Citadines Roces Quezon City Opens: Your Gateway to City Living

Philippines, January 22, 2024 - Citadines Roces Quezon City brought in all the excitement as it opened its doors last January 19, 2024, painting a new urban lifestyle experience in the heart of the city. Guests were greeted with fun activities, a tour of the property, and delicious food from Citadines Roces Quezon City’s in-house modern Filipino restaurant, Alejo.

The grand opening was optimistic of an inspiring year ahead for Citadines as it was graced by Ascott Country Manager, Philip Barnes, Citadines Roces QC Assistant Residence Manager, Thea Peregrino, General Manager of JG Jinmen Leisures Corporation, David Ng Lim,  Matriarch of the Lim Family, Mrs. Ng Gyok Oh Lim, Head of Local Economic Investment and Promotions Office, Jay Gatmaitan and ⁠Regional Director Department of Tourism - NCR, Sharlene Batin who

took center stage during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Their presence highlighted the significance of the moment, as Citadines Roces Quezon City awakened a new chapter in upscale living. This set the stage for an evening filled with exploration, zest, and celebration.

“As we take on this exciting journey, we hope to create a dynamic environment that’s one with the vibrant spirit of Quezon City. We look forward to crafting a future where every guest grows their love for the city in every second they stay with us," said Thea Peregrino, Residence Manager. 

Citadines Roces Quezon City understands the pulse of today's urban explorers, offering a seamless blend of comfort, convenience, and style. The property's 185 well-appointed apartments serve as a sanctuary, allowing you to capture the city's vibrant essence while enjoying the privacy of your own space.

With six main room categories: Studio Deluxe, Studio Executive, One Bedroom Deluxe, One Bedroom Executive, One Bedroom Premier, Two Bedroom Premier, and Three Bedroom Premier, everyone can find inspiration in the comfort of Citadines. All rooms are designed to optimize the use of space, putting your comfort as a top priority.

That’s not all - in addition to the well-designed apartments, Citadines Roces Quezon City boasts facilities such as a fitness center, swimming pool, laundrette services, and lounge that’s going to complete your city stay. For those seeking a perfect blend of work and play, the property offers meeting rooms and function rooms equipped with modern facilities, services, and equipment to cater to the diverse needs of professionals may it be for business or entertainment.

Ready for new adventures? Be tantalized at Citadines Roces Quezon City's in-house modern Filipino restaurant, Alejo, with its delectable dishes that set the stage for a culinary journey you wouldn’t want to miss.

Alejo fuses traditional tribal aesthetics and contemporary design elements. With the goal of showcasing the rich tapestry of the Philippine cultural heritage, the restaurant achieves a captivating ambiance that warmly welcomes guests while celebrating the vibrant spirit of the Quezon City community. This is reflected in its well-crafted menu offerings.

“Our culinary philosophy revolves around innovation rooted in heritage, and each plate is a testament to the artistry and passion that defines Alejo's. We invite our guests to embark on a flavorful journey that captures the essence of our diverse culinary heritage," said Kris Espinosa, Executive Chef.

Try out the Soft Shell Crab Okoy, a standout on the menu, which calls for a crunch bite into its crispy and succulent soft shell crab fritters, perfectly paired with the piquant notes of pinakurat vinegar and the refreshing zest of Calamansi vinaigrette side salad. Chow down on the Duck Leg Adobar which features the tender Duck leg confit bathed in oozing adobar sauce.

Beyond the walls of Citadines Roces Quezon City, its strategic location that stands near the Metro Manila Skyway, bridging north and south, offers easy access to the property and its surrounding corporate offices, entertainment options, and bustling shopping centers like SM North EDSA and Ayala Malls Trinoma. The property stands as a gateway to the city's attractions, helping you explore the vibrant streets and hidden gems of Quezon City.

