The Charm of Leisure-Inspired Living Outside Metro Manila

For many years, city dwellers have been enjoying the exciting environment of urban life, with many conveniences just within reach. But recent developments have been showing a shift in mindset and behavior with many urban residents attracted to a more tranquil, nature-filled environment offered by leisure-inspired homes outside the city center.

Even before the surge in demand for options outside Metro Manila, luxury real estate brand Filigree saw the potential of Filinvest Mimosa Plus in Clark, Pampanga as the perfect address for a golf residential community offering the best in modern luxury living outside the city center. Located just beside an award-winning golf course with two 18- hole courses, Golf Ridge Private Estate by Filigree is set to offer the ultimate country club lifestyle inside the master planned township. With its recent topping-off milestone, Golf Ridge is on track to meet its anticipated turnover of units in 2025.

 

Anyone considering relocating inside Filinvest Mimosa Plus will have easy access to the nearby Clark International Airport making them a flight away from international and local leisure destinations, and access to major roads such as NLEX and TPLEX connecting them to other urban centers in Luzon.

 

Given the fully integrated, centered on leisure, masterplan of Filinvest Mimosa Plus, future residents of Golf Ridge will enjoy a holistic lifestyle with access to modern amenities and conveniences even without leaving the township. Everything they need is just a stroll away from their home. From sprawling spaces with mature trees, lush open parks, retail establishments, workspaces that will house private and government offices, and an award-winning golf course, residents will live in a healthy and complete live-work-play neighborhood.

 

Units vary from 2-bedroom with unit sizes ranging from 128 to 139 sqm to a 3-bedroom with unit sizes ranging from 187 to 252 sqm, all having unequalled, and unique picturesque views of the Mimosa Golf Course or the vibrant landscapes of the township. As an extension of the units, the property’s well-crafted amenities further reinforce the elevated country club lifestyle. The residents can run laps in the infinity pool, unwind at the outdoor lounge area, hold intimate gatherings in the function room, and finally enjoy a round of tee on the nearby golf course.

 

From its first property outside Manila with Golf Ridge Private Estate to its portfolio of designer residences in strategic locations within the Metro, Filigree gives residents an exceptional lifestyle in unparalleled locations. In Filinvest City, Alabang, there’s Botanika Nature Residences located in the most exclusive area of the garden city which offers authentic green living in a vertical village setting; Bristol at Parkway Place, a high-rise tower offering chic cosmopolitan living; and 1001 Parkway Residences, the metro south's iconic garden towers surrounded by parks. In Taguig, Filigree has also established the Beaufort, an upscale residential community with a vibrant lifestyle reflecting diverse cultures. Finally, The Enclave Alabang, Filigree's first residential village along Daang Hari, offers a serene living experience with easy access to Filinvest City CBD.

 

Learn more about Filigree by visiting www.filigree.com.ph.

3 Reasons why Filinvest City is worth Whe Trip

Whether you’re aiming for a quick hotel staycation, looking for thrilling activities to try, or simply wanting a change of environment to enjoy fresh air and abundant spaces, Filinvest City, Alabang offers a full suite of activities – from leisure to adventure.

1. Home to exciting events and fun recreational activities. Filinvest City’s civic spaces continue to elevate the Metro South lifestyle. The Central Park, for example, is envisioned to be the next venue for major events such as festivals, concerts, and other exciting activities. Its Great Lawn is already open for public use, serving as the place of gathering at the heart of Filinvest City. Here, residents and visitors can enjoy the open space to walk their dogs, jog, exercise, and so many more. Park-goers can also utilize other features for fun and wellness such as a Play Area and Outdoor Gym Equipment. They can also find Bike Rental Stations and Moovr PH’s E-scooter Rental that can be used to ride through the car-free road at Spectrum Midway. To complete the experience, Central Park holds food bazaars every weekend called Eats by the Park, which offers a variety of food and refreshments perfect for al fresco dining and picnic while enjoying the fresh breeze of nature. 

