Pro-Friends gives back to kids at special gift-giving activity at new Lancaster Imus complex

SANTA’S elves came out from the Santa’s Workshop arcades and did a special performance for the crowd on Saturday at the Lancaster New City in Imus.

The elves did the performance as they ushered kids to line up at the arcades. The children that lined up at the arcades received special gifts from the elves.

The said treats were especially picked and chosen by Santa’s elves for the children to truly appreciate the meaning of sharing love, peace, and happiness.

The special gift giving with Santa’s elves and the homeowners of Lancaster New City was one of many ways Pro-Friends delivers true happiness and care to residents of its developments.

Lancaster develops new Cavite village

THERE'S a new Lancaster village in Cavite.

Pro-Friends, the company behind Lancaster, completed the development of a barren land in the city of Imus and turned it to what is now known as the Lancaster New City.

Situated at the common boundary between three towns including Imus itself, Lancaster New City has been master-planned to be family friendly. Aside from the affordable and quality houses that suit the budget of the average Filipino family, it also delivers features that help its residents live a full life.

Families looking to own a home at the said Imus village can choose from three Asian-inspired house designs, the Adelle, Briana, and the Chessa types.

They will also find an easier time looking for locations to suit their needs and even wants as a K-to-12 ready school, a shopping area, and even a BPO office are found at the Lancaster New City. Other business stalls are also located at the village, just near the chapel.

Lancaster New City is easily accessible from CavitEx as all you need to do is to drive straight via the said tollway and turn left at Advincula Avenue.

For more information, just call 4917700 or visit www.profriends.com.

Visiting the Aguinaldo Shrine

I have been to Kawit for a number of times since a family friend lives in Bgy. Sta. Isabel, but while we have to pass the Aguinaldo Shrine before getting to Bgy. Sta. Isabel, I have actually never set foot at the said shrine. Not until I got a post-Christmas trip invite there.

Originally a shorter place, the Shrine, the home of Former President Emilio Aguinaldo, was extended to give room to his growing family.

We were escorted inside by Sir Bennett, one of the tour guides there. What we liked about him was that he knew everything about Aguinaldo and the revolution. He also has a knack for geography and can name the places you can see from the fifth floor, or the Manila-Makati Tower.

The view below the Manila-Makati Tower.

He also led us to some interesting features of the house, like Aguinaldo's medicine cabinet with all the bottles preserved...

...the Philippine map placed at the ceiling...

...and one of the first press rooms ever built for the Philippine media. For a sportswriter who had a lot of experiences inside the press rooms of three indoor sports arenas and the press room of the Palarong Pambansa, I was appalled by what an old school press room looks like.

This was what a press room looked like before aircons were even invented.

Also, Sir Bennett revealed to us that the Aguinaldos put up a mini-sports center underneath their home. It included a swimming pool and, guess what, a bowling alley. He told us that there are plans of renovating the bowling alley.

Believe it or not, this was once Kawit's first-ever bowling alley.

We wonder why Sir Bennett is very knowledgeable of everything Aguinaldo. A descendant of the former chief executive, incumbent Kawit Vice Mayor Paul Abaya, gave us an answer later in the night. He told us that Sir Bennett's family has been close with the Aguinaldos. He even witnessed the burial of the former president at the backyard of his residence in 1964.

Abaya then invited us to the year-end concert featuring the band of one of my churchmates, Mayonnaise.

The special night, which curiously took place on Rizal Day, ended by a fireworks display that lighted up Kawit.

Unfortunately, my friend did not respond to my tweet, so I presumed that he and his family went to Pangasinan, which has been their usual post-Christmas activity. Anyway, I still had fun in my return to Kawit.

Zoomanity Celebrates "Zoocial" Media Day in Tagaytay

Zoomanity Group, the leader in theme parks in the Philippines, will celebrate and join the whole world for the 3rd Annual Social Media Day with "Zoocial Media Day for Bloggers" event on June 28, 2014 and is inviting bloggers to visit Paradizoo Farm in Mendez, Cavite and Residence Inn Tagaytay for free and with transport provided.

This is to give thanks for the support of the online influencers in making the different theme parks (Zoobic Safari in Zambales, Zoocobia in Clark, Pampanga, Paradizoo in Mendez, Cavite, Residence Inn Tagaytay, Zoocolate Thrills in Bohol, and Z Planet inside Star City in Manila) under Zoomanity Group as the preferred destination of families, students, and tourists for their relaxing time and when they just like to be in nature and to have an animal encounter. 

