Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival 2017 – Enjoy the Summer Skies with Amazing Sights and Sounds

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LUBAO, PAMPANGA – Summer in the Philippines last 2016 heated up with colors and wonders as the biggest hot air balloon festival in Southeast Asia was set to light up the skies.

 

The Lubao International Balloon Festival 2016 featured amazing balloon flights from international participants, as well as aerial exhibitions and other exciting activities like land exhibits, car shows and fireworks display. Families and barkadas got to enjoy dynamic music from Ely Buendia, Bamboo, True Faith, Sabado Boys and Mitoy and D’Draybers.

 

Indeed, it was a successful and well-attended event which paved the way for another exciting hot air balloon festival that everyone can surely look forward to. Happening on April 6-9, 2017 at Pradera Verde, Prado Siongco, Lubao, Pampanga, the most awaited event will be back bigger, bolder, and better!

 

Bigger. More than thirty (30) international balloons will decorate the skies of Pampanga with magnificent designs and beautiful colors. It will surely be a one of a kind spectacle for the viewing pleasure of over 100,000 expected local and foreign guests.

 

Bolder. The festival will not only showcase the majestic display of hot air balloons during the day, but also provide the spectators with the chance to marvel at their grandeur against the night sky during the Night Glow. Furthermore, amazing fireworks display will cap off the day and end it on a high note.

 

Better. Great views are best enjoyed with great music. A first for the event, an international music festival will be held on the last day featuring Alex Aiono and Redfoo and the Party Rock Crew. Local artists will also perform like SpongeCola, Parokya ni Edgar, Gloc-9, Yeng Constantino and Bamboo.

 

It’s going to be a wonderful experience, so bring your friends and families over to enjoy the summer with amazing sights and sounds at the Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival 2017!

 

Buy your tickets now at SM Tickets (https://www.smtickets.com) and at TicketWorld Online (https://www.ticketworld.com.ph). Ticket price is at Php300 for General Admission valid for one day only from April 6-9. A special Gold Ticket worth Php1,500 is available for April 9 which provides a closer view during our International Music Festival.

 

The Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival 2017 is organized by Lubao International Balloon Festival, Inc. (LIBF) together with Forthinker, Inc., in cooperation with the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTO) and with support from Provincial Government of Pampanga.

 

For more information and inquiries, you may contact Forthinker, Inc. from Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 6pm via landline +632 942 0768, mobile 09178210728 or email – lubaoibf@gmail.com.

Robinsons Supermarket invites everyone to “Explore Wellness” to reach a healthy lifestyle destination

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Those who want to make healthy living their goal this year are in for an adventure as Robinsons Supermarket takes them on an exciting journey, with health and wellness as the ultimate destination.

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The country’s largest healthy retail supermarket chain has launched this year’s “Route to Wellness” campaign by inviting everyone to fasten their seatbelts for a fun-filled wellness journey with “Explore Wellness”, the first of five promo events to look forward to.

At the Eastwood Mall Open Park, media and customers were invited to the “Explore Wellness” event where they sampled products and tried different activities from Unilever, Kojie-San, Selecta, and CDO Premium; and availed of discounted products and freebies from P&G, Coca-Cola, and Belo.

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Customers can get a 3-style bag for free for a minimum single receipt of Php3,000, inclusive of PHP 500.00 worth of participating products from Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, Kojie-San, Belo, Nestle, Selecta, CDO Foodsphere, Splash Corporation, Unilab and Cosmetique Asia. The 3-style bag can be used as shoulder bag, backpack and cross bag. It is also available in 5 colors: pink, gray, purple, army green and dark gray. Promo period is from March 1 to April 30, 2017.

The Route to Wellness year-long campaign is a testament to Robinsons Supermarket’s continuous commitment to strengthening its “We Love Wellness” advocacy that enables it to provide healthier food options and alternatives to Filipino families.

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Get ready to live a healthy lifestyle. Avail of a Wellness passport today and take-off on an ultimate journey to health and wellness by taking part in Robinsons Supermarket’s exciting and rewarding promos.

Stay updated on the various activities that Robinsons Supermarket has in store and learn more about its “Route to Wellness” campaign by liking it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial or visiting its official website at www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph.