2. Offers a wide variety of activities to suit different lifestyles. Aside from vibrant parks, Filinvest City is also the perfect relaxation and retail destination. At Festival Mall, family and friends can enjoy the iconic mini-amusement parks that have arcade games and extreme rides, which were recently re-opened: The Festival Junction Express, Festival Grand Carousel, Pixie Forest, and X-Site. There’s also the Wijump Trampoline Park and PedWay Go Kart Rental for those who are looking for unique and active entertainment for the family. 

For anyone looking for a leisure sport, Southpoint Driving Range is available for a steady golf session with no membership needed. 

Meanwhile, for a more relaxed approach to dining, leisure, health, and wellness, visitors can opt to explore Westgate Center, which houses a suite of dining options, fitness centers, and retail stores. For movie-goers, they can definitely look forward to showing their much-awaited movie releases with big screens finally coming back at the Commercenter, which offers an exceptional cinema experience.

Planning a staycation? You can finally make it happen with the many luxury and deluxe hotels which are all fully operational and ready to take in guests for a laidback vacation in the middle of the green city: Crimson Hotel, Bellevue Hotel, Vivere Hotel, Acacia Hotel, and Somerset Alabang.

Lastly, those looking for an exclusive lifestyle experience, the members-only Palms Country Club provides a new level of leisure with its superior club management, first-class amenities, and superb dining, in a private enclave within the city. 

 

3. Abundance of fresh air and expansive green, open spaces. Being outdoors and experiencing nature offers many health and wellness benefits. Not only does it boost one’s mood, it also helps improve one’s immune system. As a Garden City, being in Filinvest City means there’s no shortage of fresh air and verdant landscapes. A sizable portion of land is dedicated to green, open spaces for the community to enjoy – there are pedestrian-friendly roads, wide sidewalks, dedicated Bike Lanes and Shared Roads across the city. Its major public parks, the Spectrum Linear Park, Central Park, Filinvest Axis Park, Festival Mall River Park, and Festival Mall Water Garden, are all interconnected to make walking pleasant while enjoying the great outdoors. 

From leisure and wellness to exciting recreational activities, Filinvest City offers everything one needs to achieve an invigorating lifestyle.  To know more about this thriving community, visit https://filinvestcity.com/. For more updates, follow them on Facebook @FilinvestCityOFFICIAL and Instagram @filinvest_city. 

The Future of Work - Sustainable Office Building

Green, the color of nature, has become the color people look for and want - in the products they buy, their homes and even the place where they work. Green means environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Parkway Corporate Center in Filinvest City, Alabang wears “being green” as a badge of honor, presenting itself as a sustainable office space in a sustainable garden central business district. Filinvest City, is a complete and thriving CBD, has the distinction of being the first central business district in the Philippines to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED v4 Gold for Neighborhood Development (LEEDv4 ND) from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), and one of the largest neighborhood developments in Southeast Asia to pass the world’s most rigorous green building rating system.

Parkway Corporate Center boasts of premium amenities to make working in it as good for the health as it is good for business because the development was planned and designed for this purpose. 

As Metro Manila and the rest of the country prepare themselves to resume their routines that were rudely interrupted and disrupted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, they also brace themselves for the resumption of the old headaches - monstrous traffic jams, limited seats in public utility vehicles, and a very polluted atmosphere. Those who are fortunate would have the good luck to work at Parkway Corporate Center would have the luxury of being cocooned in a healthy working environment where they can take advantage of the development’s distinctive green building features such as its excellent indoor air quality, and breathable open spaces. According to research findings conducted by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), green buildings make employees healthier and happier. With more employees returning to their office set up in the midst of the emerging pre-pandemic hustle and bustle of Metro Manila, this is the ideal time to find sustainable office spaces in a prime location at a competitive price range. Parkway Corporate Center offers the complete package. It is located in a prime location and has the added advantage of being a green building, so employees can be productive and efficient but healthy as well.
 
Parkway Corporate Center is green not just because it is located in Filinvest City, but because it also has its own LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification from USGBC to prove it. The LEED certification is an honorable seal that not only validates Parkway Corporate Center as a sustainable office building but also establishes its tenant’s confidence in providing their employees a safe and healthy environment to work.

In addition, it offers premium amenities and access to major transportation hubs and roads that connect Parkway Corporate Center to cities north and south of Filinvest Cityit. It has the prime business spot in Filinvest and provides greater mobility and convenience. It is close to Festival Mall, five-star Crimson Hotel, Westgate, Asian Hospital and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. 