Discover your love for the city with Citadines Roces Quezon City. Grab their early bird promo and get up to 35% off on your stay. For advanced bookings, reservations, and updates, visit Citadines Roces Quezon City’s official website and its social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

A Founder’s Dream: Urban Farming and the SM Foundation

SM City North Edsa

This Urban Farming initiative is led by the SM Foundation through its Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP). It’s about uplifting the farmer community, fostering environmental consciousness, food security, and creating livelihood and income opportunities for marginalized urban communities. Through the KSK-SAP, a comprehensive program of urban farming techniques, product development, marketing, and basic accounting are offered in strategically-located field schools.

SM City Roxas

The KSK program has successfully conducted over 260 sustainable agricultural trainings, benefiting a total of 28,550 farmers. These trainings have taken place in both rural and urban settings, where participants have been exposed to sustainable farming modules that promote the cultivation of nutritious, high-quality vegetables and fruits. 

SM City Clark

 

Partnering with the SM Foundation, SM Supermalls, and SM Markets are the following government agencies; the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Tourism, and the Quezon City Government. Each government organization and LGU plays a vital role in maintaining the viability of the program, and so that no stone is left unturned in ensuring its success.

 

As an example, the SM Foundation has brought SM Supermalls and SM Markets into the picture so that as these urban farmers successfully harvest, they’re given an opportunity to market and sell their produce at the Sunday Markets that are now being held in several malls across the nation. When the produce reaches a volume that goes beyond this Sunday marketing mechanism, the SM Markets offer other alternatives.

SM City Naga

 

It’s about creating integration and circularity so that a mini-economic ecosystem is realized. After all, it can’t be about teaching them what and how to farm and then leaving them with no outlet with which to monetize this harvest. The SM Foundation creates these strategic partnerships so that true income opportunities become part of the overall scenario.

SM City Cabanatuan

 

Who would have thought that this vision of Henry Sy, Sr., back in 2007, would have been so uncanny in predicting the mounting problems and issues we face today in agriculture, sustainable food production, food security, and urban development? It’s a vision and dream that those in the SM Foundation are very proud to carry on, and deliver.

SM is in the business of creating a sustainable environment. From being the first to consider renewable energy in mall buildings, to implementing energy-saving devices, we continue to meet significant sustainability milestones. 

Join the commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle at smgreenmovement.com and #SMGreenMovement

SM City Cebu

SM City East Ortigas

SM City Telabastagan

SM City Fairview

SM City Gen San

Collaboration: A Key in Creating Sustainable Agri-Enterprises

Limited market information and market access are two major obstacles to increased smallholder farmers’ income. According to studies, farmers in grassroot communities often lack access to profitable, value-added markets. In the absence of critical supporting functions, such as infrastructure and service provision – farmers struggle to transform their traditional subsistence farms into a feasible commercially oriented production. Buyers, on the other hand, such as wholesalers, find it difficult to get the quantity and quality of produce that they need for processing on a timely basis. Because of this challenge, SM Foundation collaborated with various government agencies, and engaged various SM business units such as the SM Development Corp. (SMDC), SM Supermalls and SM Markets to ensure that local farmers under the Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) program have venues where they can sell their produce amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

From training KSK participants in practicing sustainable farming technologies via technology transfer and product development, SMFI, together with various SM business units used the power of collaboration to create farm-market linkage - which intends to create a powerful driver of rural poverty reduction.

Team social good

The Good Guys Market is a weekend market set up in SMDC properties to connect small-scale farmers directly with consumers—condo residents. This initiative links around 26,000 small-scale farmers directly with consumers.

Together with SM Supermalls, SMFI launched the Green Lane initiative. Led by the wives of the KSK farmers, the social enterprise offers a wide variety of quality yet affordable indoor and landscape plants which cater to every enthusiast’s preference. In addition, the team also launched the KSK Farmers’ Market Day to provide farmers with market exposure in select SM Malls nationwide.

