BGC Arts Center Festival: Revealing Facets of Modern Filipino Performance Artistry

Firing off a passionate start for 2017, the BGC Arts Center marks its identity as the home of the Filipino artist. True to its word, it will hold the BGC Arts Center Festival - a 2-day arts festival on January 14-15, hosting performances and events that will illuminate the many layers that modern Filipino artists are animating, to give voice to the range of the human condition. The BGC Arts Center is the centerpiece of BGC’s cultural district. It is a project of the non-profit, Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. which also gave us the The Mind Museum, the first world class science museum in the country. The BGC Arts Center is the first and only stand-alone theater established through private donations. A collaboration by award-winning architects and designers, the BGC Arts Center is composed of the Maybank Performing Arts Theater, the Alveo Central Plaza, and the Sun Life Amphitheater. The BGC Arts Center Festival is aligned with how the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI) recognizes the integral role of having the two great human traditions of art and science, shape, deepen and enrich a city’s identity and contribute to the larger cultural story of our nation. Aiming to keep art alive and accessible through various cultural activities, BAFI champions public art - through murals, ArtMart, BGC Impromptu, public performances - as an essential part of community life. The BGC Arts Center is committed to offer the breadth and depth of Filipino artistry to the community. As such, the Art Festival will offer a wide range - from totally original Filipino creations to brilliant local adaptations of works with universal themes. The festival will include children’s plays from Artist Playground and Kids Acts Philippines, several dance performances by STEPS, staged readings of selected scenes by The Egg Theatre Co., a performance of an original play by Artist Playground, a supremely engaging performance by a pioneer Filipino Improv group, SPIT Manila, an acclaimed local production from Twin Bill Theater, an award-winning original Filipino musical from Philippine Stagers, and opera pieces from MusicArtes, Inc. Completing the Arts Festival are art talks, outdoor events such as BGC Art Mart that regularly feature the work of local artisans and other surprise offerings at the Sun Life amphitheater. Musicals. Plays. Dance. Improv. Spoken Word. Concerts. All Pinoy. All Great. Check out the BGC Arts Center Festival event page on Facebook for the schedules and details of the performances.***

Umbra Shift: Homeware with a Twist

Coiled Stool

Umbra, a Toronto-based company with a wide collection of casual and contemporary home accessories, redefines plain and simple homeware with Umbra Shift—a collection of functional and creatively-designed home pieces with minimal aesthetic and embodies function and an element of curiosity.

Hanger Chair

Umbra Shift, an extension of Umbra, is a collection of modern, easy-to-use home accessories exhibiting function, practicality and design.The collection showcases the works of Umbra in–house designers who were asked to re-think things and design personal objects they themselves would want to give or use at home.

Brick Lamp

One of the highlights of Umbra Shift is the Coiled Stool. Inspired by the highly admired traditional basket-making techniques of the Philippines, the Coiled Stool is made with hand-woven threads covering a rattan core. Aside from a comfortable tractor seat, the Coiled Stool also has a bar stool version which fits easily into casual and formal environments. 

In addition to the Coiled Stool are Umbra Shift’s other contemporary house pieces such as the Brick Lamp, an adjustable LED task lamp for the desk or shelf; Hanger Chair and Nest Caddy.

Matt Carr of Umbra Shift

“We are truly excited to bring this collection of thoughtfully designed and well crafted products to an international design stage. Note that a few pieces from the collection were handmade right here in the Philippines,” says Umbra Design Director Matt Carr.

Umbra, which means "shade" in Latin, was born when graphic designer Paul Rowan custom-made a window shade for his apartment, and teamed up with his childhood friend Les Mandelbaum.

Today, the award-winning company employs an international team of in-house designers and global network which make its original designs available in over 120 countries. The full collection can be seen at the Umbra Store in Toronto.


The Umbra Shift homeware are available in Dimensione, One Parkade, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City.

To learn more about Umbra and its wide range of home accessories designed for modern living, visit www.umbra.com and www.umbrashift.com.