H1 Architecture and Design, one of the country's top architectural firms, designed its future-proof, premium-grade office tower that is now ready for occupancy. Modern features and amenities include high-speed elevators, an elegant lobby, modern business centers, a podium deck garden, and spacious parking spaces. All unsold units of Parkway Corporate Center are available for leasing, with price starting at 900 pesos per square meter. Units range in size from 36 to 252 sqm and may be combined. 
 
To know more, visit parkwaycorporate.com

Healthy Living Amid Nature is Possible in the City

The pandemic has completely changed the ways of the world—from the way people live to how companies handle their business. But as everyone continues to experience the many changes in the new normal, one of the industries that have managed to remain resilient, and enduring is real estate. Even more so, it remains to be a stable and tangible asset that only appreciates over time. 

One developer, in particular, continues to be valuable even amid the pandemic and beyond: luxury real estate brand, Filigree, who continues to lead the way in building investment-worthy homes with focus on living experience and wellness. Showcasing these qualities is its flagship development, Botanika Nature Residences in Filinvest City, Alabang.

Going beyond green

The pandemic has put sustainability and access to nature at the forefront. Now, more and more homeowners are opting to have homes that are healthy and as close to nature as possible. 

At Botanika, aesthetic, functionality, and sustainability are seamlessly integrated into the building features to become more efficient, especially in the time of crisis. For one, the building utilizes energy and water-efficient fixtures to cut down on utility building costs. This can be seen in the glass sun-roofed atrium, low flow faucets, dual flush toilets, to name a few. Likewise, all over the development, residents can also enjoy a better circulation of airflow, thanks to the lush and landscaped areas all over the development, from the atrium landscape, central gardens, and plant boxes along the hallways. In the time of social distancing, the building’s single-loaded hallways ensure lesser chances for residents to come across each other. To encourage sustainable means of transportation, the building provides bike racks and shower rooms, made specifically for cyclists.  

 

It is because of these unique condominium living features that Botanika was awarded a 4-star BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence Certification) rating. At least 70 percent of its total land area is dedicated to open space, resembling village living that usually features abundant spaces. 

 

Further cementing its position as a frontrunner in green living, Botanika is strategically located at the most exclusive portion of Filinvest City, Alabang, the first and only township with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold in Neighborhood Development certification in the Philippines. As a self-sustaining community, Botanika residents don’t need to travel far to enjoy abundant open spaces. Likewise, being in a walkable garden city, residents can thrive in a healthy, green and walkable community with easy access to all of life’s essentials like world-class medical facilities, major business establishments, shopping and commercial centers, and prestigious educational institutions. 

A comfortable home 

 

A collaborative project of renowned designers Architecture International, Leandro V. Locsin Partners, AECOM Singapore, Miaja Design Group, and Periquet Galicia Inc. for unit space planning of the second tower, Botanika offers generous living spaces and well-curated amenities made to promote comfort, good health, and excellent quality of life for its current and future residents. 

Meanwhile, its spacious units were designed to anticipate the owners’ distinctive lifestyle. The move-in ready Tower 1 ranges from ±125-221 sqm with 2BR to 3BR, while Tower 2, which is now on pre-selling, widens the variety, bringing into the mix, one-bedroom units at a generous size of ±72 sqm, and four-bedroom bi-level units ranging from ±265-322 sqm, complete with grand lanais that blur the lines between units and outdoors. One of the significant features of Tower 2 is that each unit offers deeper lanais at 2.6 meters to allow a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This is especially important during the pandemic where residents are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible. 

A rewarding investment

 

With Filinvest City, enjoying a compounded annual growth rate of more than 20 percent in the last 10 years, Botanika is also experiencing this advantage with its increase in capital value at 112% since its launch. In addition, the prevailing lease rate for Tower 1 starts from P135,000 and P200,000 for 2BR and 3BR units respectively.

With Tower 1 units already ready for occupancy, Tower 2 units are now on pre-selling. By the time of its completion, the unit’s value will increase considerably, making it a winning proposition for investors or end-users looking for a nature-inspired and future-ready home. 

