book launch, and the 2023 PPOP Manila Convention were able to offer an experience not available elsewhere and such can be replicated in public events, product launches, and other activations.

The New Gateway Mall 2 is also home to Shopwise International Grocery Shopping, a non-membership grocery with an impressive selection of international brands. Also opening soon are Paeng's Gateway Bowl for sports enthusiasts, and the Pop District Center, a first in the Philippines, which will provide an in-mall venue for everything and anything pop culture.

More food brands, retail outlets, and mall attractions are expected to open at the New Gateway Mall 2 before the end of 2023.

This new mall completes Araneta City's Gateway Square, a 400,000-square-meter mixed-use superblock that includes the Gateway Malls, Gateway Office, Gateway Tower, Novotel Manila Araneta City, Smart Araneta Coliseum, Parking Garage South Building, and the soon-to-open ibis Styles Manila Araneta City.

"The New Gateway Mall 2 is part of Araneta Group's plan to build a community that delivers a unique live-work-play experience. It serves as a foundational connection to other properties in the Gateway Square and ultimately, in Araneta City, offering opportunities for an experience that can be personalized in a contemporary environment," Recinto said.

Aside from the New Gateway Mall 2, other developments continue to rise in Araneta City including Cyberpark 3, the latest office building at the 8-hectare Cyberpark development, and ibis Styles Manila, the first ibis Styles branded hotel by international hospitality company Accor in the Philippines.

Philippine Pastel Artists Returns to Gateway Gallery for Kulay Pastel

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ALVIN MONTANO, Fallen Leaves

The Philippine Pastel Artists, Inc. group, in partnership with Giftbox, Inc., presents the 2nd Kulay Pastel Juried Exhibition at the Gateway Gallery. As a members-only exhibit, the show aims to recognize new, exceptional works done by the group’s regular members, showcasing their current progress and artistic directions and demonstrating their passion and dedication to the fine art of pastels.

FERDIE MAGSINO, Manay Lisa

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WHAT: Kulay Pastel 2nd Juried Exhibition

WHEN: July 15, 2023, 4 PM Opening Reception, exhibit ends on July 29, 2023

WHERE: Gateway Gallery, Level 5 Gateway Tower, Araneta City, Q.C.

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Founded in 2015, the PPA continues its vision to be a premier and globally-recognized organization promoting Filipino artists through the use of pastels as a medium for artistic expression and setting the standards of excellence in pastel painting in the Philippines. It is a recognized member of the International Association of Pastel Societies, a non-profit organization representing pastel societies worldwide, uniting in the common cause to demonstrate the validity and quality of pastel fine art.

In providing a platform for its members to showcase their creative abilities and skills in pastel artmaking, PPA forges on with its mission to elevate the pastel medium in the art community at large. Awards for the Best in Show and two Awards of Merit to the three most distinguished pieces will be announced at the exhibition’s opening reception on July 15, 2023. The show ends on July 29, 2023.

KARLO DOMINGO, Quiapo

GRANDIER BELLA, Juvenile Playthings

IRIS BABAO-UY, Ilaw ng Tahanan

 JULIUS LEGASPI, Rush Hour

 ROMEO CORTEZ, Bunong-braso

Participating artists are:

Alvin Montano, Bids Llorin-Luna, Caroline Rosales, Dennis Baquial, Ferdie Magsino, Ferdinand Capistrano, Glenn Perez, Grandier Bella, Iris Babao-Uy, Julius Legaspi, Karlo Domingo, Kathy Sarao-Nazario, Luisa Bayot, Nell Belgado, Reina Lynn "Rei" Antonio, Roberto Martin Sing, Rodel Rosario, Roland Castro, Romeo Cortez, Tessa Punzalan-Brodeth, Wendy Rondaris, Yolanda Batara

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Gateway Gallery is the art museum of Araneta City. It is open daily, from 10 am to 6 pm, as a free admission art museum, located at the 5F Gateway Tower, Araneta City. For inquiries on the exhibit and other programs, email us at gatewaygallery@aranetagroup.com, or call +63 2 825 3012. Connect also with Gateway Gallery’s social media accounts at Facebook (GatewayGalleryPH), Instagram (gateway.gallery), Twitter (gateway_gallery), and YouTube Channel (Gateway Gallery).