 

Hop Inn Thai Hotel here in the Philippines

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Traveling with class used to be only for the privileged ones, but not until Thailand-based Hop Inn Hotel was officially launched in the Philippines through its pioneering outlet along Ermita, Manila that offers high quality accommodation for both the business and leisure markets on a tight budget.
According to The Erawan Group PLC President, Ms Kamonwan Wipulakorn, this island nation serves as their first market abroad since they ventured into the economy category, in addition to the premium global hospitality names they have been building and operating over the last three decades.

“The country has high potential for tourism in the long term,” she said. “We believe that the Philippines will offer the fastest and highest economic growth in the Asean region and through our analysis and market research on the ground, we see very good opportunities to expand in the Philippines.”

On December 1, 2016, Hop Inn Ermita opened its door for local and foreign tourists to experience and enjoy first-hand what the Thai expertise and world-renowned Filipino hospitality are about. While it falls under the economy travel class, the hotel is designed to offer quality and convenient stays––thanks to the company’s 35 years of vast experience in developing international five-star hotels, such as the Grand Hyatt and JW Marriott, among others.

“So travelers can expect a decent accommodation here at affordable prices,” the top executive noted. Unlike other similar facilities out there, she added that this new budget hotel located at the heart of the country’s capital exceeds the guests’ expectations.
Upon entry to this mid-rise property, visitors could already feel the warmth of this place with the vibrant colors of the lobby. This is complemented by the courteous and accommodating staff, who are well-trained and on-hand to assist them so as to make their stay well worth their money.
Hop Inn Ermita has 168 rooms––all spacious and well-appointed. Each is equipped with fundamental amenities to ensure a good night’s sleep after a tiring business or leisure trip, and in preparation for the next day’s meetings or city exploration.

“We offer a very basic requirement. Our brand essence is for our rooms to be clean, convenient, comfortable, and safe,” Wipulakorn cited. “We make sure that all of these are consistent to all our clients here and in our upcoming branches in the near future.”

The leading hotel operator in Southeast Asia has allocated around 10 billion baht, or about P12 billion, for its five-year investment plan aimed at further growing its Hop Inn network in the region.

“Thirty percent of that will be for the Philippines,” the Group’s president said of their P3.6 billion capital expenditure to build around 20 three-star hotels nationwide by 2020.

As the leading investor in the hospitality sector in Thailand, The Erawan Group currently operates 41 hotels there, with a total inventory of 6,000-rooms.

“Next year, it’s going to be 50 hotels, including two in the Philippines,” Wipulakorn bared,
referring to the P200 million-worth Ermita property and the 190-room Makati branch, the latter now under construction in preparation for opening in September 2017.

Others in the pipeline include the ones building up in Aseana in Pasay City and Alabang in Muntinlupa––both scheduled for inaugural in the first quarter of 2018. The Group is also looking at Quezon City, Chinatown, and Cubao in Metro Manila, as well as Cebu and Davao in the Visayas and Mindanao regions as potential sites for its Hop Inn brand.
Beyond giving a boost to the national economy and local hospitality industry, The Erawan’s expansion program is expected to create more direct and indirect employment opportunities for Filipinos.

“We have created jobs with our ongoing construction already. We will set up an operation team in the next few months and the plan is to hire local staff as many as possible as they would understand customers’ requirement and respond well to market,” Wipulakorn said.

Impressed by the positive turnout of the guests, following the official opening of the flagship Hop Inn outlet in Manila, the Group has already identified their captive market in the Philippines.

“In Thailand, 85 percent of our guests are international. But we have a very good domestic market as well. So about 15 percent would go to domestic. But I think over here will be more domestic, maybe 85 percent. So we expect more business travellers here more than leisure guests,” she pointed out.
Bullish on their first venture overseas, Wipulakorn revealed that they intend to double their target number of hotels in the next 10 years.

“We also look at maybe investments into the midscale or four-star category in the Philippines,” she stressed. “I hope that we bring a good quality product for the Philippine market and that we get a good response. We also want to be part of the community here.”