*This is Press Release

Cyclists Ruled the Road of the Metro in BGC Cycle Asia

Filipino riders geared up for thrilling bike action around the roads in Metro Manila last Nov. 21 to 22 for the BGC Cycle Asia Philippines. Close to 2,000 cycling enthusiasts joined the event which featured exciting and challenging categories for children, adults and The event, in its third edition this year, is a part of Cycle Asia, a network of premier cycling events across the region that offers participants the rare opportunity to ride on safe closed public roads in major Asian cities.  It was brought here in the country by organizer Sunrise Events, Inc. in partnership with Cycle Asia "We are excited to continue an active year of sports for Sunrise Events, Inc. with our team-up with BGC and our international partner, Cycle Asia, the BGC Cycle Asia Philippines made it possible for Filipino families to participate in sports activities as exercise to promote their health and ensure a wholesome lifestyle," said Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, CEO of Sunrise Events Inc.

Prior to the ride events, the entire family were entertained with a wide range of fun activities in the Cycling & Lifestyle Expo at the Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila, the Official Residence of the BGC CycleAsia The fun cycling action started  in the morning of Saturday, November 21 via the kiddie ride categories starting with the 30-minute Junior Challenge ride and followed by The Kid’s Ride and Tricycle Ride categories. This day proved to be a fun bonding activity for parents and kids complete with post-event ride activities such as the bull ride and kiddie inflatables.

On Sunday, November 22, were the Adult Ride categories. The event was kicked-off by the Ride with Robbie with Australian former PRO cyclist and three-time Tour de France green jersey sprinter’s classification winner Robbie McEwen. It was followed by the 40km Challenge Ride and the 20km According to Mr. Manuel Blas II, Head of Commercial Operations for Fort Bonifacio Development Corp., “The participation in Cycle Philippines through the years have shown us that cycling is here to stay and that it is going beyond being a hobby and sport where people are more and more using it as an alternative mode of transportation to get around the metro.  This insight pushed us to implement more bike racks around the city. Furthermore, it also inspired us to experiment with a bike-sharing program With Bonifacio Global City (BGC) as the title sponsor,and with the valuable support of Taguig City, BGC Cycle Philippines has attracted a number of additional sponsors: Gatorade (Hydration Partner), 2Go Express, (Official Courier and Logistics Partner), Ascott Bonifacio Global City (Official Residence) and others including Subaru, Rudy Project, Scott Bikes, Rocktape, Regent, Garmin, Pioneer Insurance, Herbalife, Storybook.ph, Skippy’s bar and Grill and Purefoods Sexy Chix.  Philippine Star and ABS-CBN Sports+ Action are the event’s media partners while Goya and Cetaphil are its marketing partners.




For more information, check out the BGC CycleAsia Philippines official website, www.cyclephilippines.com.ph.

About Cycle Asia

Owned and organized by Spectrum Worldwide, Cycle Asia is a network of premier cycling events hosted Each event offers cyclists the rare opportunity to ride on closed public roads in major Asian cities, while catering to participants of all ages and abilities. Whether it’s young cyclists on three wheels or the more serious cyclists looking to test themselves on a longer distance, there’s a ride for everyone across the

About Sunrise Events, Inc

Sunrise Events Inc was established in 2008 after it has been granted the Ironman 70.3 license by the World Triathlon Corporation.  The vision of the company is to stage world class events to put the Philippines in the sports tourism map of the world.  SEI currently stages at least 12 events per year and has the exclusive rights to the Ironman 70.3, 5150, XTERRA and Ironkids events. 


About Bonifacio Global City

Bonifacio Global City is the proud venture of Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC), managed by the powerhouse partnership of Ayala Land, Inc., Evergreen Holdings, Inc. (Campos Group) and the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA). The combined formidable wealth of real estate development, expertise, and investment from each group has established Bonifacio Global City as one of the world’s finest and fastest-growing premier cities. For more info, visit http://bgc.com.ph

ATAT Motorcyle Club Turns 12!