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TESSA PUNZALAN-BRODETH, Sa Tabing Sapa

For inquiries, please contact: 0975-8879651 or email: ppa.kulaypastel@gmail.com.

Have a Neon Arcade Fun this Father's Day at Araneta City

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The City of Firsts has fun surprises and delights for the man of the house 

this Dad’s Day

From June 13 to 18, Araneta City transforms into a neon arcade wonderland for Father's Day. So bring dad, daddy, papa, tatay, ama, and other father figures in our lives to a nostalgic retro arcade day at the City of Firsts, and get ready for endless surprises and fun activities tailor-made especially for him!

Big bike lovers can feast their eyes on an impressive motorbike display at the Gateway Mall Activity Area from June 13 to 17. Motorcycle enthusiasts and dads alike will surely be thrilled to see these incredible machines up close. The exhibit promises to be a treat for all with its stunning collection of bikes.

Basketball fans may also score some Gilas Pilipinas apparel and other merchandise goodies at the cool Gateway Mall Activity Area booth on June 18. Your dad may even get a chance to be up close with former Gilas stars Jeff Chan and Gary David to make his day more memorable.

Meanwhile, the Ali Mall Activity Area and Farmers Plaza Activity Area will be transformed into gaming havens on June 18. Arcade and video game enthusiasts will have the time of their lives as they dive into a world of classic and modern games. From arcade classics to the latest console hits, there will be something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Over at Farmers Plaza, Quaderno Band will set a more engaging dad's day mood on June 18. And as the day's events unfold, dads may take a break at the new hip place at the mall's Food Plaza -- Beer Plaza, which features live band performances and a wide array of food and beverage options. From June 16 to 18, Beer Plaza will celebrate "Cheers to Dad" with good food and music dedicated to all fathers.

The fun and surprises even extend to the digital world! From June 13 to 18, shoppers and diners can take photos with the neon arcade decor at Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, and Farmers Plaza. Post the photos on Facebook or IG and use the hashtags #DadsDayAtAranetaCity and #CityofFirsts for a chance to win Novotel Manila Araneta City Food Exchange buffet gift certificates for two!

There's also the "Surprise Your Dad" digital promo. Check the post on Araneta City Facebook page and comment why your dad deserves a treat. Lucky netizens will get a chance to treat the family to lunch or dinner for 4 worth P5,000 at Conti's Restaurant at Gateway Mall!

“If not for the love of all hardworking fathers, we would not be where we are today. So we invite everyone to treat their dads to a special day of games, activities, and fun surprises here at the City of Firsts. We’re sure that dad and the entire family will have a blast this Father’s Day,” Marjorie Go, AVP for Marketing of Araneta City, said.

A New Foodies’ World awaits at Araneta City's Gateway Mall 2

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Wait for it! Exciting food brands and destinations are coming to the City of Firsts.

Gateway Mall 2, the latest lifestyle offering at Araneta City, is set to welcome the public this year. And with this new marketplace, expect to be amazed by new and additional choices of restaurants, cafes, and other food destinations.

Once fully open, Gateway Mall 2 will enhance the breadth and depth of gastronomic selection in Araneta City – making it the latest place to satisfy all sorts of food adventures in the metro.

Get ready for the mall's opening and keep an eye on these brand-new dining spots at the City of Firsts.

Restaurant Collection

Araneta City expands its selection of dining options with restaurants owned by Chef Margarita Fores and her family to open as part of Gateway Mall 2’s Restaurant Collection. The renowned culinary clan brings their unique brand of scrumptious dishes to the City of Firsts with a mano, Mamou, and Grace Park.

