Avida Land's South Park District Mural Design Competition

For me, this feels like a tradition as Avida Land has held competitions like these in the past. This time, the folks down south will hold a South Park District Mural Design Competition and seeing the entries all up close like this just makes it feel all so surreal!

This is located at the South Park District, at the National Road in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Featured works include "In Her Future Memories" by Jhocel "Anthony Marahuyo" Malicsi. He had himself and 13 other visual artists work on it namely Rheydene Luca Ortega, Rhealhet Luca Ortega, Laurence Sebolino Gutierrez, Ma. Aleilyn Joyce Domingo Botin, John Roland Alipis, Ainafer Rupal Arena, John Alexis Rupal Arena, Roma Nieves Huet, Rica Permejo, Mia Jormalyn Astrera Balaoro, John Lenarrd Soriano Barua, Michael Grospe Autos, and Jefferson Panghulan Parajas. They were also helped logistically by Jerome Edianel Carandang, Charmaine Abiado Camba, Paul Denvir Delmonte, and John Carlo Decrepito to accomplish this work. They also utilized Davies Paints and did the mural on an external wall, complete with vivid colors and lovely story. This would certainly be a great place to make memories when they complete the 6.6 hectare mixed use properties with their Avida Towers Ardane (which is now on pre-selling) and the Avida Towars Altura (which sits right across South Park Center and South Park Corporate Center).

According to Ms. Tess Tatco the Marketing Head for Avida Land, "We are so excited to see an additional feature for Avida Land projects down south. This will be so nice to see with the existing Reginald Yuson art installations and I'm sure people would flock to this area as we invite everyone to see it themselves. The Part City, Part Nature, Pure South was a fitting theme for this, blending modern styles, technology and nature."

Ann Baylon Jara the Brand Marketing Head of Avida says "Coming to the south is just a great combination of city and the quietness of CALABARZON. Avida Towers Altura and Avida Towers Ardane are located here, this is what it is all about. It's industry and aesthetics, and these artists show passion  doing it in 12 days, and as we grow, we hope this reminds the people who live in the development, we are so happy to have your work here!"

They won 500 thousand pesos in this competition 

Come post your experiences at the venue by using hashtags #ArtInSouthPark #InspiredByAvida and see how the lucky ones live with good residential, retail, office space, hotels and entertainment venues down south. Visit their website avidaland.com and follow @avidalandph on FB and IG. They also have a YouTube channel @avidaofficial so you can take a look at it online today!

Half A Million At Stake in Avida's South Park District Mural Competition

The headline must have gotten your attention, because YES it is true that there's a Php 500,000 cash prize that is up for grabs at the Avida South Park District Mural Competition. If you're an art aficionado 18 years and up or a person that's full of creativitiy and have the ability to put it into a huge canvas such as South Park District, then this is the competition for you. You also need to form a minimum of 9 members to help you with it. The theme this year is "Part City, Part Nature, Pure South". It's quite fitting to see that immortalized on ground as Avida always had that mix of urban + nature element that everyone dreams of having. And if you see that in South Park District's landscape, it'll certainly be a sight to behold!

According to Ms. Tess Tatco the Avida Land Marketing Head "We want South Park District to be a destination and become a venue to showcase how talented Filipinos are. The winning mural will be displayed at a highly visible area in the space and we hope visitors would all appreciate it by visiting the property. They could see it in Alabang, Muntinlupa first hand."

For those who don't know, South Park District sits in a 6.6 hectare property that is properly planned within the vicinity of Avida Towers Altura, Central Park, South Park Center Mall and the busy South Park Corporate Center. It's got several Reginald Yuson art installations already, but your murals could be the best addition to it. You may submit digital copies of it first via spdmural@gmail.com before November 3, 2023. You may read the fine print here!

Hope this gets you the drive to make it all happen! Good luck!

Ready To Serve The South: ROBINSONS APPLIANCES Opens New Store at Festival Mall Alabang

One of the most trusted brands in the realm of home and kitchen appliances just opened up their newest branch at Festival Mall in Alabang last September 15th, it's Robinsons Appliances. Ribbons were cut by Robinsons Appliances AVP for Operations Mr. Anthony Caliwag, their FVP Michael Dumlao who heads Festival Mall's Retail Business Unit, Marizell Narvaez the VP for Leasing at Festival Mall , Satoshi Kono the Executive Director of Panasonic, Jie Cheng the CEO of TCL Sun Inc., Dindy Deng the CEO of Data Analytics Ventures Inc., Albert Wong the Depute GM of Concepcion Midea, Mr. James Anthony Lim of Finden Technologies and Jovito Santos the Group GM of Robinsons Appliances Corporation. Their goal is to bring the best appliances and services even closer to homes in the South of Manila. 

