WATCHING the fireworks set off into the night sky was kind of surreal. Not a few among the throng of guests were teary-eyed as the fireworks blasted off above, eliciting oohs and aahs from the crowd.
For Ortigas Malls, the memorable event officially marked the holidays and it was an opportune time to welcome back their guests and Greenhills habitués, both young and old, and spend the most wonderful time of the year where many Filipinos were denied–and naturally thirsting–of the usual Pinoy-style Yuletide celebration that the country is renowned the world over.
And what a grand way to usher in the much-awaited part of the year than a feeling of oneness and community. Amid the cool, festive atmosphere, Ortigas Malls launched the Christmas with the Stars online fundraising concert, the most heartwarming holiday event of the year, on November 4, 2021 at the Greenhills G-Strip.
As the local entertainment and performance industry continues to grapple with the effects of the pandemic, Ortigas Malls teamed up with the Kilabotitos—Ogie Alcasid and Ian Veneracion—to create a fundraiser for the benefit of the Independent Production Workers Group (IPWG).
IPWG, headed by its president Aio Hernandez, is an organization that provides assistance to creatives who work in live events–concerts, theater, etc.–and represents thousands of workers in the entertainment industry. To date, 70-80 percent of these workers are still struggling to find work. Hernandez then expressed his gratitude to all donors and participants of the concert, for thinking of the live entertainment production workers, some of whom lost loved ones due to COVID-19 like Hernandez, and many still struggling to earn a living.
“It’s been oft-repeated that Christmas is not only a season for joy but is also a season for giving. We wanted to combine both with Christmas with the Stars—not only will our mall-goers and fans be treated to a night of good music and good company, they will also be able to help our live entertainment production workers get back up on their feet,” said Arch. Renee Bacani, Vice President for Ortigas Malls during the launch event.
To unveil the fundraising concert and the various holiday activities in store for the community, Ortigas Malls treated media guests and esteemed patrons to a night market-themed event in Greenhills, San Juan City. The fun-filled night consisted of a night market, food trucks, and a joyous parol exhibit that gave guests early holiday cheers. The event was graced by San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, who also thanked and welcomed to San Juan City those present during the launch.
“With the holidays upon us, it is our hope to spread cheer through simple yet meaningful events that we’re sure our patrons will love and make them remember that they will always be part of the community at Ortigas Malls,” Bacani added.
The Christmas with the Stars fundraising concert is scheduled on December 11, 2021 starting at 8 pm. The online concert will be headlined by Ogie Alcasid and Ian Veneracion alongside the best OPM singers and performers in the country.
Every P1,000 single or accumulated receipts from any establishment in Ortigas Malls entitles a customer a free ticket to the online concert and be able to support the cause.
The concert will be accompanied by online mini-concerts every Friday starting November 12 on the Ortigas Malls social media pages so patrons can shop safely, enjoy music, and donate for the recovery of live performance workers.
Aside from the fundraising concert, Ortigas Malls also unveiled its first-ever loyalty card—the Ortigas Malls Community Card. Designed to give mall-goers and shoppers a VIP experience, the card and its exclusive privileges can be used across all the Ortigas Malls such as in Greenhills, Tiendesitas, Estancia, and Industria.
“After many months of being cooped up in the safety of our homes, it’s nice to feel connected to a community once again. We would like to share this experience with the patrons of Ortigas Malls so they may find a trusted program that adds value to their lifestyles, through the use of the Ortigas Community Card,” adds Arch. Bacani.
The rewards program also allows members to enjoy real-time perks–from free parking, carwash, free use of Shopbox, free shopping fee from My Home Dashers, and discount coupons from Ortigas Malls merchant members.
“This is our way of giving back to the community and is only a teaser of more perks, privileges, and functionalities coming for our Community Card members,” explains Arch. Bacani.
Register for an Ortigas Mall Community Card through the Ortigas Malls Mobile app for free.
With mobility restrictions gaining a slight easing up, trust that many Filipino families and friends will go out and spend time and enjoy the Christmas cheer–of course with utmost care–something that was limited during the months spent in lockdown.
And this is the reason why Ortigas Malls sought to make up for time lost with the opening of the Greenhills Night Market, one of the more popular night markets in the metro.
Enjoy al fresco dining in a safe environment with over 50 food stalls, food trucks and colorful parols that adorn the night market area, all while enjoying the beats and the vibe from the nightly DJ.
With the night market located smack dab within the ultimate shopping destination that is Greenhills, patrons can conveniently do their holiday shopping while savoring the flavors and offerings of the night market.
The Greenhills Night Market runs from November 4, 2021 until January 7, 2022 from 4 pm to 11 pm. Entrance is absolutely free.
With the grand launch of the Christmas with the Stars concert, Ortigas Community Card, and the other fun events lined up, mall-goers and shoppers can find their way back to the things they enjoy, at the same time discover new and rewarding ways to have fun with the ones they love.
And enjoy a 2021 Christmas like no other.
(MAIN PHOTO: (left to right) Maritess Ortigas; Aio Hernandez, President of IPWG; Jose Emmanuel Jalandoni, Ortigas Malls President and CEO; San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, First Lady Keri Zamora, and their daughter Amanda; Arch. Renee Bacani, Vice President of Ortigas Malls; and Atty. Michael David Abundo, Vice President and Head of Corporate Resources).