There are also other restaurants to watch out for. Savor the finest steaks, burgers, and other grilled favorites at Wolfgang Steakhouse Grill. Sate your longing for comfort food with beloved signature Pinoy dishes of Abe, and Cochi Bistro. For a burst of flavors from around the world, catch Choi Garden, Botejyu, Coco Ichibanya, and Tokyo Milk Cheese as they open in Gateway Mall 2. And for coffee lovers, UCC Park Café and Starbucks Coffee will open their branches in the new mall’s hard-to-miss location.

Coliseum Plaza

More choices are made available in Araneta City, especially to patrons of Smart Araneta Coliseum. Located just a few steps away from the Big Dome's Red Gate entrance is the Coliseum Plaza, which hosts a variety of options to satisfy any type of craving in one convenient spot.

Put a savory punch to your coliseum experience by enjoying some good meals and snacks from Shake Shack and Mo’s Burger, Hong Kong dim sum at Tim Ho Wan, Pinoy comfort fare at Manam and Nono’s, and a drinks and cocktails bar soon.

Restaurants at the Coliseum Plaza offer both indoor and outdoor seating, giving customers more options on how they want to enjoy their dining experience.

Palenque

Mallgoers who long for dishes from their respective hometowns don't need to go far, as Gateway Mall 2 will feature a food crawl called Palenque – a Pinoy-themed food arena with the best-of-the-best in Filipino food heritage.

At Palenque, diners can do a “food crawl” through a selection of signature cuisine native and unique to every province or region in the Philippines and prepared by celebrated chefs in their own inimitable way. Check out Bale Dutung of Chef Claude Tayag, Al Puruganan’s Ilocos cuisine, Chef Tatung’s Cebu offerings and delicacies, Palm Grill from Zamboanga, Sea Salt Davao Grill, Chinoy's Chicken Fandian and more Bacolod delicacies, and offerings like Diwal.

Behind this exciting food idea is Filipino chef and restaurateur Claude Tayag, who brings his vision and culinary expertise in Philippine gastronomy to the City of Firsts.

Asian Village

Foodies looking for a mouthwatering Asian culinary experience also don’t need to go far. Gateway Mall 2 is host to an inviting Asian Village that will showcase the richness of cuisine on this side of the globe.

Treat yourself to a tour around the region with delicacies from Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Korea, and other Eastern nations, all within the comforts of Araneta City’s new mall.

More food choices

Expect an abundance of other exciting dining options when you explore the entirety of the 190,000-square-meter Gateway Mall 2.

Coliseum patrons entering or exiting via the mall’s upper ground floor access will be greeted with an array of nearby food choices such as Hawker Chan, BLK 513, French Baker, Tong Yang, Yoshinoya, Llao Llao, Pound, Panda Express, Subway, and more. Also, the largest Mary Grace Cafe in the metro will soon open alongside these restaurants.

More exciting food go-tos will spread in various parts of the mall. There’s Ramen Nagi, Red Crab, Burgoo, Tsokolateria, Dookki Korean, Banana Leaf, Bread Talk, Peri-Peri, Classic Savory, Via Mare, and more. Vikings—one of the go-to buffet restaurants of Filipinos—is also set to land on this side of Gateway Mall 2.

An exciting concept is also in store for K-pop and P-pop fans. Opening soon at Araneta City's latest mall is K Pop Town and Café—a first in the Philippines—which will provide an additional Korean and local pop experience beyond the City of Firsts' usual entertainment scene.

Araneta Group-owned brands Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen, and Taco Bell will have more presence in Araneta City with additional branches in Gateway Mall 2.

There's plenty more to expect when Araneta City opens its new mall this 2023. So watch out for Gateway Mall 2 and get ready to try these new dining destinations at the City of Firsts.

A festive exhibit amplifying the Filipino spirit

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Visual artist and painter Ginny Guanco headlines a long-awaited second solo exhibit entitled “Festival” which formally opens on May 19, 2022 at the Gateway Gallery, Araneta City, Quezon City.