ATAT Motorcycle Club (ATAT, as formally registered in the SEC, stands for Any Time All the Time) will have its 1st official long ride for 2014 this weekend( September 26-28, 2014) to Baguio as it commemorates the new set of officers for the year 2014-2015 with President Charlie Carlos Ride. ATAT was founded on friendship in 2002 when three long-time friends Kiko Bernardo, Teddy Lim and Elton Ong decided to get together after realizing their passion for motorbikes. From there, the group of three started to grow and had many impromptu rides —at any given time, at a moment’s notice, with a “drop what you are doing and let’s ride!” kind of attitude. Together with another long time friend Alberto Matias the group decided to name the group ATAT — which, in the vernacular, describes someone all too eager and impatient to do something. Together with Benjie Ladra, Myke Torres, Kevin Chua, and Jimmy Chan pioneers in ATAT, the group started to grow in numbers. Reaching a high of 45 members at its peak. Now on to its 12th year, ATAT Motorcycle Club has established itself as one of the premier motorcycle clubs in the country. At present, the club has 24 members and despite their busy schedules, their friendship has evolved into a deep sense of camaraderie and a brotherhood of passionate riders.

The members consists of : Elton Ong, Benjie Ladra, Abet Matias, Marc de Joya, Charlie Carlos, Raymond Hallare, Vince Mercado, Felix Luakian, Mervin Pullon,Francis Varela, Paolo Vialu,    Rei Lagamia, Mayie Capinpin  , Oliver Jimeno, JC Villanueva, AJ Maralit, Aaron Macalinao, Jevis Aguila Marketing Manager at Granstar Motors, the local distributor of Aprilia and  Lawrence Macalinao “We have been riding for a long time, and unlike other sport-bike riders, ATAT members really push and ride hard. We have made it our advocacy to ride hard on the track, not on the streets, to promote safe riding,” said Marc de Joya, General Manager at Ducati Phils.

Follow their ride schedule and adventures by liking their Facebook  as ATAT Racing Team  heads on to Clark International Speedway this October 4 & 5 and witness the much awaited 4th leg of the Ducati Cup 2014 and Any Time All the Time Motorcycle Club (ATAT MC)

Can't Skip Skippy’s Bar & Grill in BGC

Skippy’s Bar & Grill is a sports bar and restaurant bringing a piece of Australian goodness in the Philippines. What they offer are scrumptious and filling grubs for every hungry tummy, Aussie or local alike.

What you can find out in this grill is what the owner's say "honest-to-goodness Aussie comfort food" like the imported Aussie Meat Pies (choice of chicken or beef) from Down Under, the famous Aussie burger, Aussie steaks and lamb chops, and fish and chips are fast-becoming house specialties. And rightfully so, because Skippy’s never scrimps on ingredients and serving-size, making it great for hungry foodies or for a group of friends who just would like to have a great time!

Let me give you an idea of the dishes that was served to us when we visited Skippy's

The bar boasts of an excellent selection of Australian beers like Victoria Bitter, and Crown Lager as well as other top-notch imported beers to toast on. Its owners, Sydney-native business man, Steve Bird and his wife Tina, envisioned the place to be a laid-back, no-fuss pub where a mate can grab an ice cold beer, eat brunch until 3PM while cheering for his favorite spSkippy’s Bar & Grill is a sports bar and restaurant bringing a piece of Australian goodness in the Philippines. It offers scrumptious and filling grubs for every hungry tummy, Aussie or local alike. In here you will find honest-to-goodness Aussie comfort food like the imported Aussie Meat Pies (choice of chicken or beef) from Down Under, the famous Aussie burger, Aussie steaks and lamb chops, and fish and chips are fast-becoming house specialties.