For more information about Hop Inn Hotel, visit www.hopinnhotel.com and follow their social
media pages at www.facebook.com/hopinnhotelph and hopinnhotelph on Twitter and Instagram.

Shell Bike Fair 2016 at World Trade Center

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The Philippines is home to a strong 4-million motorcycle community that still continues to grow everyday. The recent rise in number of motorcycle riders for the past couple of years has cemented the popularity of the two-wheeled vehicle, making it an indispensable mode of transportation for Filipinos all over the country.

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Coming from a successful celebration of all things motorcycle last year, Pilipinas Shell takes things to the next level by hosting a bigger and grander Shell Bike Fair 2016. To show Shell’s appreciation for the motorcycle community, this year’s Shell Bike Fair is a series of three grand events in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The three-part celebration was made possible by Shell Advance, Shell V-Power Nitro+, and Shell Select.

Shell Bike Fair 2016 – the third and final leg of the Shell Bike Fair 2016 was held at the World Trade Center through a day filled with games and entertainment for the company’s valued customers. Upon entering the world-class location, the attendees were treated to fun demos and games at the different booths set up throughout the venue.

Exciting performances by Imago, Gracenote, Mocha Girls, Callalily and Parokya ni Edgar plus other surprise celebrity appearances brought the house down, with the crowd partying along to their favorite hits. The event ended on a high note as several motorcycle clubs received special prizes and three lucky guests brought home their brand new motorcycles.

Partners on the road

Shell aims to demonstrate that it is a trusted partner of motorists in their every ride. Using Shell Advance can help provide easier engine starts, as well as long-term cleanliness and overall maximum protection, for a smoother ride on the road. Shell’s world-class lubricants go hand in hand with the use of Shell V-Power Nitro+, Shell’s premium performance fuels, which are designed to fight gunk and corrosion. And lastly, Shell aims to make every visit to a gas station worthwhile through the wide array of snacks, refreshments and hot meals that Shell Select offers for riders on the go.

“For over 100 years, Pilipinas Shell’s products and services have evolved to meet the current needs of Filipino motorists. We want our customers to know that Shell is every Filipino motorist’s partner on the road. Aside from quality lubricants and fuels, offerings such as the Shell Select convenience store, Shell Helix Oil Change+, and other integrated services, Shell has evolved into more than just a gas station – it is a pit stop that fuels both you and your motorcycles,” said Anthony Lawrence Yam, Pilipinas Shell Vice President for Retail.

For more information, visit www.shell.com.ph.

Here is the latest Honda CBR150R by Honda Philippines

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Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) is bringing the thrill of racing to the country as it unveils today its newest Honda Gen S sports motorcycle model – the all-new Honda CBR150R.

 

HPI is giving the local market the chance to experience the speed and power of its latest racing machine, to meet the demand of Filipino riders for a high-quality sports bike.

 

The all-new Honda CBR150R sports an aggressive design. Its dual keen eye headlight exemplifies its sleek and sporty exterior along with its side cowl, rear side cowl, and new stylish muffler.

 

Inspired by MotoGP DNA, the all-new Honda CBR150R is equipped with a 150cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC – 4 valve engine that delivers up to 12.6kW/ 9,000rpm max power and 13.0 Nm/7,500 rpm max power of torque. Thanks to PGM-FI fuel supply system, which complies with EURO3 emission standard, the all-new Honda CBR150R’s engine is fuel-efficient and environment-friendly.

 

This model is also built with an innovative truss frame, which is designed to support the engine, maximize performance of Pro-Link suspension system, and optimally reduce engine vibration, resulting in stability, agility and riding comfort.

 

The all-new Honda CBR150R is also equipped with double disc-brake, digital meter panel with integrated information (speedometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel meter, clock, and engine temperature), new aluminum rear foot step, and secure key shutter.

 

“Bringing the all-new Honda CBR150R to the Philippines is part of HPI’s efforts to ignite the passion of riding among new riders and enthusiasts. This is their chance to experience the thrill of Honda racing,” said HPI president Daiki Mihara.

Guerilla Race 2016 at Corregidor

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Beat the heat this summer as you brace yourself and get ready for a whole new level of gruesomeaction and high-pumping adrenaline experience with this year’s Guerilla Race!

