Sweet Illusions Chambers at Estancia brings to life with Christmas candy-inspired

Estancia Candy Tree

Monique Castañeda, Ortigas Malls Marketing Manager; Arch. Renee C. Bacani, VP of Ortigas & Company; Mr. Jaime E. Ysmael, President and CEO of Ortigas & Company and Mr. Randy Torres, Property Manager

This is my first time to see the Sweet Illusion Chambers at Estacia and I feel the spirit of Christmas with its colorful decors and Christmas lights. The delectable rooms with light installations that bring to mind the candies and desserts that everybody craves for, especially this holiday season.The four secrets rooms has a unique installations and definitely every visitors to enter here will enjoy. Just like me I was amazed when I enter every room last November 12 when Estancia officially unveil it. These Instagram-worthy and interactive rooms are open during mall hours and will run until January 6, 2019.

Here are the (4) four secret rooms that you can see at Estancia are strategically placed across Capitol Commons-at the mall and the park-with each beholding a fun surprise for those who venture inside: 

1) SPECIAL DARK (Dark Light Room) – Beckons another captivating exhibit of modern neon displays. This is for those who want a taste of the dark side.

2) CANDY BLAST (Shadow Light Room) – It offers a delightful haven that transports you to a candy dreamland. This is for those who seek a sweet escape.

3) SWEET RUSH (Laser Room) – Promises a feeling a rush quicker than a ray of light. This room is, if you’re in search of a sweet thrill.

4) TUTTI FRUITTI OR RAINBOW (Prism Room) – Located outside Estancia along Capitol Commons Park. This room is for those who wish to see a pot of gold at the end of rainbow and who want to let their color shine.

Just like last year a Vast Imaginarium was inspired by famous contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms––a four-room art installation that served as a magical journey for the imagination––recently bagged two Silver Stevie Award for Marketing Campaign of the Year - Retail and Brand Experience of the Year - Consumer for helping cement Estancia’s reputation as a lifestyle space that promotes the arts.

Mr. Jaime E. Ysmael, President and CEO of Ortigas & Company Special Dark

“Ortigas & Company has always valued providing accessible art to the public, through Estancia’s Vast Imaginarium rooms as well as this year’s Ortigas Art Festival; We want to continue this effort for the holidays, so we are bringing back our renowned rooms now called Sweet Illusion Chambers. Estancia has become Ortigas’ art hub that fosters creativity in the middle of the metro, and what better way to celebrate that than to launch it this season,” says Arch. Renee C. Bacani, VP of Ortigas & Company.

The following are the other activities at Estancia this holiday season:

• A Keto Workshop will be held from November 30 to December 2 at the ground floor South Wing entrance from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. True to the spirit of celebrating, the Holiday Feasts with treats, in partnership with Mastercard, will run from November 15 to January 15, 2019 at participating restaurants for families and friends alike.
• On December 9, a MIIS Kids Can! Bazaar will take place at the 2F Bridgeway from 10 a.m. to 4.pm.
• A Magic The Gathering Tournament (Day 1) Tekken Tournament will also take place at the 2F Bridgeway from December 15 to 16 at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• For the kids and the young at heart, get a chance to Meet and Greet Santa on all Saturdays of December at the 2F Bridgeway from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m and then watch a spectacular fireworks show at 7 p.m.
• For churchgoers, a Simbang Gabi will also take place at the 2F Bridgeway from December 15 to 23 at 6 p.m.
• Lastly, a lot of newly-opened stores in Estancia such as Motorino, Brow Lounge, Power Station, Anna Pashmina, Vivere Salon, and Shi Lin. In addition, new stores will be opening its doors such as Anytime Fitness, Scout’s Honor, Alba, Tim Horton’s, Haruta, among many others.

Take picture at the Giant candy cake hot at Estancia, outside the mall along Capitol Commons Park

If you want to have the sweetest Christmas illusions this holiday season come and visit at Estancia! And for more information and updates, please visit and follow Greenhills on Facebook and Instagram use the hashtag #2018OrtigasMallsChristmas when posting.

SM MEGAMALL WITH DREAMAGINATION AND MAGICAL HOLIDAY SPECTACLE

The SM Megamall shoppers including me was delighted with dreamy and magical #ChristmaSMoments during the launch of its Dreamagination: A Magical Holiday Spectacle celebration last November 8, held at the Mega Fashion Hall. I enjoyed watching the show, there’s nothing more magical than unicorns, rainbows and candy-colored dreams.

“Every year we challenge ourselves to come up with a theme that surpasses the grandness of the previous year. We are very excited with this holiday season because we know our customers would love this year‘s coIorful and magical theme," said Christian Mathay, SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations.