Meanwhile, SMFI also partnered with SM Markets in creating market for onion farmers. Through the partnership, SMFI was able to establish specialized onion pop-up booths creating a stable market for small scale onion farmers.

Millions of smallholder farmers are seeking ways to improve the productivity of their farms and to improve their market performance. Modern farming technologies, paired with market linkage, such as the SM KSK, plays a vital role in improving the livelihood of small-scale farmers and their families.

SM Foundation’s Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) is SMFI’s Social Good program on sustainable agriculture that intends to uplift the lives of Filipinos in grassroot communities through sustainable agriculture via technology transfer, product development and farm-market linkage. To date, the program has trained more than 28,500 farmers from more than 900 cities/municipalities nationwide.

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Working Together to Serve More Communities for a Sustainable Future

Solar rooftop at SM City North EDSA

Climate change is one of the most pressing and defining global issues today. It has become imperative for both the public and private sectors to continue to band together to primarily, safeguard the welfare of the people and to step up to strengthen the resilience of the nation.

The Philippines currently ranks third globally when it comes to climate change vulnerability. In relation to its geographical location, it is more exposed to altering intensities of climate change manifested through erratic weather systems and natural calamities.

The private sector is called upon now more than ever to align with the principles of sustainable development and to take on the same firm stance on environmentally sound practices in its operations.

Mr. Hans T. Sy

“I constantly encourage the private sector to work closely with the government. This way, we can be more cohesive in our efforts to make more meaningful progress towards a better and sustainable future. As a private enterprise, SM Prime will continue to do its share in addressing climate change for the benefit of communities,” said Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee.

Water conservation
Sustainability at SM Prime is at the core of its corporate identity. SM Prime has spearheaded sustainable practices as well as set records in pioneering programs to consciously protect the environment and strongly focus on resilience in its developments.

For one, the property conglomerate embarked on a campaign to substantially reduce its water consumption. It pioneered the installation of sewage treatment plants even before the measure was required by way of the Clean Water Act in 2004.

Today, its sewage treatment plants recycle 8.7 million cubic meters of water, lessening its dependence on fresh water sources for air conditioning operations, gardening, water closet flushing and other non-potable uses. SM Prime’s water catchment basins across 20 SM malls can also catch and store almost 79 million liters of water in total every time it rains, or as much as 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

By controlling the flow of flood water, surrounding communities have been provided more protection against the devastating effects of floods, alleviating what communities would normally fear when the rains come.

Renewable energy

SM Prime continues to explore ways to promote environmental consciousness in its operations and developments to minimize environmental impact.

In 2014, SM Prime achieved an important milestone in the country with SM City North EDSA becoming then the world’s largest solar-powered mall. Today, SM Prime is adding eleven more malls with solar roof decks.

Showing its firm resolve to advance its sustainability agenda, the company is committed to increase the use of renewable energy by 50% in 2022 across its various business segments, ahead of the national goals to be 35% renewable by 2030.

Through these efforts, SM Prime is committed to provide affordable and clean energy to its tenant-partners, minimizing the carbon footprint emission in its operations.
Collaboration toward resilience

As a key figure in the private sector, Mr. Sy and his dedication to environmental protection continues to serve as a testament to how Philippine businesses can usher positive change toward disaster resilience and risk reduction management in the country.

In 2012, Mr. Sy joined the United Nations Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG) for Disaster Reduction. In 2015, he was also inducted as the first and only Filipino member UNDRR ARISE (Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies) International Board. He currently serves as co-chair in the ARISE-Philippines network and National Resilience Council (NRC) of the Philippines, representing the private sector. He continues to help develop multi-sectoral partnerships in the country to strengthen the ability of corporations, including MSMEs, to prepare and respond to disasters brought about by natural hazards such as earthquake.

“Climate change is looming over our Mother Earth. If we can contribute no matter how little and if I can get everybody to be aware of it, I think we will make an impact. It’s never too late,” said Mr. Sy in a video interview for the 50 Sustainability & Climate Leaders initiative.