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It's actually not that common to see in this neck of the woods and the presence would help a lot of their patrons get the appliances they need fast where they need it, and when they need it. This is part of their aggressive expansion plans across the country according to Ms. Donna San Luis, their Marketing Services Manager. You can expect the best brands of home entertainment systems, top selling washing machines, TV, air conditioners in the store where patrons would be able to check before they take it home. These are also available online so if you're a little busy, it'll be a great help if you could order it that way instead of the usual brick and mortar way we're used to. The event was also witnessed by Ms. Robina Gokongwei-Pe the President and CEO of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. who was very hands on in making sure people are getting what they need from the shop. Several executives from different brands also paid a visit and made sure they're part of the celebrations. It was nice seeing them all in one place.

The convenience you're going to get from the new Robinsons Applinaces store here in Festival Mall Alabang is priceless especially for those who are living in the same area. You don't need to go to Makati or other cities if you need to purchase these high ticket items for your home. You may head on to RobinsonsAppliances.com.ph or their social channels if you want to know more about their offerings. Aside from that, they promise to have more discounts, promos especially during the holidays so make sure you're following them on FB, IG and TikTok.

Skincare YouTube Channel Launched: LUMINISCE by Dr. Kaycee Reyes

When skin and preventive medicine advise ain't reachable because of the pandemic, we find ways to get in touch with the experts. In fact, she's reaching out to you now via her own YouTube channel Dr. Kaycee Reyes, founder of famed Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations.

I've witnessed a few friends and went to her clinic in BGC a few years ago, and I've seen really remarkable change in their skin. Her new YouTube channel is going to be more on programs about skincare and talk about how you can take good care of it with your family. You'll see her giving advice, including celebrities like the Legaspi twins, Carmina Villaruel and Zoren Legaspi. Of course, there are regular joes like you and me who may be featured in the show so don't hesitate to subscribe if you're interested in the topic. See how an expert does it especially if you're looking for skin solutions, hair too.

Doc Kaycee says "I'm a skin doctor, I pursued preventive medicine and cosmetic surgery in Germany. I appreaciate you being here today. 9 years ago, I didn't know we would be this big. The idea of being beautiful inside out is honestly difficult especially with the heightened stress we get because of the pandemic. We are reaching to patients so they could reach their goals. We started with online consultation, treatments in the clinic and send it to homes. Patients have loved it and now we're releasing 10 more treatments from Luminisce and products. Health is wealth, there's no one pill that can cure everything, but prevention is definitely better than cure. We also launched SOL REVIVE, mobile on wheels, to do preventive care. These are aesthetic treatments that can be scheduled and arranged with patients. The YouTube channel is also launching today, episodes will come out in the next few weeks. We hope you get to see it soon! I believe YouTube is still in its infancy, so we're testing how to reinvent ourselves in the channel. I've been writing for a couple of years now, the YouTube channel would be some place to inform people with evidence based medical procedures."

 

 

Luminisce has a branch in BGC (this photo), The Podium and Alabang

Innosense.ph (Innosense Organics) is also a health food store curated by Dr. Kaycee Reyes. It's part of the preventive medicine procedures, so we don't progress to diseases. Diabetes, depression, negative life events, it is activated by lifestyle choices. The food that we eat should not induce inflammation, nor should it be harmful food. We need a reset and be mindful how we could prevent it. We need to lessen toxicity, and prevent the activation of certain diseases. We need to age gracefully and Dr. Kaycee will take care of part of that as well. 

 

The first episode on the YouTube channel will include the Villaruel-Legaspi family. They've been with Luminisce for 6-7 years already as patients, they're very kind and have always given a very positive personality. Carmina, Zoren, Mavy and Cassy have had different skin conditions, they come once a month previously, but since they couldn't go to the clinic, they're given kits once a month so they would be able to take care of their skin even at the comforts of their home. There will be a few more episodes in the pipeline including aesthetics, preventive medicine, mental health, life in the pandemic, things that you could learn from so you become a better individual inside out. You may start by subscribing to her YouTube channel youtube.com/c/luminisceByDocKaycee

Congratulations Doc Kaycee! Can't wait to see the episodes!

Sisters Day at Starmall Alabang

Spent the afternoon at Starmall Alabang for the Megasoft Hygeinic Products Inc Happiness Lives Here event which they do for Cherub Baby Care products and Sisters Sanitary Napkins. I guess it’s a little awkward for me to be here but seeing people from the CD and E market enjoying the activities that they prepared for them.

In a way they are trying to desensitize people talking about hygeine and health care. It’s a good thing for those they want to educate so I get what they are doing. This is a yearly thing they call I love my Sisters Day.

WCOPA Champion from the Philippines and world class performer Aljun Cayawan serenaded the guests, oh and he’s going to be part of the brand’s ambassadors too come September. He hails from a Manobo tribe, a Prince of it, 100% Filipino and is quite promising. Ms. Aileen Choi Go of Megasoft and their executives were there to also support the cause.

Local dance group CT Vibes

Local dance group CT Vibes also prepared something special for them. Very talented I must say.

To celebrate their 3rd year they brought Myrtle Sarrosa in the tour, she’s been with them for quite a while and they have been growing their business with them. They have been doing this in 56 different schools to inspire the youth.