Botanika Nature Residences is a top-end residential development in Filinvest City, Alabang that offers a unique approach to condominium living with its wide-open spaces and its green and sustainable features that resemble village living. It has all the makings of a smart investment: tasteful and stylish finishes, desirable features, great location, security, and exclusivity. 

“Amid this pandemic, Botanika really provides its residents with a relaxed, healthy environment that goes beyond just the implementation of minimum safety protocols. More than half of its total land area is dedicated to lush, open spaces where families will experience a more revitalizing ambiance daily, significantly improving their overall well-being. This is taking residents to a whole new level of zen even in the comforts of their home right here in the garden city of the south, Filinvest City.” says Daphne Sanchez, Filigree Deputy Head. 

To know more about Botanika’s newest offerings, log onto www.botanika.com.ph or visit the Filigree Showsuites to view Botanika’s model units.  

Studio Bake - New Bakeshop in Festival Mall

"The smell of good bread baking, like the sound of lightly flowing water, is indescribable in its evocation of innocence and delight..."

Festival Mall opened up a new bakeshop last March 15, 2018. And the name is Studio Bake, a mass was held to start off the occasion which immediately followed by the blessing. The owner together with his family and staff were all busy to grace the event.

The place was classy and definitely instagrammable I can say. They have all types of bread form the most popular bread, fancy to as simple as a white bread for your sandwiches.

You can also find your favorite and familiar bread like ensaymada, ube swirl, bread floss, peach mango and so much more!

One of the best thing that I found out about this place is the fact that they start even before sunrise, traditionally starting really early so that the bread will be ready by breakfast time.

If you can't catch the morning breakfast it is okay, because during closing time, they most of the time offer discounts on their bread. This makes it even more affordable for the guests

Visit them at the new expansion wing of Festival Mall in Alabang, or check them out here at their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/studiobakeph/

Steady retail growth spur expansion of Landers Superstore

Inspired by the increase in spending power of Filipinos and the year on year growth in retail, Landers Superstore, the country’s fastest growing membership shopping establishment, recently announced its plans to expand to the southern and eastern part of Metro Manila.

Backed by thorough research and the success of the first two superstores, Landers Superstore is poised to take advantage of the rapid developments in Pasig and Muntinlupa Cities.

Two Landers Superstore outlets will be opened in these areas, as confirmed by Atty. Lowell Yu, chairman of Southeast Asia Retail Inc., which recently formalized an agreement with Megaworld Corporation, the developer behind ArcoVia City along C5 in Pasig and Alabang West in Muntinlupa City. The expansion, he explained, will provide residents from these two townships and from neighboring areas with an exclusive one-stop shop where they can find a complete array of their everyday lifestyle needs.

“The retail industry has been growing exponentially, propelled by the steady increase in the spending power of Filipinos specifically towards household consumption expenditures. These factors, plus the strategic locations where we are setting up, made us decide to expand our investment in this category,” added Yu. In the second quarter of 2016, the company launched the first Landers Superstore in Balintawak, Quezon City, followed by another three-hectare store in Paco, Manila.

Given the overwhelming response from the first two Landers Superstores, Yu is optimistic that the new superstores will have a positive reception. “It’s all about giving our members better value for their money.  As members, they have access to products and brands that are not available elsewhere in a setting that lets them shop minus the stress, the long lines, and tight grocery area. Many of our members bring the entire family to our store because the spacious layout makes shopping really convenient and enjoyable. This way, we also promote family bonding.”

With an average of 10,000 square meter vast space per outlet, Landers Superstore takes pride in having well-lit and spacious aisles packed with an assortment of goods, including a wide range of imported products coming from as far as the US, Canada, and Australia and high-quality local and exclusive brands.

From food and other grocery items to  furniture, appliances, and even hardware products,  Landers Superstore houses a range of treasure finds including Badia Spices, Mercer’s Wine Ice Cream, Double Rainbow—which is the best Gourmet Ice cream in San Francisco—Luvo (easy-to-cook health food), Every Man Jack, and President’s Choice products, to mention a few.

