Ayala Malls puts spotlight on local farmers

Ayala Malls’ Christmas initiative this year aims the spotlight on local farmers as it partners with the Department of Agriculture by way of TienDa Farmers and Fisherfolks Outlet, a market-linkage scheme which provides our farmers and fisherfolk a venue where they can sell their produce directly to the consumers.

In time for the holidays, shoppers can now buy farm-fresh produce in the comforts of the Ayala Malls at farm gate prices — no middlemen involved.

“TienDa is the brainchild of Secretary Emmanuel Piñol. It is consistent with the Duterte Administration’s thrust of providing accessible and affordable food for the people,” said Agriculture Undersecretary for administration, agribusiness, marketing and regional engagement Berna Romulo-Puyat. 

A number of farmers joined us for lunch during the press launch held recently at the Park Terraces Tower 1 in Makati City.

The Social Hall was transformed into an organic market where the farmers showcased their products and produce. Colorful bayongs were handed out to guests, which the farmers generously filled with their crops such as corn, carrots, eggplants, cucumbers, sweet mangoes and pomelos, Tinawon Rice from the Rice Terraces Farmers Cooperative of Banaue, Ifugao, and black rice from Mt. Province.

The farmers also gifted us with fresh milk from Badaco, salted eggs from Pampanga and Alavar’s sauce from Zamboanga.

“We want to thank the Department of Agriculture for choosing Ayala Malls as your partner for TienDa. Through this initiative, we are bringing local farmers  and their fresh produce closer to households in major cities nationwide,” enthused Rowena Tomeldan, Ayala Malls Group head.

Catch the TienDa sa Ayala Malls at Abreeza Mall, Nov. 18 to 19; Ayala Center Cebu, Nov. 25 to 26; UP Town Center, Dec. 2 to 3; Alabang Town Center, Dec. 9 to 10; Ayala Malls The 30th, Dec. 16 to 17; and Solenad, Jan. 18 to 21, 2018.

Greenbelt tunnel art

Inspired by the colors of Christmas, Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala’s mural remains the focal point of Ayala Malls’ Christmas celebration. Its hues are in harmony with the Holiday Weave Murals along Ayala Avenue.

The Christmas mural, which was unveiled at the launch by Ayala Malls Group COO Myrna Fernandez, Steps Dance Studio director Sofia Zobel Elizalde, and Ayala Malls Group president Rowena Tomeldan, will be on display at the Greenbelt Tunnel, which lights up and adds vibrancy to this busy area of Makati.

Stress-free christmas shopping

While we love receiving and buying gifts, many aren’t too keen on the traffic. To make your shopping spree stress-free, Ayala Malls offers greater accessibility and convenience to commuters and shoppers with hubs for P2P buses. Use promo codes by Grab and Uber and enjoy bigger discounts when traveling to Ayala Malls.

And when you need a quick run to the mall, parking will be a breeze with the 30-minute parking so you can park, buy and go without the hassle.

For those who want to avoid the madding crowd altogether, do your shopping online. Try out the Ayala Malls Christmas catalog in Zalora, which has a comprehensive list and inventory to help you with your gift ideas. Just log on to www.zalora.com.ph/ayala-malls.

Spreading good cheer

Ayala Malls also partners with Steps Dance Project, headed by Sofia Zobel Elizalde, to bring art and culture to a wider audience.

“This year, we’re excited to watch Steps dance concerts in Pasig, Cebu and Pampanga,” noted Tomeldan.

Steps Dance Project presents “I Got Stung,” a musical performance inspired by the music of Sting. Directed and choreographed by James Laforteza, catch “I Got Stung” on Nov. 26 at Ayala Malls The 30th with guest Gian Magdangal; Marquee Mall on Dec. 2 with Sam Milby; and Ayala Center Cebu on Dec. 9 with Piolo Pascual.

The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra, who serenaded us at the launch of the Ayala Malls’ Christmas activities, will make the tour around the metro: UP Town Center, Nov. 18; Alabang Town Center, Dec. 1; and TriNoma, Dec. 2. Listen to their award-winning pieces performed on their recent competition in Vienna, Austria.

Christmas in the Philippines is more than gift-giving. It is the simple experience of joy, love, compassion and satisfaction that comes from the heart.

“Ayala Malls takes to heart the significance of the season by giving you an array of experiences which not only aim to inspire you but also lift your Christmas spirit. Truly, there’s so much to celebrate this holiday season at the Ayala Malls,” added Tomeldan.