Ginny Guanco with four of her 25-piece collection from the “Festival” series 

It showcases 25 original paintings done in different media which aims to depict the festive spirit and joyous disposition of the Filipino, amidst the most trying situations. Her purpose to relay this positive message is shown through her beautifully and carefully rendered assorted colors and intricately-painted detailed ethnic designs.

Ginny narrates, “The Filipino is by nature, a happy, festive human being. In spite of hardship and many problems in life, Filipinos are able to smile and see the bright side of things. I express these Filipino qualities in the beautiful faces of my paintings, and ethnic designs, tribal costumes and painted faces to prove my point. Filipino resilience is very empowering, whether one is male or female.

This exhibit is 5 years in the making and a fitting follow up to her first solo exhibit back in 2016 with the theme “Boho Chic” as her tribute to bohemian fashion. It took this long to prepare as she encountered many challenges along the way, among which was the onset of the Pandemic where many art stores were temporarily out of operation when she needed to purchase art supplies and materials.

Ginny earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from University of Sto.Tomas and took further studies in drawing, painting and watercolor at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C. in the 70s where she won first prize for a nude watercolor painting during a Spring Competition and another first prize in pencil drawing.

Her professional background is also related to art. She taught basic subjects like Freehand Drawing, Color Theory and Art Appreciation at Karilagan Finishing School. She also taught Fashion Illustration and Fine Arts in Slim’s Fashion and Arts School. Then at one time, she changed her career path and became Editor of City Life magazine in Rex Publications, Inc. Her last job was in Public Relations where she worked for several years prior to retirement. And now she has returned to her first love which is Art, doing what she does best and loving every minute of it.

Araneta City ensures safety measures as stores reopen on May 20

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The management of Araneta City has announced the reopening of its three malls- Gateway Mall, Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza- starting Wednesday, May 20, in accordance with the resumption of most businesses in Metro Manila under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) regulations set up by the Covid-19 Inter Agency Task Force (IATF).

To ensure the health of customers and employees, the Araneta City management will continue the regular sanitation and disinfection of all interior and exterior establishments within its premises, as shown in this photo.

For the safety of customers and employees, established Covid-19 rules and regulations will be followed such as “no face mask, no entry”, the requirement of presenting a quarantine pass or authorized company ID upon entry, temperature checks at entrances, minimum one meter social distancing, two steps between persons on escalators, limited elevator capacity, among other regulations. 

For pregnant women, the elderly, and PWDs, they may be accompanied by one person when visiting any of the malls of Araneta City. 

Other measures that have already been in place at Araneta City since the declaration of enhanced community quarantine will continue to be implemented such as the placement of disinfectant-soaked foot baths and alcohol dispensers at entrances, hand sanitizers and alcohol dispensers located in concierge, booths, and restrooms, and floor markings for social distancing. Regular sanitation and disinfection of interiors and exteriors of Araneta City establishments will also be maintained.

In the photo, floor marks indicating where elevator riders should stand are seen as a worker disinfects the elevator's surfaces. The Araneta City management urges customers and employees to follow social distancing protocols to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

Food and other service establishments are mandated to follow workplace safety guidelines promulgated by the Department of Health and the Department of Labor and Employment to ensure the safety of customers and service providers.

Sanitation is essential in combating COVID-19. Knowing this, the Araneta City management will continue to sanitize and disinfect all of its spaces, especially those that are frequented by customers such as washrooms.

For the information of the general public, safety guidelines such as advisories and infographics will be posted in prominent areas in the malls, especially at entrances, parking and smoking areas, escalators, elevators, and restrooms.

Mall hours will be from 11 AM to 7PM and only non-leisure stores and establishments will open as per the guidance set by the IATF. A complete list of open stores and establishments is available on facebook.com/AranetaCity.