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DITO opens more Experience Stores across Luzon

Manila, Philippines – DITO Telecommunity, which now has over 3 million subscribers and covers almost 300 cities and municipalities across the country, is opening more of its DITO Experience Stores in Metro Manila and other cities in Luzon in September and October.

Designed by renowned architectural firm Manosa and Company, each store proudly reflects the Philippines’ weaving traditions to represent the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. The interior design also stays true to DITO Telecommunity’s mission of weaving communities together.

Aside from promoting Philippine culture, every DITO Experience Store centers on providing visitors with a safe and unparalleled customer journey. Consumers are welcomed and assisted by friendly DITO personnel while following strict health protocols to ensure everyone’s well-being. Invited social media personalities will also be part of the opening days’ activities in all stores.

Visit the newly opened DITO Experience Stores in Robinson’s Galleria South, SM Bacoor, SM Marilao Bulacan, and Robinsons Galleria, Greenhills, SM North Edsa, SM Manila, Marquee Mall, Sta. Lucia East, and Glorietta and be ready to #MoveAtTheSpeedofLife with DITO’s featured products and offers.

DITO Store, Greenhills

Customers who visit the stores during the opening day will get a chance to receive premium DITO items such as limited-edition face masks, gadget organizers, and sanitation kits. Giveaways also await those who will post about their DITO Experience Store visits on social media.

More stores will be opening this October including SM City South Mall and Udenna Tower on October 17!

DITO Store, SM North EDSA

DITO Telecommunity

For more information, visit www.dito.ph or check out @DITOPhOfficial’s social media pages. 

Celebrate Colors in SM North Edsa with Davies in ColorGram

Colors have an incredible power beyond the ability to beautify our surroundings, colors have the power to trigger memories and stir emotions. Color inspire our creativity and our expressions. Color communicate personal and universal meanings and represent a spectrum of personalities and identities.

Sm City North Edsa and Davies present a world where you not only see but also experience the power of color in new, exciting ways. Open yourself to a new dimension and discover universe of color like you’ve never seen before.

Celebrate and share your colorful encounters through photos. Set your mind free and get creative – this world of colors is yours to enjoy.

The features of ColorGram:

Shades of Gram

From colored walls, floors, art blocks, patterned corners and 4 uniquely beautiful rooms, this is Instagram paradise for your social media accounts.

Ball of color

They have three brand new giant ball pits and they have sure that these will just make your feed explode. Check them at the Annex, 4th floor.

Color Craze

Follow the QR codes and find out more about ColorGram or get a chance to win prizes!

You can also find four mood rooms at the event area.

What color are you?

What does your favorite color say about you? There are so many colors in the world as there are personalities – sitting in a spectrum of hot and cold, relaxed and intense, joyful and calm. In this room, we explore how the worlds of color and psychology intersect. Within this room. let the colors speak to you.

Use the QR codes to know more about the psychology of color and how you can apply them in your home with Davies Megacryl Semi-glass.

Larger Than Life

Inspired by music video of OK Go. Davies presents a colorful world that’s larger than life. Step in. A world of pastel fun awaits. Pastel colors are desaturated, mellow colors that play very well with other colors – giving us a soothing, friendly impression. The pastel trend in 1980’s when individually and experimentation was at its prime. Today, pastels are coming back to trend, as a way for young people to express their personalities through fashion.

In home and interior design, pastel colors remain a staple for creating comforting, welcoming spaces with just the right amount of character. Let your fun side shine with the pastel colors of Davies Megacryl.

Space Warp

How does color help form our perception of the physical world we live in? Explore and learn space perception in this room. Open the world of illusion and try not to trip. Watch your step! What you will see are simply three different color tones, set as faces of an isometric cube sequence – a simple device, and yet when used to full effect could trick the eyes, and therefore the mind. We perceive spaces around us using visual cues, enabling us to create an awareness of where our body is in relation to our surroundings. Each color tone used in this room corresponds to height, width, and depth cues – creating an illusion of 3D space in our mind.