And rightfully so, because Skippy’s never scrimps on ingredients and serving-size, making it great for hungry foodies or for a group of friends who just would like to have a great time! The bar boasts of an excellent selection of Australian beers like Victoria Bitter, and Crown Lager as well as other top-notch imported beers to toast on. Its owners, Sydney-native business man, Steve Bird and his wife Tina, envisioned the place to be a laid-back, no-fuss pub where a mate can grab an ice cold beer, eat brunch until 3PM while cheering for his favorite sports team showing in live HD. And true enough just over a year in operation, it has become a place where great food, lots of laughter and awesome mates gather round. Open daily from Monday to Sunday, as early as 9AM, it serves breakfast for as low as P165 with great selection to choose from. Not a breakfast person? No problem, Skippy’s has its affordable lunch menu for only P195 ready to make any tummy happy. Serving breakfast from 9AM to 3PM and lunch from 11AM to 7PM, one can enjoy great meals any time of the day! Not only that, at Skippy’s there’s always a reason to celebrate starting from its P60 cocktail with 40 different selections to choose from happening Sunday to Wednesday from 9AM to 8PM! Calling all beer drinkers out there, Skippy’s offer a 4+1 local beer selection during its crazy long happy hour starting from 10AM to 8PM every Monday to Saturday, and all-day during Sunday Fun Day. What’s more is that, Skippy’s flavorful chicken wings --14 pieces of this delectable intense wings are up for grabs for only P150 from Sunday to Tuesday when availing of the 4+1 local beer promo. Like Skippy’s Philippines on Facebook and be in the know with all the events and promotions on your favorite all-action sports, Rock-on Friday and Saturdays with local blues and rock artists performing live or just about anything Au-some!orts team showing in live HD. And true enough just over a year in operation, it has become a place where great food, lots of laughter and awesome mates gather round. Open daily from Monday to Sunday, as early as 9AM, it serves breakfast for as low as P165 with great selection to choose from. Not a breakfast person? No problem, Skippy’s has its affordable lunch menu for only P195 ready to make any tummy happy. Serving breakfast from 9AM to 3PM and lunch from 11AM to 7PM, one can enjoy great meals any time of the day! Not only that, at Skippy’s there’s always a reason to celebrate starting from its P60 cocktail with 40 different selections to choose from happening Sunday to Wednesday from 9AM to 8PM! Calling all beer drinkers out there, Skippy’s offer a 4+1 local beer selection during its crazy long happy hour starting from 10AM to 8PM every Monday to Saturday, and all-day during Sunday Fun Day. What’s more is that, Skippy’s flavorful chicken wings --14 pieces of this delectable intense wings are up for grabs for only P150 from Sunday to Tuesday when availing of the 4+1 local beer promo.

Like Skippy’s Philippines on Facebook and be in the know with all the events and promotions on your favorite all-action sports, Rock-on Friday and Saturdays with local blues and rock artists performing live or just about anything Au-some!

Ducati Superbike Riders Closed The Streets In Bonifacio Global City

Ducati Superbike riders invaded the modified race track at the  Bonifacio Global City streets at the Globe Slipstream, a homecoming event for Filipino-Swiss race car driver Marlon Stockinger last Aug. 30 

The race teams of Ducati-Bacchus, Ducati-Access Plus, ATAT Racing Team, Samson College-Access Plus  - Ducati Desmo Owners Club of the Philippines and Kojie-San brought in  their top riders, among them 16-year-old TJ Alberto, superbike master rider and Ducati Philippines CEO Mr. Toti Alberto and General Manager Marc de Joya, John Defensor and Alvin Dee, Superbike Open riders Jussi Hoikka, Vince Mercado and Jordan Gaw, Lawrence Macalinao, Ralph Reyes Jay Carrion, Redge Burilla, Miguel BSichara, Gerald Aycardo,  Nikki Romero, Gelo Roa, Daniel Savino, Col. Benjie Ladra,Martin Rosario, Monti Mortimer and former superbike champion Raniel Resuello.