“We welcome back our customers and employees to Araneta City. Your safety and well-being is always our top priority, which is why we will continue to implement social distancing and enhanced personal hygiene protocols,” said Antonio Mardo, Senior Vice President for Operations of Araneta City. 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Gateway Dolby Atmos Cinema

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The biggest Dolby Atmos Cinema in the country located at Gateway Mall, Araneta Center was launched last Wednesday December 17, the perfect time with the advanced screening of perfect movie “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

Featuring a revolutionary audio platform that creates powerful, moving audio using audio objects and overhead speakers, Gateway Mall’s Dolby Atmos Cinema boasts of sounds that come from all directions, the dialogue and music of the onscreen story move all around the audience in three-dimensional space, transporting them into the scenes and putting them in the middle of the action. Definitely the most suitable venue for the much-awaited movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. 

Araneta Group CEO Jorge Araneta shared that this will definitely be a fantastic and world-class movie experience not just for Star Wars fans but for the whole family.

“We are very excited to screen Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Gateway Dolby Atmos Cinema 5. With its revolutionary sound technology, the theatre will be filled with breathtaking audio and the audience will feel like they are inside the Star Wars universe. This will definitely be a fantastic and world-class movie experience not just for Star Wars fans but for the whole family,” says Araneta.

Compared to regular theatres, Dolby Atmos Cinema has the most number of speakers with a 53.5 sound system (53 individual surround channels and 5 subwoofers). Each speaker is powered independently and gets its own separate audio feed. In effect, the movement of every sound in the scene is reproduced in all three dimensions.

The Dolby Atmos technology gives content creators unprecedented control of the placement and movement of sound within the movie theatre. Sounds can be placed and moved anywhere in the cinema’s three-dimensional space. The Dolby Atmos Cinema processor then determines which of a cinema’s huge array of front, back, side, and overhead speakers it will use to recreate this lifelike movement. 

With sounds coming from all directions, the cinema is filled with astonishing clarity, richness, detail, and depth. This creates a multidimensional sound system that makes audiences feel as if they are inside the film and not just watching it.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the seventh installment in the Star Wars film series and the first to be directed by J.J. Abrams.

Thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy faces a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order. When a defector named Finn crash-lands on a desert planet, he meets Rey (Daisy Ridley), a tough scavenger whose droid contains a top-secret map. Together, the young duo joins forces with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to make sure the Resistance receives the intelligence concerning the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the last of the Jedi Knights.

Set around 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, the sequel follows the adventures of new lead characters Finn (John Boyega), Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) as they join forces with original characters Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) to fight Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and his broadsword lightsaber. The film also features Gwendoline Christie as Captain Phasma, Domhnall Gleeson as General Hux, Andy Serkis as Supreme Leader Snoke, and Lupita Nyong’o as Maz Kanata.

The Force Awakens is the first film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, announced after The Walt Disney Company's acquisition of Lucas film in October 2012. The film is produced by Lucas film president Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams, and his long-time collaborator Bryan Burk.

Don’t miss the chance to have a 360-degree experience of the glorious Star Wars saga.

Catch Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Gateway Mall’s Dolby Atmos Cinema!

For more details and the latest updates from Araneta Center, visit their official website at www.aranetacenter.net and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AranetaCenter.

Alden Richards, Enchong Dee, Joseph Marco joins Coca Cola jumpstarts the season of making millions of wishes come true

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Coca Cola welcomes Christmas as officially jumpstarts of the season of giving, by helping make millions of wishes come true this Christmas as Coke lights up parols at the Araneta Gateway Park on November 15.

A great fun and exciting event dubbed as ‘Coca-Cola Wish Upon a Parol Day,’ gave hundreds of consumers a chance to have their wishes granted as Coca-Cola set up five wishing stations where visitors placed their most desired wishes this Christmas.

#AlDub phenomenon (from the Eat Bulaga Kalye Serye) - Alden Richards and Maine Medoza  during the Coca Cola Wish Upon A Parol Day at Araneta Center November 15, 2015 (https://www.instagram.com/msmyrnz/)

Come evening, Coca-Cola picked lucky winners and pledged to make their wishes come true.

Alden Richards, the 'pambansang bae' is one of the newest Coca-Cola ambassadors. He wanted to do his part in making special moments for other people this Christmas made time in his busy schedule to grant this wish.