Expand and transform your home and work spaces without worry with Davies Biofresh+ premium interior paint.

It’s A Material World

Enter a world inspired by contemporary installation art and open yourself to the challenge of finding your own create voice in this industrialized world. In this industrialized age, art is the synthesis of creativity and modernity. Contemporary art is no longer limited to paintings and sculptures or defined by style, but by an attitude that challenges norms and accepted traditions. Contemporary artist provoke thought and explore concepts through transformative use of materials – chalenging our ideas of form and functions, creating new spaces, experiences, and worldviews.

Balance functionality and imagination in your home with the vibrant colors of Davies Roofshield and Davies Sun and Rain.

*This is Press Release

Kamuning Bakery opens at SM North Edsa, 1st branch in 77 years

Quezon City’s pioneer and iconic bakery Kamuning Bakery Café has opened a new branch on December 23 at SM City North Edsa’s East Bridgeway, 2^nd floor, this is its first ever branch in its colorful 77 years history.

Founded in 1939 upon the invitation of Quezon City co-founder the media tycoon Don Alejandro Roces, Kamuning Bakery Café’s founder was Atty. Leticia “Letty” Bonifacio Javier, it was bought and revived in 2014 by writer and realty entrepreneur Wilson Lee Flores.  

Kamuning Bakery Café has steadfastly continued its unique pugon-style, artisanal, no-preservatives, all hand-made and Filipino/Spanish baking traditions.

Since September 2015, Kamuning Bakery Café has also hosted the non-partisan “Pandesal Forum” where leaders and newsmakers dialogue with media and intellectuals over pugon-baked breads and excellent Philippine coffee

. History of Kamuning Bakery Cafe with intellectuals, artists & reform stalwarts: Kamuning Bakery was founded in 1939 as Quezon City’s first bakery by Atty. Leticia “Letty” Bonifacio Javier and her husband Lt. Marcelo Javier (who died fighting the Japanese invaders of World War II in the Battle of Manila). It was acquired and revived in December 2013 by writer, history buff and realty entrepreneur Wilson Lee Flores, he restored the old cafe on March 20, 2015. Kamuning Bakery Cafe continues its artisanal and pugon or wood-fired brick oven baking.

Among its many colorful clients include pre-war media tycoon Don Alejandro Roces who facilitated sale of gov’t. land in 1939 at 50 centavos per square meter, his son the newspaper publisher & activist Joaquin “Chino” Roces, press freedom stalwart U.P. Dean Armando Malay, the late President Cory C. Aquino, national artists like Nick Joaquin and Levi Celerio, many showbiz celebrities, to a public school student who used to walk here to buy pugon-baked breads and is now the first female Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

Simultaneous Earth Hour ceremonies in all SM Supermalls in the Philippines and China

For eight years now, Earth Hour have been creating tremendous impact on the global awareness of climate change. More people around the world are beginning to understand the significance of going beyond one hour to really make a difference. The Philippines, once proclaimed as the "Earth Hour Hero Country" for having the most number of participating communities, will once again try to take the lead – thanks to private companies like SM Supermalls.

All 52 SM malls around the country and six in China will simultaneously turn off their lights to show SM's continued support to the annual Earth Hour climate change awareness campaign of World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF). With all SM malls hosting Earth Hour ceremonies for its respective communities, it will not be surprising if the country becomes a "hero" again for this environmental campaign.

All SM malls will provide the crowd with inspiring videos leading to the switch-off countdown. After the lights have been switched off, candles will be distributed to the crowd while an exciting lineup of entertainers will be presented for free.

SM Mall of Asia will be the host mall for the ceremony, with candidates from Ms. Earth as guests, among others, and AVP for Operations Mr. Perkin So to lead the switching off of the lights.