The Philippines’ first military-inspired obstacle race is back this May and it promises an all newchallenging and push-your-self-to-the-limit treat for the fearless Guerilla Race participants.Happening this 21-22 of May 2016, the Guerilla Race runners will face the historical, dauntingwilderness and off-track slopes of Corregidor.

Race Director Lt. Col. Dennis Bumanglag believes that the new race route will surely surprisefrequent Guerilla Racers. This is the 6th Guerilla Race and racers frequent the event because it isnot something that “you-run-once-you’ve-run-them-all” type of race. Runners prepareexcessively for this race. They do their home work, learn lessons from the previous races andcreate strategies for the next. This year, The Guerilla Race team decided to give them a littlesurprise with a route that is not familiar to them.

The Guerilla Race team decided to bring the obstacle race to Corregidor not only for its race andobstacle worthy trails and route but more importantly, for its historical value in which theGuerillas fought the country’s freedom from its oppressors with their sweat, blood and future.Free the country or die trying. During the Japanese occupation of the islands in World War II,there was an extensive Philippine resistance movement, which opposed the Japanese withactive underground and guerrilla activity that increased over the years. Fighting the guerrillas –apart from the Japanese regular forces – were the Japanese-formed Bureau of Constabulary (latertaking the name of the old Philippine Constabulary during the Second Republic), Kempeitai (theJapanese military police), and the Makapili (Filipinos fighting for the Japanese). Post-war studiesestimate that around 260,000 persons were organized under guerrilla groups and that membersof anti-Japanese underground organizations were more numerous. Such was their effectivenessthat by the end of World War II, Japan controlled only twelve of the forty-eight provinces.The Battle of Corregidor, fought May 5–6, 1942, was the culmination of the Japanese campaignfor the conquest of the Commonwealth of the Philippines during World War II.

This year’s race is a two-day event set for runners, individual and team, of different distancecategories. The race is divided into four different categories: Day 1 is set for the runners for theGuerilla Sprint which is a 5 km with 12 obstacles waiting for them in the course and the GuerillaWarrior who will conquer the 10 km run with 24 obstacles to face. Day 2 is for the panthers.These are the 21 km runners who are to triumph over the 37 Obstacles. There will also be teamcategory for all the distances (5km, 10km and 21km).

The registration fees are Php1,000 for 5km Sprint, Php 1,300 for 10km Warrior, and Php 1,500for Panthers racekit excluding the ferry fare which can be booked with Sun Cruises and just likeprevious Guerilla Races, part of the proceeds will be donated to the Armed Forces of thePhilippines Educational Benefit System Office (AFPEBSO) to assist the education of theorphans of our soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the service to the country.

Also set will be the TV show special with one of the fastest growing local cable channel, 8Trimedia Pro Inc. GUERILLA RACE® CORREGIDOR 2016 is presented by TN-Guerilla Race Inc. incooperation with Sun Cruises Corregidor Tours and Corregidor Foundation, Deuter, Reebok,Milo Nutri-Up, Mares, and our major sponsor – Matrix. It is also supported by our gym partnersCrossFit Cabalen, CrossFit Salcedo, CrossFit PR City, CrossFit Ortigas, CrossFit Mad Minute,Primal Ape, Elorde Alabang Boxing Gym, Affiliate Alliance. F45 Training and Chris Sports withour media partners Balls Channel – Game Day Weekend, ABS-CBN Sports and Action, ABS-CBN News Channel, Reach Knowledge Magazine, Endurance Sports, Run Rocky, Travel Plus,Zen Health, Zinergi, Pinoyfitness.com, WheninManila.com, Team Run Direction, and ourofficial TV Station partner 8 Trimedia Pro Inc

Express the love with Shell V-Power Nitro+

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One of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon is a piece of architecture that was built to please a queen. According to stories, King Nebuchadnezzar had the Hanging Gardens built to take the homesickness of his queen, Amytis, away.

Since history began, showing love has come in various forms of grand gestures to sweet nothings. And every February, mere mortals take on a whole new level to express their love to the queens and kings of their own, who can take you at the heights of bliss. If love is expressed to people who can bring you your heart’s desires, love should also be expressed to the faithful partners on the road– your car.

