Avida Land South Park District Unveils Interactive 3D Street Art

Visited this place a couple weeks ago and the good news is that they never stopped putting art in this 6.6 hectare property. This community is just so vibrant, quite promising and the developments are just amazing because just as soon as we saw murals in January, there's new 3D paintings unveiled this month.

Who knew that it was possible to see art in a residential area, together with nature too. The artwork was made by John Mark Saycon, Neil Defeo and Melanio Bulauitan III of Guhit Sudlungan, a group of visual artists who joined Avida's 3D Street Painting competition back in 2011. They got the help of co-artists Brian Defeo, Emil Aldrine Alarcon, Didier Marc Alarcon, Jefferson Malong and Jervin Ferrer to finish this new project this year.

Avida Land Marketing Head Ms. Tess Tatco says "I'm excited about these new attractions we have in the South Park District so people would see how talented our young local Filipino artists are. I hope people would come and see this in person and feel how much joy this brings. This says a lot about how we want to have the part city, part nature, pure south dream a reality in this location."  

If you want to see this new piece and other art installations in the property, just visit the Avida Towers Ardane Showroom and ask for it. Take lots of photos and make sure to show your friends and family. Might as well try to live in this district, because the south is definitely a livable area. A change of ambiance would be fun!

Visit their official website at AvidaLand.com or their social channels @AvidaLandPH

Bistro Group Opens SARAP Bistro Filipino and Xi Nen Hot Pot at MY SOUTH HALL

 

After a long time, it was certainly nice to journey down south and have a good meal at My South Hall, Bistro Group's line of concept restaurants at Conrad S'Maison. Got to eat there a few times, and each time, I'd try to order something new because it houses Fish & Co., El Pollo Loco, Modern Shang WCKD, and cult hit Randy's Donuts. 

They had something new up their sleeve when I got there a few days ago. The first is called SARAP Bistro Filipino and the other is Xi Nen Hot Pot. These are two new brands they've conceptualized for My South Hall to add to the already great selections that they had. This is quite fun for restaurateurs since you can pretty much test the waters if people love the new dishes. I had my eyes on a few especially the Filipino dishes from SARAP because even if some were traditionally prepared, it felt new for me.

SARAP Bistro Filipino specializes on Filipino comfort food, the classics and those that were made with a twist. They are served family style so you can order a few to get a taste of the new viands. I like those with sauces that I can smother over hot Garlicky Rice. What's special about MY SOUTH HALL is that you can order from other restaurants without going too far because they are in one place. SARAP Bistro Filipino had Sinigang, Bopis (which doesn't taste organy), Fried Tawilis (eat it while it's hot!), Lumpia (they make a mean one) and Ginataang Kuhol.   

Xi Nen Hot Pot serves Taiwanese inspired hotpot dishes. You just need to choose our protein and they'll cook it for you on the table (yes you don't have to cook!) which is quite different than usual hotpot restaurants. Their broth can be adjusted to taste as they'll give you sauces to adjust the flavor, and since I did like it a bit more intense, I put in the whole plate in because I like it savory. Here's what it looks like on video a few days ago.

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See, there's more where this came from and if you're a person who couldn't choose where to eat or what to have for lunch or dinner, this place is perfect! 

This is again located at the Conrad S. Maison. Walk to the far right at the back (when facing Mall of Asia) and look for the MY SOUTH HALL sign. Ask the friendly hostess to have you seated as there are instances it gets quite busy during those peak hours. Take home desserts, drinks and donuts before going home, you're going to love it!

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!

Inaugural Santa Maria Music and Film Festival Slated December 2

 

Looks like all roads lead to Santa Maria, Laguna as the first ever Santa Maria Music and Film Festival happens this December 2, 2023. "Bayan ng Santa Maria" as known to most of it's inhabitants, is a developing municipality in the south possessing some of the most unparalleled views of magical Mount Banahaw, Mount Cristobal and Laguna de Bay. 

Performers will include the Santa Maria Dance Troupe (the town's pride!), acoustic phenoms Miro Valera and Jeff Bolivar who will have a few sessions in between films. The festival will be showcasing 7 short films that will be done from 3PM to 7PM, all from different categories. Over 20 short film entries were sent to FilmFreeway.com then shortlisted to 13, then 7. These are entries from all over the world made by students, amateurs, directors, film makers and content creators which certainly would be interesting to see.