Landers Superstore is also the first membership superstore in the Philippines to have a cozy coffee shop, Doppio; a comfortable diner, Landers Central; and a delectable bakery, Dough & Co. The superstore also provides a lavish dining area where members can enjoy a delicious New York Pizza, chicken, hotdogs, bagels, fancy cakes, and pastries while taking a break from shopping.

Waiting husbands and kids can also get their own pampering in Landers’ very own barbershop (Talas Manileño in Landers Balintawak and Federal Barbers in Landers Otis). Plus, exclusively for members, Landers Superstore also offers year-long gasoline discounts from its very own gasoline station, Caltex.

For more information, visit Landers Superstore at 1240 EDSA Balintawak, Apolonio Samson, Quezon City or Landers Superstore - Otis at 1890 Paz Guazon St., Paco, Manila. You can also check them out at http://landers.ph/.

A run with nature at Filinvest City

Filinvest City in Alabang, the garden central business district of South Manila, served as the perfect venue for the recent 7-Eleven Run 2017 with the city’s greeneries as backdrop, providing over 20,000 participants ranging from fitness enthusiasts to families and friends an enjoyable race.

“We promised a bigger and more exciting run, and we are very happy that it turned out to be a success, thanks to Filinvest City and Skyway. Filinvest City provided the best venue for our runners,” said 7-Eleven general merchandise division head Jose Ang, Jr.

With a backdrop of tree-canopied roads, expansive walkways, and an innovative new “green spine,” a foliage walkway that spans across the northern and southern ends of the township, the run proved to be refreshing for the participants.   

Attesting to this was Adelle Cortado from marathon group U Can Yan (UCY). “We liked the routes at Filinvest City compared to other venues because they’re more comfortable and they’re surrounded by trees that’s why you won’t get sick of the scenery,” she shared.

For couple Adrian Madrelejos and Noreen Sumile, they considered their first run together in Filinvest City as a unique way to date. “Our first marathon together was enjoyable because the weather was cool in Filinvest City, which made our run easier,” they shared.       

With the success of 7-Eleven Run 2017, Filinvest Alabang, Inc. executive vice president Catherine Ilagan said, “We are thankful that 7-Eleven chose Filinvest City to be the venue of their annual run, and with the newly developed Filinvest City Event Grounds, we look forward to staging more events of this sort in the future.”

Filinvest City is a 244-hectare masterplanned property in Alabang that is home to some of the country’s premiere institutions and global companies like Filinvest’s very own Festival Mall, Crimson Hotel and Palms Country Club.

Indeed, it was the perfect day for professional runners, fitness buffs, families, and friends to take part in the biggest run of the year and experience a healthy dose of the outdoors at Filinvest City.

Evia Lifestyle Center is home to UP’s new innovation hub

Evia Lifestyle Center, the south’s premiere lifestyle shopping and dining mecca, just added a new dimension to its approach to modern mall-going by opening an exciting new hub for inventive breakthroughs and learning – The University of the Philippines @Lab Innovation Hub.

The family of Vista Land Chairman Manny Villar and Senator Cynthia Villar, along with officers from the University of the Philippines (UP) recently launched this new Innovation Zone as the first phase of development for the upcoming UP Alabang Campus in Vista Alabang. 

Evia Lifestyle Center currently houses this groundbreaking Innovation Zone and Incubator Hub that will, in the words of former Senate President Villar, assert UP’s role as “the most dynamic University and the leader in education in the country”. The hub, nicknamed UP @Lab (a play on words that simultaneously mean “ablaze <alab>, a futuristic hub <@Lab> and its location <ALABang>) is designed to be the first spark that will initiate the academe and industry partnerships that UP aims to create by putting up a campus in Alabang. 

"UP @Lab is a dream brought to life by the Villars for UP’s student-locators because it brings us closer to accessing industry funding that makes our inventions and ideas a reality", said Dr. Luis Sison, Project Leader of Diliman-based DOST-UP Enterprise and Innovation Hub.

"This first building block of UP Alabang allows us to solve issues that plague fledging start-ups, such as limited access to industry and business expertise that have hindered the progress of technology innovation and development in the country", said Dr. Aura Matias, former Dean of the UP College of Engineering. "True to its name, UP @Lab shines as a beacon of hope for technology development in our country", she added. 

