SM FOUNDATION donates COVID-19 TEST KITS to Mandaluyong City

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Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos receives the donation of COVID-19 test kits from SM Foundation, turned over by SM Supermalls’ Ian Mathay. The 200 test kits worth close to PHP5M, is good for 2,400 tests and is in support of wider access to testing. This forms part of SM Foundation’s donation efforts of over P270M for hospitals and local governments to support the country’s fight against COVID-19. #SMCares

‘Christmas for Generations’ takes root in Greenfield District

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Christmas is just around the corner. Yuletide festivities have just become more meaningful for fun-loving Filipino families as Greenfield Development Corporation (GDC) merges cherished holiday traditions with fast-paced city living at Greenfield District, the developer’s masterplanned mixed-use township in Mandaluyong City.

Greenfield District is the newest emerging residential, commercial and business hub right in the heart of Metro Manila, strategically located on the corner of EDSA and Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City. 

Photo shows executives of GDC led by Jeffrey Campos (center), president and chairman; Atty. Duane A.X. Santos (left), executive vice president and general manager; and Michael Andan (right), assistant vice president and the head of corporate planning, during the ceremonial lighting of a 40-foot Christmas tree. Right photo shows a colourful fireworks display after the ceremony. 

A special series of activities and events dubbed “A Christmas for Generations” was recently unveiled, beginning with the ceremonial lighting of a giant Christmas tree at the heart of Greenfield District’s open-air promenade located along Mayflower Street fronting The Hub mall. Top executives of Greenfield led the ceremony, headed by president and chairman Jeffrey Campos, executive vice president and general manager Atty. Duane A.X. Santos, and assistant vice president and head of corporate planning Michael Andan. 

A colorful fireworks display and live Christmas carols from a university youth choir followed the lighting of the 40-foot Christmas tree, signaling the start of the holiday edition of the famed Greenfield Weekend Market. Food stalls that offer Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Persian and other well-known cuisine were decorated in holiday themes to add a more festive touch to the occasion. 

Dog lovers also participated in a unique canine costume parade that showed off the most imaginative Christmas outfits for pets. 

Kids and the young-at-heart enjoy fun games in one of Greenfield District’s wide open spaces 

“We are beginning a tradition this year to help Filipinos keep the simple but meaningful joys of family togetherness especially during the Christmas season,” beamed Atty. Santos. “It's a holiday activity that is being made in line with Greenfield’s vision of keeping the spirit of the family alive in all aspects of living.” 

Some of the stalls that competed in the vendor decor competitions which vied for the awards for “most adorable,” “most original” and “most creative” stalls 

As pioneers of a new kind of family Christmas tradition in the metro’s Greenfield District, Greenfield is hoping that the event could become part of a family tradition during the holidays that can offer one of the most sought-after experiences for Filipinos of all ages.

“Christmas for Generations” is seen to become the holiday centerpiece of Greenfield District’s open-air promenade that offers activities suited for every member of the family. These activities will be ongoing every weekend until the end of December.

Greenfield District deliberately designed to support 21st century city living with fiber-optic telecommunications connectivity, Greenfield District also aims to preserve the traditions of family and love for nature.

Mandala Park: Mandaluyong’s Newest Yuletide Bargain Hub

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The Holidays are definitely upon us. We will truly enjoy unique holiday finds in many malls and bargain hubs. 

This year, make Mandala Park a part of your Christmas. With your to-do-list for Christmas activities and busy schedules is the annual Christmas gift bargain hunting. Here, you can find feature affordable quality items and delicious food from many concessionaires. 

And there's more, with good food and soulful music set in a space fit for accommodating families and friends, you will relax and unwind with live entertainment here in Mandaluyong’s Newest Yuletide Bargain Hub.

Litton & Co, Inc. spreads the joy in gift-giving this season as its flagship project Mandala Park turns the third and fourth installment of its weekend market series into a two-part Yuletide bazaar this November 28 and December 19, respectively.

The curated list of merchants for Mandaluyong’s community of wellness and sustainability has grown to become a very good mix. Current roster now includes retailers that sell perfect items for those hunting for great holiday finds. Organic hair and skincare brand Zenutrients has a complete line of natural beauty products, while sportswear brand Atsui Alternative Athletics offers apparel that balance style with function and form.

D’Famous Imus Longganisa

What’s more, guests can either enjoy a feast of holiday flavors or take some out as presents for their loved ones. They can take a pick from meat delicacies of D’Famous Imus Longganisa, bottled home- made Muesli of Grapevine Desserts, the luscious confections of Risa Chocolates, or boxed merienda staples of Casa Empanada and Chicken Relleno House.