Out of all the entries, these 7 have been selected for the festival:

The Vibe Operator
Bitter Brownies
Life Savers
Searching for Chunk
Till the Music Stop
Dream On
I Can Do Anything: A Letter to Burning Man

The location for the event will be at the top of Sierra Madre, so moving to and from the tent venues will involve a little hiking. They also highly encourage for you to bring refillable bottles/tumblers for water at refilling stations for hydration. No plastic bottles please!

For those who plan to have accommodation or want to know about transportation arrangements, please check their website https://www.santamariafestival.com/planyourvisit to know more about the festival. Tickets are free but register first via https://www.santamariafestival.com/events/santa-maria-music-film-festival-2 as seats do run out fast.

Tip: Take lots of photos, bring cold weather protection, enjoy the art installations and different spots at the Santa Maria Music and Film Festival. Bring friends and enjoy movies, music, culture and art all in one place! 

This event is supported by Wearzitee, The place will also be housing World Cup Cafe soon. See you at the festival!

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.

Robinsons Appliances Hold Last Leg of RACE TO A MINUTE in Galleria South!

Spent my whole afternoon and evening traveling to San Pedro, Laguna a few days ago for the last leg of Robinsons Appliances Race to a Minute 2023. It's where they pick lucky shoppers from Robinsons Appliances and let them go through a short distanced course with 6 different activities in order to win prizes from Robinsons Appliances. They're doing this to say THANK YOU to all their customers who have patronized Robinsons Appliances all this year, and they gave up to Php 220,000 worth of prizes to lucky shoppers. 

The event was hosted by Turs Daza and Elisse Joson. They have already done those in Valencia in Bukidnon, Robinsons Galleria Cebu, Robinsons Tugegarao so it was time to do it with GMA participants this time in the City of San Pedro. Each station in the event was quite difficult and had to be solved with physical strength, wit, and smarts. Their sponsors and appliance brands chipped in on each exercise, it was quite tiring to run around the mall while we chase the contestants to document it, here's how it went!

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Here's the announcement of winners!

In the end, it was the Yellow team that won this last leg, and according to their conversations during the event (the executives and production), they plan to do another one by next year. So see, it's really worth it to shop at Robinsons Appliances. Make sure you follow their social channels especially their Facebook Page because they announce it and other promos there. 

Congratulations to the winners and of course to Robinsons Appliances! Can't wait to join the festivities soon and be part of this event, because from where I see it, it's worth it!

Dreams Do Come True at Tagaytay Highlands’ Horizon Terraces Garden Suites

Having Tagaytay Highlands as your address in the south would definitely be something anyone would envy. In the past, being there had the impression of seclusion, luxury and exclusivity. Times have changed and the three hour drive from Manila is becoming shorter as they made this once elusive mountain resort into a residential condominium has been introduced by Highlands Prime as Horizon Terraces.

This addition made over the years welcomed an Asian themed low rise garden suites and villas. The Horizon Terraces Garden Suites have beautifully crafted one and two-bedroom units measured from 43 to 68 square meters set atop 5 storey buildings and nestled in 3.2 hectares of land. It's got pretty nice views of nature and you can open up sliding doors to let the cold breeze and light in which Tagaytay is loved for. Imagine having your family waking up to that everyday! That would be a dream come true no?

Not to be outdone by the views are their Central Garden. They dedicate over 70% of their land for recreational and garden spaces, so you're definitely not shortchanged. Horizon Terraces also has over a hectare of it so you've got space for kids to run around and roll around for fun. For some light life therapy for everyone, they have pools and sensory gardens that you can enjoy. Of course, the balconies at higher floors come with majestic views of the Taal Lake and Taal Volcano and the Horizon Terraces’ Garden Suite ownership comes with membership to The Country Club and throngs of facilities inside Tagaytay Highlands. I've been there a couple of times and it's like a series of cabins in the Swiss alps, you'll love the steak which I recommend you get once you're there. You'll live the dream!

Tagaytay Highlands remains as a private resort/network of themed residential communities. If you're a member/homeowner, a family member or guest, you'll certainly enjoy it too. If you want to know more about the property or wish to own one, just give them a call via +63275052422 or their mobile number +639175150158. You can also visit their official website  www.tagaytayhighlands.com or follow their IG (@tagaytayhighlandsofficial) or Facebook page by searching Tagaytay Highlands.