Happy Walk For Down Syndrome Awareness

One in every 800 births; 1,875 cases a year; more than 100,000 affected families—those are the numbers revealed last year by the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc. (DSAPI) on the incidence of down syndrome in the country.
According to DSAPI, down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been part of the human condition, universally present across racial, gender or socioeconomic lines. It usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.
Over a decade ago, February was dubbed as Down Syndrome Consciousness Month to make more Filipinos aware of the condition. In support, DSAPI and SM Cares Program on Disability Affairs came up with Happy Walk, a day-long program that not only raises much-needed awareness for down syndrome patients, but showcases their talents and triumphs.
In the event, DSAPI president Elmer Lapena and SM Cares Program on Disability Affairs head Engr. Bien Mateo will look back at what they had accomplished in 2014 and give the latest information on the state of down syndrome in the Philippines.
Happy Walk will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2015 at the Skydome of SM City North Edsa.




Objective
Raise public awareness of down syndrome by organizing a special event for patients and their families

Resource Persons

1. Mr. Elmer Lapena, President of DSAPI
2. Engr. Bien Mateo, Head, SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs

Other Sources
http://dsapi.org/
http://smcares.com.ph/disability
http://www.ncda.gov.ph/disability-laws/proclamations/proclamation-no-157/

“Green Switch,” SM’s Solar Rooftop Project

SM City North EDSA is now the biggest solar powered mall in the world with over 5,760 solar panels with a maximum capacity of 1.5 megawatts!

With President Benigno S. Aquino III as guest of honor. See his Speech (source: official gazette)

SM City North EDSA launched the country’s largest solar rooftop power plant on Nov. 24, Monday. The Green Switch SM Solar Rooftop Launch, hosted by Kim Atienza, took place in SM North’s Northlink Building roof deck where government officials such as President Noynoy Aquino, Senator Loren Legarda, House Speaker Sonny Belmonte and Q.C. Mayor Herbert Bautista were in attendance. The president of Solar Philippines, Leandro Leviste, was also there to welcome the honored guests in celebrating the mall’s contribution to a healthier and safer environment.

This initiative to use renewable energy resource, such as solar energy, has been previously adapted by SM City Xiamen in main land China. Solar Philippines hopes to locally promote cleaner air, save electricity, and prevent climate change through partnering with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. by establishing more solar panels that has started with SM North EDSA, and will hopefully progress to other SM Malls.


President of SM Supermalls, Annie Garcia, informed all that they are already aiming to initiate this same project to a number of SM branches. “After SM City North EDSA’s green switch today, we shall begin installing solar panels in SM City Cavite and SM City Dasamariñas in Cavite. SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City shall follow next with 10,534 solar panels to be installed,“ said Garcia.

“With the future generation in mind, we shall continue to seek ways and solutions to climate change. We shall continue to collaborate with the best,” added the president of SM Supermalls.

Currently, the 5,760 solar panels in SM North EDSA have the capability of powering 16,000 lighting fixtures, 59 escalators and 20 elevators while counteracting 1,200 tons of carbon emissions (CO2) per year. These panels are also expected to generate 1.5 megawatts of solar energy, which is equivalent to covering five percent of the mall’s consumption per day, therefore saving an estimated two million pesos a month.

Alejandro Leviste, 21 year old founder of Solar Philippines, also shared his thoughts about the joyous milestone of this project. He expressed how SM’s involvement in solar energy could inspire more businesses to get into the use of renewable energy to save the environment. “The one thing I want to underscore in this message is that SM’s support for solar energy is important far beyond this project in itself. Today marks a watershed moment for solar in the Philippines, because where SM goes, the rest of Philippines will follow. SM is a spark that ignites the future of a massive shift towards solar energy,” said Leviste.

With the country facing a potential energy shortage in 2015, harnessing the sun’s power will grant long-term benefits for the Philippines, both environmentally and economically. It is SM’s hope that their new way of conserving electricity and saving the environment will also inspire other establishments to follow