A Weekend Market with a Heart

For the first time, Mandala Park serves as a venue for communities to give back in this season of hope. The current installment will be held in support of Kcat Yarza, author of the book KCAT CAN - I have a pen that writes.

Diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis, Kcat has multiple tumors in her body that need medical attention. She turned to writing to support her expensive medical needs. A compilation of her deep, emotional, and inspiring personal accounts, Kcat’s book allows people to see the beauty in life no matter what the circumstances may be.

Mandala Park also offers its enclosure as a drop-off point for donations to around 1000 families who lost their homes to the fire that razed the Addition Hills neighborhood, 1 kilometer near the enclave, last November 25.

Visitors can also give back by advocating for a movement that valorizes our own farmers. Mandala Park welcomes the Mahalin Pagkaing Atin (MPA) movement by allowing guests to celebrate the holidays in support of a cause that encourages homegrown food. A box of Mahalin Pagkaing Atin treats gets visitors to help out in providing sustainable livelihood businesses to places with high incidences of poverty, disasters, and conflict.

Indulge in a Bountiful Holiday Feast

After the day’s shopping, visitors can sit down and unwind with good food as household names like Sapin Sapin, Mister Delicious and Ribs Manila serve up classic holiday eats that capture the warmth of the season. Gostoso Piri Piri, Wrapped Shawarma, I Am Kim, B&T Mexican Kitchen, and Chili Asylum are also there to fire up spicy cravings, while Edgy Veggy and Pipino Vegetarian puts the healthy twist that people’s weight-watching appetite seeks.

A Christmas feast won’t be merry without the desserts. Set to satisfy visitors’ sweet tooth are saccharine treats served by newcomer Earnest Bakes, along with Mandala Park mainstay Scout's Honor and Fog City Creamery. In addition, Stanford & Shaw is back to freshen everyone with their ginger ale, along with choice beverages courtesy of Fruit Magic’s Pure Nectar line, Pedro Brew Crafters, and Bulletproof Coffee.

Aside from the delectable grub, guests will be treated to jazz renditions of classic Christmas songs as the Mandala Park holiday market features music from Homeward Bound and the Vince Lahorra Quartet.

The Mandala Park holiday market is Litton & Co.’s way of giving back to the community by handing them a venue for bringing people together in celebration of the Christmas spirit. With amazing finds, relaxing music, and hearty homegrown food, the Mandala Park holiday market inspires people to bask in the warmth of Yuletide cheer.

For more information on the Mandala Park weekend market series, follow Mandala Park on facebook at <facebook.com/mandalaparkph>, and on Instagram <@mandalaparkph>.

A new Mandaluyong in bloom, Mandala Park offers sumptuous, soulful, sustainable homegrown fares

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People have been raving about the newest weekend market nearby thier residences. A new Mandaluyong in bloom as Mandala Park unravels its 3.2-hectare enclave of wellness that celebrates homegrown fares, as a refreshing address along Shaw Boulevard, served goodies from afternoon till 9 pm.

Mandala Park Weekend Market presented a sumptuous, soulful, sustainable homegrown fares during last Saturday, October 24, as we enjoyed yummy food and goodies, chill the night while enjoying soothing jazz sounds from Kat Agarrado of SinoSiKat?

For this month’s installment, the guest performance is courtesy of award-winning singer, producer, and songwriter Kat Agarrado of SinoSikat?, an ensemble known for their soul-infused rhythms.

The weekend markets lets you to experience series of weekly Saturday hangouts with friends. at Mandala Park, to have taste good food from different merchants to support in terms of championing the sustainable lifestyle it upholds.

With good food and soulful music set in a space fit for accommodating families and friends, the Mandala Park weekend market gives visitors a chance to unwind after a tiring work week.

Serving up another feast, the second installment brings back crowd favorites like Fog City Creamery’s organic preservative-free ice cream. Scout Honor’s made-on-the-spot cookies, and Ribs Manila’s smoked pulled pork. While Fruit Magic brings back their cold-pressed juices, Stanford & Shaw is delighting second-timers and newbies with a taste of their guilt-free citrusy ginger ale. Rounding up the list of returning merchants are: B&T Mexican Kitchen, Ramen Iroha, and IAmKim.