Also with the Ducati group are celebrity racers Dingdong Dantes and Congressman Bullet Jalosjos with a new all 1199 SUPERLEGGERA, a Ducati limited edition with only 500 units being sold around the world and Philippines has sold 2 units already owned by Toti Alberto and Dan Savino.

Congressman Bullet Jalosjos

Instead of bringing in the team’s F1 show cars, Globe Telecom, the exclusive business partner of Lotus F1 in the Philippines, decided to bring in Stockinger’s Lotus WSR Gravity Charouz Formula Renault 3.5 car he actually drives in the World Series for a test drive around a customized BGC race track.

Ducati superbike racers did a demonstration race along with the parade of vintage luxury cars, karting challenge.

See more on these Ducati racers as they take the Clark International Speedway on October 4 and 5. 2014

BGC EATS 2014: Watta way of checking out What's Cookin' in Bonifacio Global City

Bonifacio Global City BGC EATS citywide food tour cooked up by Passionate Minds for passionate Stomachs that showcases the city's healthy culinary tourism. From the simple to the finest dining outlets, coffee shops and bars, BGC is a haven to a wide range of gastronomical finds and is continuously being recognized for its vibrant local food scene.

This year's BGC EATS is made even more appetizing as four experts join returning BGC Eats curatorm the charming chef-writer JJ Yulo. Four Experts. Four Restaurants. One tour.









Tour 1 on July 26 focuses on the science behind food featuring Artha Ting, biologist and Mind Mover from the Mind Museum. She will explain the science behind all things tasty making both brain and tummy full by the end of the tour.

Tour 2 on August 2 focuses on the aesthetics of food featuring tips from food photographer Mylene Chung. Join her as she guides guests to shoot their way into being the envy of Instragram followers. Participants of this tour must bring a camera, Phone cameras are okay too.

Tour 3 on August 9 focuses on beverage pairing featuring Enderun's assistant dean of hospitality management, Bel castro. she will share some tricks in how to enhance on's dining experience and drink your way to a better meal. Participants of this tour must be 18 years old and above to enjoy the full experience.

Tour 4 on August 16 focuses on Healthy Eats featuring Edgy Veggie cafe owner Denise Celdran and she will help guests discover delicious and healthy food options.

To give you an idea about it, I have some pictures to show you which was the three stops we had.

First Stop: Gustare, use to be a commissary for restaurants but now they also offer private dinners and you can also take out some of the pastries and sweets that they have.

Second Stop: Prost, If you love beers and sausages you will love this place.

Third Stop: Mind Museum, why? well...the theme that we had that day was science related and one of the challenging and fun thing about it is we were introduced to what they call 'Future Food'

How to get a ticket for BGC Eats 2014:

1. Shop and Claim – (2) tickets for every minimum single receipt purchase of P2,000 at BGC establishments. All purchases from the following establishment:  Bonifacio High Street, The Fort Entertainment Center, Crossroads, Bonifacio Stopover, One and Two Parkade and the Mind Museum are eligible. Eligible dates of purchase must be between July 21, 2014 to August 16, 2014 only. A mximum of 2 tickets

2. Hello BGCitizen – (1) free ticket will be given to BGCitizen upon proof of residence, employment or enrollment.

3. Straight Purchase – Tickets are prized at P1,500 each and can be purchased 15 minutes before the tour at the meeting point.


Reminders:

The Tour starts at exactly 3pm and will run for around 2.5 to 3 hours.Late comers will forfeit their tickets.
Meet up point is the Hop On, Hop Off Bus Stop on 9th avenue, in from of Krispy Kreme.
Maximum of 34 participants per tour date.
Tickets can claimed at the Bonifacio High Street Central Concierge from 11am to 8pm starting July 21, 2014.
For more details, you can contact Martha Asuncion at martha.asuncion@artsatbgc.org or (02) 818-3601 loc. 3207

You can also check out https://www.facebook.com/bonifacioglobalcityph and https://www.facebook.com/ARTSatBGC