For the Zoocial Media Day event for Bloggers, expect to be in nature and agricultural setting inside the 12 hectares farm facility of Paradizoo. Enjoy the vegetable picking, farm animals encounter like ostriches, horses in different sizes, pot-belly pigs, learn about the bees, and try the Zing line ride afterwards. Just recently, Zoomanity Group celebrated the Year of the Horse with the biggest horse parade in the Philippines and proudly showing off their different breed of horses from Stallion to miniature horses. The other theme park to be visited on June 28, 2014 is the Residence Inn in Tagaytay City. It's a two-hectare facility with exclusive rooms since there are only 12 units overlooking the majestic Taal Volcano of Batangas. At Residence Inn, you will find exotic animals from different colors of Burmese pythons to tigers to crocodiles to the king of the jungle, the mighty lions.

Marketing and Branding Consultant Grace Nicolas said, "The owner of this company, Mr. Robert Yupangco ,believes about the power of social media; thus, supporting the awareness for Social Media Day. Zoomanity Group is inviting bloggers to join in this annual event to have a Zoorific experience."

Residence Inn: The President and His Place in Tagaytay by Grace Nicolas

A young visitor feeding one of the camels you will see at the Residence Inn.
Grace Nicolas

Grace Nicolas, a good friend of mine, revealed an interesting fact about the Residence Inn in Tagaytay City. Who would have thought a former president once stayed in what would become a hotel and mini-zoo? Check out her report below, and I quote...

"For most of you, the Residence Inn in Tagaytay City is just another bed & breakfast hotel, but for some, especially to the patrons of the Zoomanity Group, where the hotel is one of its six operated facilities, it has some more to offer.

Aside from the zipline, the cable car, and the animal encounter, it is also, most of all, an ancestral home of the daughter of a former president.

Former President Jose P. Laurel must be proud that his daughter turned the house to a place not only for them to enjoy with a million dollar view of Taal Volcano but for everyone who wants to experience how it feels like to be in this presidential residence.

Robert Yupangco, the son of Potenciana Laurel-Yupangco, the daughter of Former President Laurel, made everything possible.

His passion and love for animals is obvious with the different species now at Residence Inn. It is not just for accommodation but also for conservation of different animals. 

Also, check out the delicious bulalo at Residence Inn. The bulalo is not your usual serving. The restaurant makes sure that the soup is hot the whole time, so along with the dish is a heater just for you that will make your bulalo hot and boiling, while the designated waiter is there to make sure you have everything you ordered. Residence Inn truly is walking the talk because of their amazing culture of service. 

For the animal encounter, do not miss the photo souvenirs with the white Burmese Python or with the friendly owl.

Kids and kids at heart can also enjoy feeding the camel or the donkey for only PHP20. What an exciting way to spend with family this summer!

The Residence Inn is giving away free entrance for the Green Magic Show until May 31. So what are you waiting for? Check its website at http://www.zoomanity.com.ph or like its Facebook page for details."

Power of Three Fair Restaged

Different breeds of horses were paraded during the Power of Three fair at Par-
adizoo as a way of celebrating the Year of the Horse. Grace Nicolas

Paradizoo celebrated the Year of International Family Farming with the re-staging of its annual "Power of Three" agricultural fair.

The fair, which started last January 11, showcased the latest trends in the floral, vegetable, and the agri-livestock industries.

Highlighting the fair were special weeks dedicated to flowers, vegetables, and livestock, where everyone witnessed how to make pineapple jams, milk goats, and even riding a horse.

Also, in celebration of the Year of the Horse, a horse parade also took place during the event at the Mendez-based zoo.

Three-Day Sale Rocks Megamall, Other SM Stores

The SM Stores at SM Megamall, SM Harrison, SM City Novaliches, SM City Baguio, SM City Bacoor, SM City Batangas, SM City San Fernando, SM City Naga, SM City Davao, SM City Consolacion, and SM City Delgado will be having a 3-day sale on May 3, 4, and 5. You shoppers will enjoy big discounts on your favorite items come the weekend. 

Aside from the sale, the SM Store will also be having a 3-Way Save on the same period. You can get more discounts through this promo. First, if you own an SM Advantage Card, you can get an additional 10% off if you bought your items within the first two malling hours of Friday. Second, for every PHP2,000 single-receipt purchase you made on Saturday and Sunday, you will get a PHP100 shopping coupon free. Lastly, if you shopped for the entire duration of the sale using your BDO credit card, you can get a 5% rebate.

Also, you can have a chance to win one of seven IPad Minis to be given away in the raffle promo. Each IPad Mini comes with a free Globe prepaid SIM with free Powersurf 99. Every PHP1,000 worth of purchased items entitles you to a raffle coupon for a chance to win an IPad Mini. What are you waiting for? Shop now at SM Megamall, SM Harrison, SM City Novaliches, SM City Baguio, SM City Bacoor, SM City Batangas, SM City San Fernando, SM City Naga, SM City Davao, SM City Consolacion, and SM City Delgado! Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 7190 Series of 2012 and DTI-NCR Permit Nos. 0311, 0345, 0560, and 0566 Series of 2013.