New additions include makers of Hawaiian ceviche Poke Boy and the handcrafted delicatessen of Mister Delicious, Mister Fluffies which uses organic sugar in making their cotton candy, and Pedro Brewcrafters who make their beers in-house in San Pedro, Laguna. These four, along with the other chosen merchants are not only great examples of businesses that help the sustainable movement gain more ground in the country, they are also contributors of support for local businesses and industries, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Through the Mandala Park weekend market, Litton & Co. actively gentrifies the urban environment of Mandaluyong by creating avenues that make it easier for people to take a breather while enjoying soothing sounds and sumptuous food with traceable origins.

Green from Inside Out

Mandala Park begins to take shape

Recharging from the city’s entire bustle, and desiring to be more eco-friendly, are things that more and more people are beginning to aspire. The pace of living in today’s thriving districts, however, already makes it hard for urban dwellers to take time out to unwind, let alone adopt green ideals. 

This instigates the role of relaxation and recreation further in helping people live a more balanced existence. Litton & Co, Inc., an emerging real estate player and a witness to the gentrification of Mandaluyong’s landscape, responds by staging another weekend market set to enliven their 3.2-hectare enclave into an avenue of wellness.

By curating merchants that offer traceable homegrown fares, Litton is actually cultivating a community that thrives on sustainable ideals. With the first salvo held last month, the second installment of the monthly affair brings to fore Mandala Park’s gradual transformation as its architecture begins to embody the nature of Litton’s vision.

Merchants that use locally sourced produce help further the sustainability movement. Food prepared with ingredients of traceable origins produce smaller carbon footprints. Less waste is generated the closer the production, manufacturing, and consumption is. Most of the merchants on Mandala Park’s roster exemplify this standard.

An overgrowth of foliage now enveloping the property’s façade shows visitors the depth of Litton’s intent. By having it draped with a green wall that effectively reduces carbon emissions, Mandala Park unravels into a space that will take denizens to a green cleansing, the kind that shows the promise of nature’s integration within the urban ecosystem.

Catch for your favorite food, for more information on the Mandala Park weekend market series, follow Mandala Park on facebook at <facebook.com/mandalaparkph>, and on Instagram <@mandalaparkph>.

#NewMandaluyongInBloom

Unilever, Smart, Cebuana Lhuillier strengthens partnership with a shared mission for environmental sustainability

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Three industry leaders—Unilever, through its number one laundry brand Surf, Smart Communications and Cebuana Lhuillier—have renewed their commitment to champion environmental sustainability. With their shared mission to improve Filipino lives, the partners launched the third year of their Sachet Recovery Program.

Through their joint efforts to create a process that is easy, convenient and rewarding, the program involves and educates more consumers about sustainability and waste recycling.

Unilever Philippines Chairman and CEO Rohit Jawa thanked their partners for their continued support in the endeavor to reduce the environmental impact of sachets. This, according to Jawa, is in line with the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan that aims to double their business while cutting their environmental footprint in half, and in the process, bringing a brighter future to one billion people worldwide.

“We owe the Sachet Recovery program’s success these past two years to the valuable contributions of Smart Communications and Cebuana Lhuillier. This year, their bigger participation will definitely produce greater results for the benefit of the environment and Filipino communities,” Jawa said.

Since 2013, the Sachet Recovery Program has been teaching proper waste segregation and recycling by encouraging millions of Filipinos to collect empty Surf sachets in exchange for free Smart texts at any Cebuana Lhuillier branch nationwide.

Unilever Philippines Vice President for Home Care Benjie Yap shared the achievements of the Sachet Recovery Program from the previous years. “In Year 1, we collected 4.5 million sachets, which we converted into 45,000 pavers. In 2014, we collected an additional 7.5 million empty sachets nationwide,” Yap said, adding that some of the pavers were readily donated to Barangay Union Coastal of Mayorga, Leyte and served as foundation to the environmentally-friendly laundry facility, Surf Labahan.

In 2015, the three industry leaders plan to make the Sachet Recovery Program bigger and better than the first two years. For every sachet surrendered in any of the close to 2,000 Cebuana Lhuillier outlets, consumers will receive 10 free texts from Smart. With this increased incentive, more people will be involved in and educated about recycling empty sachets.

“As we enter the third year of this worthy undertaking, Smart is expanding its support for this program. Starting this year, Talk ‘N Text and Sun subscribers will also be able to exchange their Surf sachets for free SMS. This opens the door to engaging millions more of Filipinos in this endeavor,” said Napoleon Nazareno, Smart Communications President and CEO.

Cebuana Lhuillier, on the other hand, will add newly-opened outlets to facilitate the redemption of Surf sachets. “Our growing branch network, which now totals close to 2,000 outlets, will provide a convenient way for millions of consumers nationwide to participate in the Sachet Recovery Program,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO.

