What with everything we’ve been through and still going through this year—natural disasters and global health crisis, among many other things—perhaps the best gift we can give to ourselves and share with other people is happiness.
Happiness that comes from many different sources and expressed in many different ways is the overarching theme of Ayala Malls’ holiday activities and celebrations this year.
From the moment shoppers step inside the chain’s establishments, they will be treated to a feel-good music, entitled “It’s Gonna Be a Happy Day,” performed by Reese Lansangan. The song, made in collaboration with National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, aims to capture the spirit of optimism.
“Moving forward from our current trials do not guarantee comfort; however, happiness is a response that every one of us can choose in order to have peace amidst challenges. This is the message we share with all our patrons to enliven their confidence as we invite them to create their own cheerful canvas,” said Ayala Malls marketing director Eunice Velasco.
Describing the song, Cayabyab said, “It exudes joy and uplifts everyone. It’s a tune that perfectly captures happiness and the message that we can find happiness no matter the circumstances.”
“It can be performed beyond the holiday season and can be Ayala Malls’ music to open malls and welcome customers and remind them to choose and see the good in every day,” he added.
Ben&Ben is also appearing on social media to encourage everyone to sing along and create their own unique versions of “It’s Gonna Be a Happy Day.” Further, a special holiday-themed music video of the song will also be released in December in collaboration with Sofia Zobel Elizalde’s Steps Dance Studio.
Following the Christmas tree lighting on Oct. 16 are a lineup of events that includes the yearly curated Designer Holiday Bazaar at Greenbelt by Beatriz and Sofia Zobel.
The bazaar for a cause, launching on Nov. 18, will feature local designers with products ranging from apparel, handmade accessories, home decor, to other local artisanal goods.
This year’s participating designers include AC+632, Alegre By Techie Hagedorn, Amarie, Bum Bums, Beavaldes, Chocoloco, Chrysara Nest, El Chupapi Rolled Munchies, Feanne, Gifts and Graces Fair Trade Foundation, Gustoko By Paula Figueras, Iraya Mangyan Art, J Makitalo, Jewelmer, Kanya, Kassa, Mabolo, Maison Lourdes, Majordomo Gourmet Food, Manggad, Matthew and Melka, Omo Furniture, Piopio, Riqueza Jewellery, Rurungan Collective, Soumak, T’nalak Home, Tan-Gan X Ha.Mu, Tanglaw Collection, The Bahay Kubo Workshop, What’s Up, Brew?, Yvette’s Collection, and One Of T.
Twenty percent of the sales from the bazaar will be donated to partner charities including Steps Scholarship Foundation and Ayala Foundation for APEC Scholarships.
“It’s all local brands; Filipino brands of food, home, accessories, fashion, and more,” said Paloma Urquijo-Zobel.
Urquijo-Zobel added exclusive pieces and collaborations with designers also await shoppers at the bazaar to be held on the ground floor of Greenbelt 5.
To ensure safe shopping experience, the merchandise will be showcased like in a museum, and no-touch policy will be implemented. Shoppers can instead scan the QR codes and do self-checkout or assisted checkout. Since fitting of clothes is not yet allowed, customers can return their items within seven days if the fit is not right.
Ayala Malls also partners with the Philippine Fashion Coalition for a trunk show, which will feature the latest collections of local brands by Filipino designers at Ayala Malls activity centers.
The trunk show’s schedules are as follows: Market! Market! on Dec. 3-6, Glorietta on Dec. 17-20, Alabang Town Center on Jan. 7-10, Ayala Center Cebu, Manila Bay, and Centrio on Jan. 14-17, and Abreeza and UP Town Center on Jan. 28-31.
Ayala Malls is partnering with the Department of Tourism to roll out a mobile food truck concept with Kulinarya Pampanga Chefs. The classic Filipino Christmas Noche Buena favorites will be driven down from Pampanga to Nuvali as part of the KAIN NA! Food and Travel Festival on Dec. 18-20.
Virtual activities and services are available to ensure customer safety and convenience during this year’s celebration.
Celebrations with ANA offers customers an easy way to organize intimate gatherings and parties like Noche Buena and small office celebrations by outsourcing a person to do the shopping and delivery for them.
Fresh Drops, meanwhile, rewards loyal customers and social media fans with first access to newly released products. These latest items will be posted on Ayala Malls’ social media pages on which customers will have to leave a comment for a chance to win guaranteed reserved slots for the products they wish to purchase.
Pasyal TV Live Shopping aids shoppers by showcasing a variety of products through a livestream set-up, wherein a host will highlight selected products from featured merchants. Viewers can purchase items in real time by visiting shop.pasyal.com.ph.
Finally, those who link their MasterCard to the Ayala Malls app Zing will earn bonus points and be rewarded for their Christmas shopping.