Alden Richards (https://www.instagram.com/msmyrnz/)

Coca-cola granted one of the biggest wishes they received from celebrity fans, is to meet Alden Richards in person. And that time is it, as they make many wishes come true.

Here's another meet and greet phenomenon event for the half of AlDub. An actor/ host, Alden sang and shows his thanksgiving to his fans. And the most touching moment was with a little young girl,who wished to meet him in person has been granted. 

Enchong Dee

Also present to entertain Coca-Cola fans were Coca-Cola ambassadors Enchong Dee and Joseph Marco, who serenaded the crowd as an early Christmas gift.

Coca-Cola culminated the event by lighting a giant Coke parol, which symbolizes all the hopeful wishes coming to life this Christmas. But the magic doesn’t stop there.

Through the Coca-Cola Wish Upon a Parol promo, millions more wishes can come true. 

Just buy any participating packs of COCA-COLA regular (250ml, 500ml, 1L, 1.5L, and 2L) and text the code under the crown using this format: COKE (SPACE) <CODE> and send it to 2653. 

For the full mechanics, you may visit www.coca-cola.com.ph.

For more details, like Coca-Cola Philippines on Facebook or follow @cocacolaph on Twitter and Instagram to find out what else Coca-Cola has in store this Christmas.

All Out Romance at the Araneta Center: Meet & Greet the Hunks of Juan Direction

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Juan Direction

The Araneta Center went all out on romance over the Valentine’s season as they dished out a slew of exciting events, promos and freebies for its patrons.

The hunks of Juan Direction titillated the fans in a Valentine’s date meet and greet at the Gateway Mall last February 15, 2014. A rowdy group of half Filipinos and Pinoy’s at heart, gained notoriety on the internet to their funny immersions into local culture are Henry, Daniel, Charlie, Brian and Michael.

These half-Pinoys from the group Island Media Asia, started their adventure online via their Youtube channel. Their own made videos about Pinoy life have gone viral, with over a hundred thousand hits, and counting. Now they’re bringing their brand of humour and sense of adventure in  Juan Direction, with the hope of instilling Pinoy pride by exploring the value of things truly Filipino. Juan Direction its newest reality show that features the lives of hunky Fil-foreign models, on a quest to reconnect and discover their Pinoy roots.

Half-Canadian Michael McDonnell, Half-Irish Daniel Marsh, and Half-British Brian Wilson, Henry Edwards and Charlie Sutcliffe on Juan Direction, with their self-entitled show debuting its second season on TV5 the boys, treated their fans to an afternoon of fun games, special numbers, and prizes as the Gateway Activity area.

As an added treat 5 lucky ladies won a romantic dinner dates with the boys of Juan Direction at Gateway Mall.

Mallgoers treated to loads of surprised throughout Valentines’s day weekend, as acoustic bands serenated shoppers at the Farmers Plaza , Ali Mall , and Gateway Mall last Feb 14-15. Araneta Center Malls also dished out special sales and Valentines dining promos.

For more information and event updates,  log on to www.aranetacenter.com.ph 

and www.facebook.com/aranetacenter.

Binibining Pilipinas 2013 - Gold Winners Presented

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Enjoying the wonderful world as we meet and greet the Queens of Binibining Pilipinas Gold! 

The lovely queens of Binibining Pilipinas Gold answers questions from the media during the post coronation press conference held at Gateway Cineplex 4 last April 23. 

Signing of the 2013 Souvenir program

The Beauty Queens signs their photos featured in the exhibit at the Gateway Mall. Their photos along with the other 45 binibinis' glamshots are featured in Metro Magazine's special edition for Bb. Pilipinas Gold.

Binibining Pilipinas crowned its 50th batch of beauty queens Sunday night April 14 in a star-studded golden anniversary celebration held at the Araneta Coliseum. 