The media launch was hosted by Tim Yap and Karla Aguas, the mall unveiled its 45-foot Christmas centerpiece, adorned with candy-colored jewels, rainbows, and iconic unicorn and toy soldier dolls. SM Megamall welcomed the holidays with whimsical performances by local and international acrobats, such as the Twin Ballerinas Annika and Tisha; Eric Aranas as Toy Soldier and parkour stunts by members of Ninja Academy as Elf Jumpers; the awe-inspiring acts by global Vertical and Trapeze Dancers; and spiral pole and rope dancer Kristel De Catalina of Pilipinas Got Talent season 6.

Definitely I will share this dreamy and magical with my family, friends and officemates. This season more exciting events await shoppers exclusively at SM Megamall! Mallgoers are invited to visit the DC Justice League Christmas Capers for a Chance to play fun, interactive games. You can grab latest Justice League merchandise at DC pop up stores at The Event Center, Mega A and The SM Store, Mega B at the Event Center from November 16 to January14, 2019.

Follow SM Mega Mall thru their Facebook, Instagram and twitter @SMMEGAMALL and use the hashtag: #PARTYMEGA and #LIVEMEGA. 

The unveiled of Greenhills Christmas Candy Cake

Greenhills Christmas Candy Cake four layer 30-feet high cake

The launch of its Christmas Candy Cake right at the heart of the V-Mall lobby last Thursday night was very grandiose with pure imagination of a Christmas candy cake full of every candy you can ever think of gum drops, butterballs, eclairs, hard candy, chocolate bars, fudge, in an assortment of sizes, shapes, and colors—filling the four-layer 30-feet high cake.

The first and only Christmas Candy Cake made by Ortigas & Company, which opens to the public last November 8, 2018 to January 6, 2019. All set to delight the young and the young-at-heart of this biggest Christmas Candy Cake. This Christmas installation will surely enhance the experience of all those shopping at the only mall with the widest selection of retail offerings with various tiangge stalls with their festive assortment of goods for the value-conscious, as well as retail stores with a selection of gifts for everyone.

Mr. Davee M. Zuñiga, Councilor Vincent Pacheco - District; Councilor Allen Christopher Silvano - District 2
Councilor Mary Joy Ibuna-Leoy District 2; Mr. Jaime Ysmael, President & CEO of Ortigas Malls; San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez; Arch. Renee C. Bacani, VP of Ortigas Malls; Ms. Maite Ortigas (Ortigas Family) and Atty. Mike Abundo.

During this event, it was graced by San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez along with other local government officials. Also present was the president and chief executive officer of Ortigas & Co., Mr. Jimmy Ysmael along with the other members of the Ortigas family. The guests enjoyed the performance of Will Wonka with visions of a chocolate factory coming alive right before their eyes. As an added Christmas bonus, golden tickets will also be scattered around the mall for mall-goers to find. Lucky winners will be able to claim special prizes if they find these tickets from November 6 until Christmas Day. True to the spirit of generosity that gives meaning to the season, Greenhills have special guests under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and will take part in the joy of the season.

Aside from the Christmas Candy Cake, Greenhills will also hold a Christmas Sweet Bazaar at VMall Lobby from Nov. 9, 2018 to January 6, 2018. There will also be Paskuhan Pinoy 2018 at the VMall Garden from November to January 2019. Starting November through January 2019, a Night Market will be at the G-strip parking for food enthusiasts from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. as well as Regional Delicacies at the ground floor of the Center Mall from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Councilor Allen Christopher Silvano - District; Councilor Mary Joy Ibuna-Leoy - District 2; Mr. Jaime Ysmael, President & CEO of Ortigas Malls; San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez; Arch. Renee C. Bacani, VP of Ortigas Malls; Ms. Maite Ortigas (Ortigas Family) and Atty. Mike Abundo.

Kids will also be able Meet & Greet Santa on all Saturdays of December at the VMall Lobby from 2 to 5 p.m. Fireworks will also light the Ortigas skyline every Saturday at 7 p.m. for the entire family to enjoy. And lastly, Simbang Gabi will take place at the Chapel of the Holy Family from December 15 to 23, 6pm daily.

Families and friends out to shop and explore Greenhills can also find more dining outlets to choose from such as newly opened restaurants Bijin Nabe, Kimpura, Coco Fresh, Moshi Koshi, and Serenitea. In the following months, Scout’s Honor, Breakfast at Antonio’s, Ippudo, Yabu, Bad Bird, any many more will also be opening their doors for diners to enjoy.

Greenhills has all sorts of cuisine to meet various tastes, and will definitely satisfy the tummies of all those who love good food. Enjoy all these amidst the sparkling Christmas lights and the beautiful installations that will remind you that the holidays have come.