This February, Pilipinas Shell encourages motorists to go all out and express their love for their most trusted road companion by giving it the care it deserves and by filling it up with Shell’s premium performance fuels, Shell V-Power Nitro+. Shel V-Power Nitro+ fuels are designed to fight gunk and corrosion, the two performance-robbing threats that can hamper an engine’s performance.

“For us at Shell, vehicles are not just machines that bring us to our destinations, but rather they are important companions that give every motorist an exciting and memorable experience on the road. This is why we continue to share the passion of motorists in taking care of their vehicles,” said Anthony Lawrence Yam, Vice President for Retail at Pilipinas Shell.

To support the Filipino motorists’ testament of love for their vehicles, Shell carried out a week-long celebration for their customers that started last February 8 and will culminate on Valentine’s Day, February 14. In the event called the KissCar Cam Challenge, car owners are encouraged to show their love for their cars for a chance to win special prizes, including a trip for two to the most romantic city in the world, Paris, France. Motorists from different key cities in the Philippines joined the challenge and showed their affection for their cars through kissing and hugging their vehicles.
And because there are more ways than one to show love, Shell hosted a date night that exhibited love in its many artistic forms. In an early celebration of Valentine’s Day, the #LoveMyCar Date Night gave the guests a romantic experience with music and poetry. Maximizing the power of words, Shell invited spoken word artists to perform original and beautiful pieces that transported the audience to a unique story-telling experience.

If love can be expressed through words and music, the greatest display of all is through action. The same can be said for giving your vehicles the grand display of affection it deserves.
“From regular maintenance checks, to simply keeping it in pristine condition, the vehicles that take us to exceptional destinations and give us exciting experiences on the road deserve it all. As we enjoy our road trips, we encourage motorists to continue to express their love for their cars by filling up with Shell’s premium performance fuels that are designed to protect engines from gunk and corrosion, Shell V-Power Nitro+.”

About Shell quality fuels

Providing Filipino motorists with the latest technological innovations that meet the more stringent emission standards, all Shell quality fuels in the Philippines have been Euro 4-certified since January 2016. All Shell quality fuels were developed to meet increasing energy demand and supply challenges by delivering smarter products and cleaner energy, smarter infrastructure, promoting smarter use, and by developing new energy sources while addressing the impact on the environment, through cleaner burning-natural gas and advanced fuels and lubricants technology.

Honda Ushers Groundbreaking Liquid-Cooled 6-Speed Sports Engine on RS150

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Honda Philippines, Inc. keeps on delivering breakthrough innovations in the local motorcycle industry with a variety of excellent product offerings that suit every Filipino’s need for everyday commuting.

Last year, it has launched four motorcycles that are both high on design, style, and functionalities, and also featured groundbreaking technologies that only Honda can deliver with superiority and class.

The newest product offering that has come off Honda Philippines’ assembly line is its new generation sports motorcycle known as the RS150, which was officially launched in November last year and is currently making its way to Honda dealerships all over the country.

More than its stylish and sporty looks, the RS150 has a major plus factor going for it that no competition can match at this point in time – it is powered by a new generation liquid-cooled, 150-CC, DOHC, six-speed sports engine.

The groundbreaking engine was borne out of Moto GP DNA, officially making it the latest iteration to the world-class racing engine suited for sports motorcycles. The new generation engine of the RS150 also comes with class-leading advance technology, giving its users additional advantages over other sports motorcycles.

Like the other motorcycles that were introduced by Honda Philippines to the Filipino market last year, the RS150 is brimming with excellent engine technology which is just beginning to catch on with the competition.

It features an intelligent and accurate programmable fuel injection (PGM-FI) which is capable of supplying the optimum fuel and air mixture in the combustion chamber for efficient engine power while ensuring low emission.

In fact, the motorcycle has been proven to comply with the stringent Euro 3 standards, which means that it has very negligible emission or effect to air pollution.

The sports motorcycle also has other features to complement its excellent engine performance including an O2 sensor, a catalytic converter, and a bank angle sensor.