Binibining Pilipinas Gold presented its newly proclaimed winners at the Gateway Cineplex more than a week after a magnificent coronation night staged at the Smart Araneta Coliseum which was made even more meaningful with the special appearance of almost 70 former Binibining Pilipinas beauty queens.

The winners have been busy in several television guest appearances and are about to indulge in a rigorous training program that will include personality development, beauty sessions, and the like to be conducted by seasoned beauty and television experts. Being the newest celebrities of the country, the new queens’ schedules are also replete with sponsors visits and tourism activities that usually abound during the summer. 

On May 18, the Golden Batch as they are called will be the main stars in the traditional Araneta Center Grand Santacruzan that will traverse the roads of the shopping complex. Other past contestants and queens are expected to grace this glittering event. The ladies will be wearing gowns done by leading Filipino and international designers.

Binibining Pilipinas 2013 is presented by the Araneta Center, ABS-CBN, CreamSilk with major sponsors San Miguel Brewery, Petron Corporation, San Miguel Power, Ginebra San Miguel and San Miguel Food. Other sponsors are Casino Filipino, PAGCOR, Avon, Lactacyd, Philippine Airlines, Jag Jeans, and Manhattan Garden City. Service sponsors are EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Manila Bulletin, Pizza Hut, David’s Salon, Gold’s Gym, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Joylong Van, Picture City, Dale Carnegie Training Center, Entrepreneur School of Asia, Charter, Ping An Insurance Corporation, Raymond Saldana Photography and Rightspot Electronic Media. 

Here is the complete roster of the Binibining Pilipinas Gold winners: 

Ariella Arida - Miss Universe Philippines 2013
(by Bruce Casanova)

Ariella Arida, 24 

Miss Universe Philippines 2013, Best in Swimsuit 

Alaminos, Laguna native Ariella graduated with a degree in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines – Los Baños. She is a keen sportswoman, having tried swimming, volleyball, and now running. She recently ran a 21K. She also did ramp modeling after graduating from college.

Her beauty queen idol is Venus Raj. She likes watching Venus’s pageant videos because she wants to emulate the way she moves and speaks.

Apart from bagging the Miss Universe Philippines title, Ariella also won the Best in Swimsuit award. Ariella will be one of the candidates in the 62nd edition of the Miss Universe pageant this year. Miss Universe is one of the biggest and most prestigious beauty pageants held annually. 

Bea Rose Santiago - Bb. Pilipinas International 2013 (by Bruce Casanova)

Bea Rose Santiago, 23 

Binibining Pilipinas-International 2013, Miss Avon

A Communications student majoring in Public Relations at the York University in Toronto, Canada, Bea was born in the Philippines, but she and her family moved to Toronto when she was 14.

Bea moved back to the Philippines to try her luck in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. She now lives on her own here in the Philippines. She is a Gawad Kalinga Ambassador who plays the banduria and would like to promote her province, Masbate, through joining the pageant.

Apart from winning the Binibining Pilipinas-International title, Bea also won the Miss Avon special award. Bea will be representing the country in this year’s edition of the Miss International pageant. The Miss International pageant aims to promote world peace, goodwill, and understanding. 

Joanna Cindy Miranda - Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2013 (by Bruce Casanova)

Joanna Cindy Miranda, 20 

Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism 2013,Miss CreamSilk, Miss Petron

Cindy used to be a noontime show co-host. She decided to resign from the show because she really wanted to join Binibining Pilipinas. She used to be very shy in person even when she was already working as a TV host.

Despite her achievements, Cindy wants to maintain her simplicity.

Cindy also won the Miss CreamSilk Beyond Beautiful and Miss Petron special awards. She will be the Philippines’ representative in the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant, an annual international beauty pageant held in China.

Mutya Johanna Datul - Miss Supranational Philippines 2013 
(by Bruce Casanova)

Mutya Johanna Datul, 21 

Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational 2013, Miss Photogenic, Best in Long Gown 

Mutya describes herself as a “simpleng probinsyana na may matayog na pangarap.” As a young girl in Isabela, she helps catch salagubang in the fields, which they make into a delicacy. She says Binibining Pilipinas is her “ultimate dream.” She has watched the pageant since she was a little girl, and has since wanted to be one of the queens.