UP @Lab is located in Level B1 of the Evia Lifestyle Center. It is a fully-equipped innovation hub complete with four start-up offices, two meeting rooms, and an open workspace area for visiting locators. The hub will be run by the same team behind UP Diliman’s DOST-UP Enterprise Center as a starting point for eventual operations in UP

The new UP Alabang campus in Vista Alabang’s upcoming University Town, will house two new tech-driven centers for innovation for the country’s premier university - the UP School of Technology Entrepreneurship, and the UP Alabang Enterprise Center. The campus complex will be co-developed by UP and Vista Land as part of a donation and development agreement signed last June by university officials and the Villar Family. The Villars donated five hectares of land in the upcoming University Town of Vista Land's “communicity” development Vista Alabang in Daang Hari. The agreement also includes a donation of PHP 300M worth of buildings and equipment to be used in the creation of the campus. 

Aside from becoming the latest education hub, Evia Lifestyle Center continues to provide an impressive array of choices for shopping at Vista Group’s concept stores – AllElectrics and AllToys, global fashion brands like H&M and Uniqlo, local favorite go-to stores like Bench and Bayo and shoe stores such as Res Toe Run and Payless ShoeSource. Various dining options are also available at favorite resto brands located at the Piazza like Mama Lou’s, Merlion Cuisine, Mesa, and TGI Fridays. Shoppers can also enjoy a unique dining experience at Another Story, a place that transports one to the realm of imagination and make-believe. Evia Lifestyle Center is also home to Vista Cinemas, which boasts of its MX4D and Dolby ATMOS technologies, and its state-of-the-art VIP Theater.

*This is Press Release

Filinvest City hosts 7-Eleven Run 2017

Experience a healthy dose of the outdoors as Filinvest City, the premier lifestyle destination in the south, once again plays host to 7-Eleven Run 2017 on February 5, 2017. The main expo area will be in the newly developed Filinvest City Events Grounds, now ready to give the participants a more pleasing and fun experience. The event will also showcase Filinvest City’s innovative new “green spine,” a foliage walkway that spans across the north and south ends of the township.

Now on its fifth run, participants can definitely look forward to a bigger and more exciting set of race courses across the city. Runners can choose from a category of 500 Meter for kids, 3KM, and 5KM along tree-canopied roads of Filinvest City while 10KM and 10KM Buddy Run, 16KM, 21KM, and 42KM courses will happen along Skyway.    

Top three winners per category will get a chance to take home cash prizes and medals while the first three male and female runners in the 21KM and 42KM division will be sponsored by

7-Eleven to join an international marathon overseas.

So get your running gears ready and gather your family and friends for a day of fitness and freebies at Filinvest City, the garden central business district of South Manila.

Invite good luck into your life by celebrating Chinese New Year at Evia Lifestyle Center

Welcome the Year of the Red Fire Rooster at Evia Lifestyle Center in Vista Alabang on January 28-29, 2017 to attract prosperity and good luck all year long.

On Chinese New Year’s Day, January 28, make sure to catch the Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance show in the Atrium at Evia Lifestyle Center at 4:00 PM. Have your photo taken beside the Money Tree with red envelopes that are symbols of wealth and prosperity, and shop for lucky charms at the Chinese New Year Bazaar. Both are located at the Atrium from January 21 to 29. Also watch the New Year fireworks display on January 28 at 6:30 PM at Evia Lifestyle Center Outdoor Promenade.

Catching a Dragon and Lion Dance is lucky because the sounding of the drums and cymbals purify the atmosphere and chase negative energy away. The presence of a Lion or Dragon scares away evil spirits and brings good luck to businesses and activities in the area. Since Lions and Dragons are symbols of strength and good luck, seeing them perform will make their good luck rub off on you.

The Chinese give away red envelopes that contain money on Chinese New Year because red is the symbol of energy, happiness and good luck. Actually, the color red is more significant than the money inside it because wrapping money in red envelopes is expected to bestow more happiness and blessings on the receivers. Have your photo taken with the red envelopes to remind you of good fortune all year long.