The engine of the RS150 is also liquid-cooled with auto fan. It features an advanced radiator with electronic fan that automatically turns at a temperature of 103 degrees Celsius to prevent any form of overheating and maintain a consistent and safe operating temperature throughout the powertrain.

The RS150 is also the first motorcycle model under the Honda sports category and given its positive and warm reception from its initial owners and prospective buyers alike, it is certainly not going to be the last.

It is likely that the next exciting sports motorcycle models from Honda will be utilizing the same engine now being used on the RS150 while continuously building on the technology that the world’s No. 1 motorcycle manufacturer has been known to do.

In terms of other innovative technological features, the RS150 sports a futuristic digital meter panel to keep the driver informed of vital operational indicators. It also has sharp and sporty LED headlight to ensure brighter illumination especially at night. For security purpose and protection against theft, the RS150 also features an auto secure key shutter.

As far as its sporty, stylish, and functional design goes, the RS150 has a clip-on handle bar to support sporty driving style, stylish tail light, sporty cast wheel with tubeless tire, sporty pillion step, and sporty under cowl.

For added safety and protection of the driver, the RS150 features a twin perimeter frame to support engine performance and maneuverability even while driving at great speeds, a front and rear disc brake, and a rear monoshock for optimum shock absorption.

To know more about this superb engine and to get updates on the continuation of the Gen S story, connect with Honda through their website at www.hondaph.com or visit www.facebook.com/hondaph or contact the local dealer nearest you!

Avida introduces the South Park District Central Park

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Avida opens up a new chill out spot in the southern metro with the Central Park, one of the biggest park spaces in Muntinlupa. The Central Park anchors the residential, office and retail areas of South Park District, Avida’s first mixed-use development in this side of the city.

South Park District is one among the other projects that Ayala Land, through its subsidiary Avida, developed to help form a new vibrant community in Muntinlupa. This district integrates establishments necessary to build an efficient and livable community replete with well-thought-of residential buildings like Avida Towers Altura, its own Ayala-operated South Park Mall, retail and business clusters such as the South Park Corporate Center, and a transport terminal within the development.

These steps are similar to what Ayala Land has taken to help shape the Ayala Alabang of today, highlighting its expertise on the needs and demands of southern living. And it intends the South Park District to reap the same success in the near future.

Avida held a Chill Fest to celebrate the public launch of this sprawling space that is the perfect place for convergence. The outdoor festival combined proudly local performances from the artists behind Tunog Natin! and a special performance from Enrique Gil, delicious Filipino cuisine, bigger than life activities and even bigger discounts on bazaar items from active lifestyle brands.

Chill Fest captured the exciting extent of affairs that the expansive, mixed-use development can hold. Its blown-up lawn family activities gave attendees a glimpse of the lifestyle that the new urban park offers to the residents and the surrounding community.

Situated along National Road in Muntinlupa, the Central Park is an ideal venue for family leisure activities, weekend markets and other community-wide events. The three-part park is made up of the plaza, private residential park and grand lawn, all shrouded in greens and the scenic beauty of nature.

The plaza is decorated with shrubbery and palm trees, further accentuated by a water feature that enhances vibrancy in the place. It is a wide-open space that is perfect for strolls and venue for a weekend food hub and other public events. Meanwhile, the more private residential park is there for the exclusive use of Avida Towers Altura residents.

The centerpiece of this urban park is the grand lawn,with its wide space perfect for both active and passive activities.

It also features iconic interactive sculptures of world-renowned sculptor Reginald Yuson as points of interest and landmarks. Yuson is responsible for the art installations and fountains in Greenbelt 3 and Bonifacio High Street, among others.

Central Park is the heart of the development, meant to be the place of convergence for people of all ages while enriching the community as it serves as a city retreat highlighting the laid-back Southern lifestyle. More events such as the Chill Fest and other activities can be expected at the Central Park all-year-round.

About Avida Land

An Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) subsidiary, Avida Land provides thoughtfully-designed yet affordable homes in secure communities that offer value for money and convenience all within reach. With the five pillars of accessibility, unique features and amenities, quality assurance, stress free buying and relaxing living experience integrated in all its condominium and house and lot properties, Avida Land has become the developer of choice among the rising middle class as it continues to expand its product offerings across the country.

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