In her spare time, Mutya likes to listen to music and sing. Her beauty queen idol is Venus Raj, because “nakikita ko ang buhay ko sa kanya, na nabuhay sa hirap, pero nagsikap. Sa kanya ko nakita na hindi imposible na makamit mo yung pangarap mo.”

Mutya turned 21 a few days after winning one of the crowns. Apart from winning the new Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational title, Mutya also bagged the Best in Long Gown and Miss Photogenic awards. Mutya hopes to do well in this year’s Miss Supranational pageant slated on September 6 at Belarus. The Miss Supranational pageant is a fairly new international pageant established in Poland in 2009. 

Pia Wurtzbach - 1st Runner-Up 
(by Bruce Casanova)

Pia Wurtzbach, 23 

Binibining Pilipinas 1st Runner Up, Miss San Mig Zero Fit and Sexy Body

Half-German Pia is from Cagayan de Oro. A former ABS-CBN talent under the screen name Pia Romero, Pia believes being a beauty queen is different from being an actress. She believes being a beauty queen requires one to be herself and presentable at the same time.

One thing that most people don’t know about her is that she’s approachable and can get along with anybody.

Apart from landing the first runner up honors, Pia also won the Miss San Mig Zero Fit and Sexy Body award. 

Sponsors/Special Awards 

Miss Philippine Airlines - Nicole Kim Donesa 
(by Bruce Casanova)

NICOLE DONESA. Miss Philippine Airlines 

A talented singer who used to perform in various Fil-Am events in the United States, eighteen year old Nicole will certainly be busy promoting a good image for the country and its official carrier as Miss Philippine Airlines.

Best in Talent - Anna Carmela Aquino 
(by Bruce Casanova)

ANNA CARMELA AQUINO. Miss Talent 

This twenty-two year old educator from Taytay wowed the audience during the Talent Competition held at the Gateway Suites with her world class dancing skills, a gift that has brought her to performances abroad. 

Lourenz Grace Remetillo - Miss Friendship 
(by Bruce Casanova)

LOURENZ GRACE REMETILLO. Miss Friendship 

Despite the pressures and rigors of the competition, this twenty-five year old Iligan City lass has managed to maintain cordial relations with the rest of the candidates, proving that the journey is just as important as the crown. 

Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice - Ellore Noelle Punzalan 
(by Bruce Casanova)

ELLORE NOELLE PUNZALAN. Manila Bulletin’s Readers Choice 

A veritable jill of all trades, Ellore Noelle was named as Manila Bulletin’s Readers Choice for this year. As a person who dabbles in musical theater, painting, taekwondo, basketball and volleyball, she will certainly be very interesting for the readers of Manila Bulletin. 

Best in National Costume - Ma. Teresita Alaine Baccay 
(by Bruce Casanova)

MA. TERESITA ALAINE BACCAY. Best in National Costume 

The grace by which she carried her Filipiniana costume simply took the judges’ breath away. Even as a child, she used to fashion “gowns” out of her curtains and practice her walk, a practice that certainly augured well for her to bag the Best in National Costume award. 

Bb. Pilipinas-PAGCOR - Imelda Schweighart (by Bruce Casanova)

IMELDA SCHWEIGHART. Miss Pagcor 

Imelda Schweighart from Puerto Princesa will certainly be a good ambassador for PAGCOR’s charitable projects, especially that which espouses more schoolrooms for the country’s poor children.

Congratulations to all the winners! 

Visit the Bb. Pilipinas Gold exhibit at Gateway Mall. It runs until May 4. 

The Bb. Pilipinas Gold souvenir program is available in these National Bookstore branches : 

Main Branch (Araneta Center), Glorietta, Rockwell, Greenbelt, Global, Megamall, Shangri-la, North Edsa and Trinoma. It will soon be available nationwide.