As for Chinese charms, traditionally it is best to get a new charm every Chinese New Year to enhance one’s good fortune. The right charms for the year help align with the new energy of the Year of the Rooster and make way for new beginnings. This year’s lucky charms are, of course, the Rooster, as well as Feng Shui coins, Lotus Flowers, prosperity candles, wind chimes, and personalized feng shui bracelets.

                 

All these can be found and experienced at Evia Lifestyle Center from January 21-29, 2017.

To find out more about Evia Lifestyle Center, visit www.facebook.com/evialifestylecenter or follow us on Instagram, @evialifestylecenter.

Enjoy #ChristmasFeels at the Evia Lifestyle Center in Vista Alabang

Holiday shopping is much more fun in a place where you do not just see the happiness of Christmas, but feel it as well. At Evia Lifestyle Center, Vista Alabang, you can experience the warm, velvety feel of the Holidays as you go from store to store.

Get an instant Holiday fix from the giant Christmas tree in the middle of the Atrium that brings to life the merriness of the season. Fill your heart with hope as you gaze upwards to the tip of the tree that almost skims the glass dome ceiling.

Look around and enjoy the rich colors of Christmas on lamp posts and lintels -- the Red, Green and Gold ablaze at every corner, with each store adding its own brand of holiday cheer to the halls of the mall.

Red, Green and Gold signify a traditional Christmas because Christmas celebrations originated in western and northern Europe where Christmas comes in the cold, dark winter. Ancient Christmas revelers used colors from nature to bring happiness to the winter feast.

Green stands for the plants in season: holly, ivy and mistletoe. Red comes from the Holly berries that abound during the white, wintry period. Gold symbolizes the Sun which sometimes shines during the cold winter season.

All these classic Christmas colors come alive in the decorations at Evia Lifestyle Center where Christmas shoppers are greeted even at the driveway with Santa Clauses lined up in a row. While there, Christmas bargains and fun activities entice them to stay longer, take in the atmosphere and experience the calming spirit the Holidays bring.

New stores have opened up at Evia just in time for Christmas. Global fashion brands like H&M and Uniqlo are now open, as well as local favorite Bench and shoe stores, Res Toe Run and Aerosoles. Kids, for whom this special season unfolds, can find their hearts’ desire at All Toys – a real toy wonderland that features a delightful play area for active games and fun for all children. On the side, shoppers can snack, dine and enjoy the spirit of the season at famous resto brands located at the Piazza like Mama Lou’s, St. Marc Café, Merlion Cuisine, Mesa, Hap Chan, TGI Fridays and Sbarro. Unique concept cafes like The Coffee Project and Another Story transport you to the realm of imagination and make- believe.

Enjoy the Holiday vibes and spread Christmas cheer by shopping at Evia. Catch Santa Claus at his special Meet and Greet at the Atrium all weekends before Christmas from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/evialifestylecenter.

Tale of the Winter Forest in SM Southmall

This Christmas, witness the magical tale of the joy of giving as SM Southmall, premier mall of the South metro, presents The Tale of the Winter Forest.

The launch features the unveiling of the mall's first Christmas centerpieces with a play production by Stages and a full performance of the Manila String Machine presenting The Tale of the Winter Forest.

It is a story of two children getting lost in an enchanted forest, where the only way to find the right path is to give up everything. In the forest, they meet a wounded rabbit, a lost cardinal, and a hungry tiger. The children helped the animals, giving up their clothing and food for them, after which the Winter Fairy appears and shows them the path home.

SM Southmall wanted to kick-off this amazing season by sending out an inspiring message of selflessness and kindness that is characteristic of the Christmas season. The story aims to set a good example for children while still giving them an enjoyable visual treat.

In the spirit of the season, SM Southmall invited the children from SOS Children's Villages and Child Haus and gave them special gifts that they may enjoy.

Alaska Milk Holds Country's Biggest Football Tournament

All roads lead to the Ayala Alabang Country Club in Muntinlupa when Alaska Milk holds the biggest and most eagerly awaited football tournament in the country the 2014 Alaska Football Cup this weekend, Nov. 29 and 30.

Football players of all ages, from as young as six years old, participate in this annual event organized by Alaska Milk.

The annual Alaska Football Cup is the one football tournament that young players from all over the country look forward to every year.