Your Home Awaits at Tagaytay Highlands

It's certainly a very tough time for all of us as the pandemic ruffles all our feathers, tests our patience and seek time for prayers. People right now are at the comforts of their homes or looking for a more quiet space away from the hustle and bustle of the city, making their once weekend vacation houses into permanent homes. I've been to Tagaytay Highlands quite a few times already and it sounds like a great idea to live there.

Tagaytay Highlands is a mountain-resort themed estate blessed with majestic views of Mt. Makiling, the Canlubang Valley, Laguna de Bay and Taal Lake. The place is not just a weekend retreat, it has evolved into a place to build your dream home and it has for a lot of people. Its huge lots, Swiss Alps reminiscent log cabins and large units are made to endure years, perfect place to create those happy memories with family and friends. Tagaytay Highlands has always been like that. Exclusive, yes, but it feels so much like home.

Tagaytay Highlands has always been managed well. They employ high security standards which enable residents and guests have a safe place. They also launched clean-up and repair operations this January where major roads, driveways, golf courses, landscapes and other common areas were rehabilitated, fixed and repaired. It's why the place remains in pristine condition before the pandemic happened. I've had memories with family gatherings, weddings, events in The Spa and Lodge, the Tagaytay Highlands Golf Course, dining places and the Sports Center which comprise the major facilities of this place.

This makes it a dream safe haven for homeowners and guests. It remains to be one of the few communities with low-density populace and wide-open spaces plus clean mountain air. I envy those who get to live there everyday.

 

The place also enforces stringent health and safety standards as they follow measures mandated by government health authorities. Residents and guests are encouraged to do frequent handwashing, wear face masks and shields outside their homes. They are also to observe social distancing. Property employees continue to be monitored closely and undergo non-contact thermal scanning upon entering the property. Temperatures are again checked at all main entrances,  canteen and offices employ two-meter distance for employees to keep everyone safe.

The same goes with management, staff, security and technicians of the Tagaytay Highlands as they continue to provide services to homeowners, guests and members. This makes it one of the nicest place to be in. A safe place to stay, with stunning views and people who care. You might want to live there too.  

Soon To Rise: Nissan Sucat Zentrum

It looks like something good is about to happen in the south as Lica Management Inc. just recently held their topping off ceremonies for the 8 storey building at Dr. A Santos Avenue in BF Homes Parañaque City. It will be called Nissan Sucat Zentrum bound to be completed during the first quarter of 2018. It's a mixed use space hosting office and commercial establishments equipped with the latest requirements of business process outsourcing companies. Upon completion, this will have 10,405 square meters of prime realty accessible to all since this is in a great location. It's intended for PEZA accreditation soon.

The topping off ceremonies were witnessed by Lica Management executives and Lica Engineering and Design Group.

This will also house Nissan Sucat which will be under the Lica Auto Group, a company that has won tons of awards for retail and services. This would be special and will cater to all that would need Global Nissan Dealership in the south, and the rest of the country.

They also had people from Jones Lang La Salle, retail tenants 7-11, The Generics Pharmacy, Cebuana Lhullier, E-Bingo, Yellow Sweets Cafe which will be part of the building's commercial lineup. They also had representatives of their contractors and suppliers Aster Construction, 3BS Electrical, Frandoza, Era Integrated Corporation and Arrus Skim Coat.

The goal is to make Paranaque even better and with these establishments churning and hosting companies, it will create more jobs not only locally but metro wide. For more information about them you may email info@licagroup.com or visit their official website http://licagroup.com/.

Congratulations Lica Group, make the country proud!

Coffee Love Down South at Festival Mall

My visit to Festival Mall a few days ago was actually a bit surprising. There have been really remarkable improvements to the mall and they've opened up shops including coffee places that I frequent in. I wanted to relax after an event and do some writing projects in between because I find these places quite calming. The scent of freshly ground coffee, it was all I need to get inspired and shrug off all the stress. 

I don't like super crowded places and Seattle's Best Coffee does really good Javakula, my fave Java Chip, their breakfast sets, pasta, salads and sandwiches. Plus they are donning my favorite color Red :) so that's a plus! I like Festival Mall and how it's all front and center to Filinvest City, they call these Filinvest Lifemalls which they put up in different properties. Their VP for Marketing Ms. Rose Nuqui says "We've envisioned this not just to be a place to shop but somewhere to actually spend quality time for families and friends even if it's just over coffee." And I think that's a good thing. So if you're in the mood to hang out with the most important people in your life, take a trip down south and sit down, have a cup or two in Festival Mall. 

It's all there!

KUMAGCOW

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