Being the crown jewel of San Juan, Greenhills has newly opened health & wellness facilities namely Bruno’s Barbers, Urban Hair Lounge, Beeswax, Nazal MD, and Skin Station. The Medical City, Aivee Institute, Brow Studio, Center for Advanced Dentistry, and Oroderm will also be opening in the coming months.

Mr. Jaime Ysmael, President & CEO of Ortigas Malls; San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez and
Arch. Renee Bacani, VP of Ortigas Malls

“Greenhills is still Ortigas & Company’s ultimate shopping destination and top of mind go to place, especially during the holidays. We want shoppers to have an even more delightful shopping experience with our Christmas Candy Cake and the Christmas Sweet Bazaar, which will bring in more exciting merchants,” says President and CEO of Ortigas & Company Jaime E. Ysmael.

Don’t miss to see and visit the 30-feet high Christmas Candy Cake at Greenhills. If ever you want to take pictures or taking selfies make sure to use the hashtags #2018OrtigasMallsChristmas and #GreenhillsCandyCake. Indeed, Christmas is more delightful and so much sweeter in Greenhills.

To more updates, please visit and follow Greenhills on Facebook and Instagram. For more information, visit www.ortigas.com.ph or call 633-1580.

GOOD NEWS: HEPA C IS NOW CURABLE: Michael De Mesa is out to spread awareness about the disease

 

Hepa C survivor and advocate Michael De Mesa

Who among you got sick of hepatitis? When I was in 2nd year high school student I got sick of Hepatitis A means I ate a dirty food but I was cure after 2 weeks of confinement in a hospital. While Hepatitis C is a disease that affects the liver and is caused by the hep C virus. Hep C is usually spread when blood from a person infected with the hep C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. Hep C generally progresses slowly, over the course of 10 to 40 years. It attacks and damages the liver, killing liver cells in the process. As a result, scar tissue forms, a process called fibrosis. For about 10 to 20 percent of people infected, Hep C can eventually lead to scarring of the liver (also called cirrhosis). Although some people will experience symptoms, about 80 percent of people with acute Hep C do not have any symptoms.

Last November 8, 2018, I was able to attend the launched an awareness campaign for Hepatitis C with Michael De Mesa held by world’s leading global pharmaceutical company, Mylan, and in association with the Hepatology Society of Philippines (HSP). The BEAT Hep C (Become educated, aware, tested and treated) campaign aims at spreading awareness about the disease. It will include dissemination of information through pamphlets and promoting screening among Filipinos at risk.

During the launch, Michael De Mesa told the guest how he got hepatitis C. It was began in 1999 when he was supposed to donate blood and his blood was screened so they found out he had a hepatitis C virus. The actor suspect that he got the virus when having his ears pierced in 1997 in a mall somewhere in Texas. He experienced a lot of difficulties and there was a time his work as an actor is also affected. Until in 2010, when Michael and his wife Julie decided to migrate to the US. His wife found out about Harvoni, the new drug known to cure Hepatitis C but it’s very expensive, $1,000/pill that time.

 

Michael De Mesa and wife Julie Reyes Eigenmann

However, Michael’s wife never gave up to research for new drug upon their move back to the Philippines. True enough, his wife found this gentlemen online who got cured of Hapatitis C virus and they get in touch with him. The name of the drug which the gentlemen cured is generic version of Harvoni. They ordered online and Michael started the treatment November last year. After consuming two bottles, Michael’s viral count was declared “undetected.” It was Christmas 2017 when Michael cured of Hepatitis C. Now that the actor is 58 years old, his out on a mission to educate Filipinos, to raise awareness…..he does’nt like anyone to get through what he went through for 18 years. “Let’s all beat Hep C together!”, said Michael.

Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Jade Jamias, Liver Specialist and President of HSP said, “Chronic Hepatitis C infection may lead to serious complications such ascirrhosis and/or liver cancer. Patients with hepatitis C often do not show early symptoms and so it becomes very critical to educate the people about this infection. Early detection is key to treatment and prevention of liver disease progression. The positive news is that treatment for this disease is now easily accessible to all.”

Ms. Ester Tacanay, Country Manager of Mylan in Philippines said, “Hepatitis C is a chronic public health concern in the Philippines. At Mylan Philippines we are committed to provide access to medicine for treatment of hepatitis C with the objective of reducing the disease burden. Through the BEATHepC campaign Mylan aims to create awareness around risks and misconceptions about the disease and encourage early screening and treatment to prevent the disease. We are happy to partner with HSP to drive this campaign across Philippines.”

^{Michael De Mesa with members of the Hepatology Society of the Philippines Dr. Edhel Tripon and Dr. Jade Jamias}

Mylan’s BEAT Hep C campaign supports the National Viral Hepatitis Task Force (NVHTF)2 to eliminate or significantly decrease the prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in the Philippines. Learn more at Mylan.com and website at investor.mylan.com. For further information, visit www.hsp.org.ph