During the event, the partners also donated 7,000 cement pavers to the Mandaluyong Elementary School. The construction materials—made from hundreds of thousands of shredded empty sachets—will form pathways to improve school grounds and make walking around the school more convenient for students.

Here are some photos during the event at the Mandaluyong Elementary School:

Vista Shaw: Home amid the Hubbub

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Vista Shaw is set to reconcile the difference in time by combining the allure of the past and the forward sensibilities of the future.

It’s not always that history and modernity intersect in one real estate project but for Vista Shaw (formerly referred to as 515 Shaw as a nod to its address), they do.

This 38-floor, two-tower project, located in one of the metro’s most historical landmark—the Laurel Mansion, in the corner of Laurel Street and Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City, features contemporary design and select modern-day amenities, with former President Jose P. Laurel’s historical mansion being a separate, but integral, part of the development.

It is mere minutes away from the Central Business Districts of Ortigas and Makati, as well as lifestyle centers, courtesy of the major arteries and thoroughfares that connect the development to other parts of the metro.

“Originally, we thought of adapting the Laurel Mansion into a grand lobby but we decided to leave it untouched in order to preserve its integrity as a historical place and allow our residents to see it in its former glory,” says Elizabeth Kalaw, Division Head of Vista Residences. 

“Each of the two towers will now have its own well-appointed lobby that will usher the residents and their guests to an atmosphere of subtlety and refinement.”

Its provenance notwithstanding, this premium development by Vista Residences is very much of the now, catering to the needs and offering a welter of conveniences to upwardly mobile individuals, families, OFWs and retirees, among others.

For one, Vista Shaw has devoted spaces for commercial establishments, such as restaurants and cafés, so residents don’t have to venture out of the property just to savor their favorite dish or latte. Existing establishments include Starbucks, Breakfast Club and Project Pie. Even non-residents drop by, attracted to the establishments’ laidback ambience.

Exclusive to residents are amenities that include a kiddie/adult pool, function rooms and game lounges. Afforded with the view of the Wackwack Golf Course, the units range from studio to one-bedroom to two-bedroom affairs. In addition, both towers will feature sky amenities where residents can lounge, dine or simply admire a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city.

As for the residential units, Kalaw states that they “offer a number of design configurations to address the different living arrangements of our clients.”

Deliverables include high-grade vinyl flooring planks, plastered painted wall finishes, exposed slab and rubbed concrete painted ceiling, solid wood-framed entrance doors, aluminum powder-coated glass for windows, window-type air condition provisioning as well as split-type air condition provisioning for other units.

“Kitchens,” adds Kalaw, “are equipped with modular bases, hanging cabinets, granite countertops and splashboards, stainless steel sinks with faucets and painted gypsum ceiling boards.”

Just like in its other projects, Emma Amores, Corporate Communications Head of Vista Residences, says that the high-rise developer has gone the lengths to create comfortable homes for its Vista Shaw residents as a reflection of the commitment of its mother company, Vista Land, to provide a home for every Filipino.

“In our vertical developments, we make it a point that every unit exudes a warm, homey feeling through the design and the functionality of the units as well as in the amenity areas,” says Amores. “We don’t want our clients to feel that they are living in a box, compromising their sense of comfort. In addition, we make sure that our brand of customer service also extends that warm and friendly Filipino treatment.”

In addition to the well-designed units and their homey ambience, another distinct advantage of Vista Shaw is its centralized location.

It is in close proximity to shopping destinations (Greenhills Shopping Center, Robinsons Galleria, Shangri-La Plaza, Megamall), hospitals (Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Pasig Medical Center, Medical City), and educational institutions (La Salle Greenhills, Don Bosco College, Xavier School, Poveda College, University of Asia and the Pacific).

Being located in the heart of Mandaluyong City, Vista Shaw boasts of mere minutes travel time to three central business districts: Ortigas, Makati and Bonifacio Global City.

“Its quick access to Shaw Boulevard and EDSA, not to mention to the MRT line at Shaw, makes Vista Shaw an ideal address for professionals who are mindful of their time and would rather spend it with their family or on their personal pursuits than driving or being on the road,” says Kalaw.

Moreover, Vista Shaw residents, eager to establish their homes, have the peace of mind when it comes to the quality of their units. Operating like a boutique developer, it has the ability to give more focus to the needs of the customers and customize services according to their requirements. 

This flexibility is embodied by Vista Shaw which, with its select amenities, homey unit features and ideal location, offers residents the opportunity to savor the good life right at the center of things.