Myrtle also invited a couple of people on stage and danced the Boom Boom somg from Momo thingy, quite entertaining.

My boy Ryle of Hashtags spent minutes on stage and set it on fire. He danced his way to their hearts, even sang too. He also was game to be babied by his fans during a small game, he’s the face of Cherub Baby Care products by the way.

Young JV did his thing and he also gave us a treat by dishing some of his singles, all from his latest album. I like his music now, very upbeat and urban rap.

Congratulations Megasoft Hygeinic Products for hosting this I Love My Sisters Day for the people of the south.

Stay fresh!

KUMAGCOW

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Dining Down South at AKROTIRI Modern Eurasian Cuisine

Alabang is so far from my place that I'd feel overly burdened to go there if it's not worth it. Work for most of the time made me travel there - and before I do go home, I'd plan ahead and make sure I discover something different, something that would impress my friends, my workmates, my family and my own taste buds. That's not hard to do mind you, but I guess there's an underlying notion of it being "worth it" before I do actually enjoy it this time because I traveled far for it. This is one of them, it's called AKROTIRI which serves modern Eurasian cuisine.

Set at the sprawling Filinvest business district at Commercenter in Alabang, this place is known for a small mall (by Philippine standards) and the neighboring food establishments. I have frequented this place in the past as I was staying in nearby hotels, so do expect people from neighboring towns, tourists and expats as well. 

Akrotori is a cozy little place that could sit 50-60 people. It's got fancy - proper seating, a huge bar and a small function room upstairs for private parties. It's perfect for small events and you can even fit a stage inside since it's got pretty high ceilings. They didn't shortchange in design because the whole place wreaks of a modern bistro - added with a look of an English pub you would often see in that region. Ahh I can still remember the few drinks I had there, I was in tipsy heaven!

The Food

The food is exquisite, albeit being a little pricey, you would see their servings are actually large. They use the freshest ingredients - and quality wise, it's worth it! I would never hesitate to take a few family members here to enjoy the food. It's fusion so I think it's easy to adapt with flavors that are used in the west, a hodgepodge of taste and cooking techniques that are familiar in Europe - all here in Manila.   

The Grilled Squid stuffed with Feta Foam and Black Ink Risotto was a good starter. It's slightly fishy because of obvious reasons, soft and the risotto was comforting. Make sure you have this while it's hot.

A Lovely Afternoon at Market Basket in Alabang

Dropped by Market Basket this afternoon. It's a restaurant located just outside Festival Mall's River Park area in Alabang Muntinlupa. I was in the mood for sophisticated European dishes or modern Filipino food which the place prides itself with. It's like a modern day "Dampa" dining place with an interior that would remind you of a country home or what is called shabby chic. 

The place can sit about 100-120 people including the seating outside with a view of a fancy fountain. They also have a private room upstairs which you could use for small gatherings or meetings, just let them know ahead of time to reserve.

The concept of a modern day "Dampa" must be amusing, but do know they get the freshest produce around Manila and turn them into delectable dishes in just a few minutes. All you need to do is choose - and tell them what you would like to do with it. The price is accorded to the weight of the produce but their minimum is 200 grams, and you only pay once unlike regular "Dampa" that's got separate bills for the market and for the cooking.

I was with a couple of other people having lunch so it was a nice way to see what they could whip out for us. It was hot so I ordered Iced Tea which they hand in these lovely mason jars. 

Pomelo Salad

Fruits and Nuts Salad

Crispy Parmesan Tacos

Sinigang na Salmon

Eggplant and Mango Salad (my personal favorite)

Fish Ceviche

Chili Crab

Mussels Mariniere

Lapu Lapu Escabeche (Sweet and Sour)

Seafood Hotpot

Sizzling Lechon Kawali Sisig (maygahd!)

Shrimp and Steak

Seafood Thermidore (a great hit!)

We also had Sinigang Na Ulo and Belly of Salmon, Pomelo Salad, Fish Ceviche, Crispy Parmesan Tacos, Sizzling Lechon Kawali Sisig (I know! Lol) for appetizers. Then for our main course we had Seafood Hotpot, Prawn Thermidore, Chili Crab, Steak and Shrimp, Mussels Mariniere and Sweet and Sour Lapu Lapu.

For Dessert, we had Skillet Smores, Nilupak Roulade, Triple Chocolate Cheesecake, Sizzling Fruit and Ice Cream, but I was really interested with the various Flavored Pastillas they had in the counter. It looked so yummy!

Thanks Chef Jinelle Juson and Chef Arnel Arjona for preparing great food!

You may check out Market Basket at the River Park section of Festival Mall. They're open from 10am to 11pm or as long as there are customers. Market Basket is also part of the Chef's Quarter Group that owns Chef's Quarter, Old Vine, Uncle Cheffy, Chef's Barrel and Kusé. No wonder it's good! Visit https://www.facebook.com/marketbasketalabang/ for more information about their restaurant. 

KUMAGCOW

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