Teams representing schools and football clubs from all over the Philippines including Masbate, Baguio, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Davao, Palawan, Legaspi, Laguna, Batangas, Bukidnon, Zambales, Pampanga, Tarlac, Ilocos, Bicol, Romblon, Davao Sur, Compostela Valley, Quezon, Cavite, Albay, Pangasinan, Bacolod, Iloilo, Mindoro and Metro Manila will participate.

The annual football event, which started in 1995, holds its 19th edition this year with over 300 teams of more than 4,500 players competing in the different categories. The two-day event will be played over more than 750 seven-a-side games, in 30 football fields, and officiated by over 120 game officials.

The Alaska Football Cup is one of the country's most successful grassroots development program in football.

Alaska believes that sports play an important role in instilling the value of determination, discipline, hard work, team work and sportsmanship among the youth. Sports help them achieve the “winning form” which is Alaska's goal for the children.

The National Nutrition Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) revealed issues on health that are best addressed by adopting an active healthy lifestyle and by regular consumption of nutritious food such as milk. Programs such as the Football Cup reinforces Alaska Milk's thrust in promoting a healthy lifestyle not just by drinking milk but also by engaging regularly in physical activities such as football. Alaska seeks to engage all Filipinos, especially the youth, in sports.

It is in line with Alaska Milk’s program and dream to be part of the lives of more children in the Philippines and encourage these young champions to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle through football. 

The tournament develops the athletic skills of participants to the fullest because they compete against athletes of the same age as well as physical and mental development.

Alaska does not just sell milk products. It promotes community development and nation building by nurturing positive values of teamwork, cooperation and fair play through sports activities like the 2014 Alaska Football Cup. Alaska promotes a healthy lifestyle, especially among children, through regular sports activities and proper nutrition.

19th Alaska Fotbal Cup Winers

Girls 12

1st Place ABC Stars Nag
2nd Place Britsh Schol Manila
3rd Place Xavier Schol FC
4th Place Ateno de Davo
MVP Rona Zaldivar

Girls 14

1st Place Nomads Fotbal Club
2nd Place Makti Fobal Club
3rd Place ABC Stars Nag
4th Place Ateno de Davo
MVP Ashley Slough

Girls 16

1st Place Ateno de Davo
2nd Place Minulan FC Bacold
3rd Place Ateno de Cebu
4th Place Tuloy sa Don Bosco
MVP Inah Rosales

Boys 10

1st Place Xavier Schol FC
2nd Place Fedrated Fotbal Asociaton of Masbate
3rd Place San Carlos City FC-Bacold
MVP Diego Aspiras

Boys 12

1st Place Hedcen FC
2nd Place Tiger City Mandaluyong FC
3rd Place Makti FC
4th Place La Sale Zobel
MVP Jan Adri Carig

Boys 14

1st Place Claret Fotbal Center
2nd Place Sacred Heart Schol - Ateno de Cebu
3rd Place La Sale Zobel
4th Place First Fruits Christan Academy Bukidno (firstime to jin)
MVP Fidel Tacrdon

Boys 16

1st Place Xavier Schol FC
2nd Place Claret Fotbal Center
3rd Place Hedcen FC
4th Place Goshenland FC
MVP Tony Kho

Players 6

1st Place Ateno de Manila Fotbal Center
2nd Place Loyla Meralco FC
3rd Place Davo Hyenas FC
4th Place Xavier Schol FC
MVP Andres Hizon

Players 8

1st Place Makti Fotbal Schol
2nd Place Xavier Schol FC
3rd Place St. Alexius coleg Southern Cotabto- Firstime to jin
4th Place Crocdile FC Davo
MVP Jared Peña

Ladies' Open

1st Place De La Sale Zobel
2nd Place Lizarito FC-Bacold
3rd Place Ateno de Davo FC Lady Knights
4th Place Gren Archers Utd.
MVP Sarh castañeda

Men's Open

1st Place LeyLam FCebu Team 2
2nd Place Philpine Air Force
3rd Place Team Socero
4th Place Leylam FCebu Team 1 -Firstime to jin
MVP Ranulfo Colina

For more information on the Alaska Football Cup you can visit their Website : http://alaskapowercamp.com/football/2014/ or follow on twitter: @ALASKAsportshub.