Casa Alegria: Uncharted Territory by the Lake

The city of Tagaytay in Cavite is known for being a perfect place to get a glimpse of the Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano. Last time around, I also mentioned that it's home to Paradizoo and Residence Inn. However, there are not-so-known places in this city that you can stay. So I introduce to you one of them, Casa Alegria.

While it may be difficult to get there (take the Tagaytay-Talisay Road), I'm telling you, you'll gotta love this place. Of course, what's Tagaytay without the ever pleasant sight of the Taal. Since it's nearer to Talisay, you can get a closer look of the lake and the volcano.

Ross Del Rosario

I and my crew, upon arriving, were first treated to a sumptuous brunch by the vacation home staff.

Mac Vasquez

Then we were introduced to the place itself. It has three rooms based on whether it's located in the first floor, the second, or the third.

Ross Del Rosario

Each room... wait! I'm gonna call it home because you will feel at home here! Going back, each home comes with a different interior design to give you options on which you will prefer. You can sit back, relax, and watch your favorite team score a win...

Mac Vasquez

...or you can maximize the usage of the couch and read books while resting.

Ross Del Rosario

You can stay at any room at Casa Alegria for PHP2,500 on weekdays or PHP4,500 on weekends. For reservations, call (02)681-3294, (02)681-4280, (02)250-1215, 09292619840, 09275919196, or 09293343430 or email at outdoorman@mac.com or alegria.tagaytay@gmail.com.

Ann Purificacion

Three-Day Sale Rocks SM Stores Friday

The SM Stores at SM Makati, SM City Marikina, SM City Dasmariñas, SM City Marilao, SM City Cebu, SM City San Pablo, and SM City Iloilo will be having a 3-day sale on March 15, 16, and 17. You shoppers will enjoy big discounts on your favorite items come the weekend. 

Aside from the sale, the SM Store will also be having a 3-Way Save on the same period. You can get more discounts through this promo. First, if you own an SM Advantage Card, you can get an additional 10% off if you bought your items within the first two malling hours of Friday. Second, for every PHP2,000 single-receipt purchase you made on Saturday and Sunday, you will get a PHP100 shopping coupon free. Lastly, if you shopped for the entire duration of the sale using your BDO credit card, you can get a 5% rebate.

Also, you can have a chance to win one of seven IPad Minis to be given away in the raffle promo. Each IPad Mini comes with a free Globe prepaid SIM with free Powersurf 99. Every PHP1,000 worth of purchased items entitles you to a raffle coupon for a chance to win an IPad Mini. What are you waiting for? Shop now at SM Cubao, SM Southmall, SM City Manila, SM City Fairview, SM City Taytay, SM City Pampanga, SM City Tarlac, SM City Bacolod, and SM City General Santos! Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 7190 Series of 2012 and DTI-NCR Permit Nos. 0311, 0345, 0560, and 0566 Series of 2013.

Residence Inn: A Nature Trip While on Stay

Aside from Paradizoo, the Zoomanity Group has another fun place situated in the Metro Tagaytay area, the Residence Inn. Located right in the heart of the city, the Residence Inn offers another a wide range of fun while hanging out there.

For PHP 299 per person, you can enter the Residence Inn. You can get a glimpse of the renowned Taal Volcano at the hotel restaurant.

The restaurant also serves sumptuous meals that will delight your appetite. You can also check out their stuffed toy store where you can buy parrots stuffed toys.

Another cool feature of the Residence Inn is their zipline...

Credits: Zheyme Manahan

...and cable car which will make you feel like you're flying.

Credits: Grace Nicolas

There is also a mini-zoo where you can see tigers, monkeys, lions, and other animals. Since it's a hotel, you can also stay overnight here. For more information about Residence Inn, call +639155618885. It is located along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road, Tagaytay City.

Paradizoo: A Paradise Inside a Paradise

In the cool paradise of Tagaytay, you will find the best places to get a view of the Taal Volcano, but inside its suburbs lies an even more beautiful paradise, the Paradizoo. Situated in the nearby town of Mendez some five minutes from the Tagaytay city proper, Paradizoo showcases the pleasant nature that we don't usually see here in Mega Manila.

At the entrance, I and my two homies were treated to a welcome drink, and as a way of saving the environment through cleanliness, they turned old mayo jars into glasses.

One for the road! -Grace Nicolas

Inside the welcoming area is a stuff toy store where you can buy one that you can give to your kids.

Then, the main attraction, the zoo's flora and fauna. The plants and the animals are well-taken care of, like the bees...

...and the butterflies.

Also, kids and adults alike can also learn how to milk goats and cows here. In fact, Paradizoo is also selling goat's milk products.

Inside Paradizoo is a special fishpond where you can pamper your feet while the fishes do the massage and rejuvenation of them. For just 60 bucks (for the fish food), drench your feet (or your arms if you want), feed the fishes, and let them take care of the rest.

For PHP 299 per person, you can enjoy Paradizoo. For those who plan of having an eco-trip at Paradizoo, feel free to call 09155618885.