Look, no hands! Thai mall puts pedals in lifts to keep coronavirus at bay

BANGKOK - A mall in Thailand has swapped lift buttons for foot pedals in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus as well as help restore normalcy and get shoppers spending again.

Customers at Bangkok's Seacon Square were surprised and confused this week to find pedals in front of the elevators and inside, but they welcomed the new hands-free enhancement as a smart move to stay healthy.

"They did a good job in preparing this. I feel much safer because we use our hands to do various things all the time," said a customer who disclosed only her first name, Watcharaporn.

"Now that we can use our foot to press the elevator, it's really great."

Thailand opened malls and department stores on Sunday for the first time since March, its second phase of relaxing measures as the number of new coronavirus cases slows. It has confirmed 3,034 cases and 56 deaths.

Its economy, Southeast Asia's second largest, contracted at its sharpest pace in 8 years in the first quarter, pushing it into recession sooner than expected, as the coronavirus outbreak hit tourism and domestic activity.

The central bank cut its benchmark interest rate for the third time this year to a record low on Wednesday.

Prote Sosothikul, vice president of Seacon Development, which oversees the mall, said the foot pedals gave shoppers some peace of mind. "The easiest way to get infected is when you touch an object that has been contaminated," he said.

"Eventually touch your face and the virus will go into your mouth, your eyes, or whatever. So we came up with this idea of hand-free, foot-operated elevator." 

-reuters-

Thailand to close malls as coronavirus cases jump to 422

BANGKOK - Thailand announced it will close malls in the capital Bangkok as the country reported its largest daily increase in coronavirus infections on Saturday.

Malls, except for supermarkets, will be closed for 22 days beginning March 22 to April 12 in a bid to curb the outbreak of the coronavirus, Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang said in a statement.

"For malls, only the areas that sell food and goods that are used in daily life, will be open,” Aswin said in a Facebook live broadcast.

Long queues and crowds of shoppers were seen at a grocery store in downtown Bangkok with their carts full of dried goods, food and medicine.

The governor asked the public not to panic and hoard goods.

“Please don’t be alarmed, I guarantee that you will be able to buy food and goods sufficiently,” he said.

Restaurants will be open for takeout orders and pharmacies will also remain open.

The measures come as Thailand reported 89 new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday, bringing its tally to 411, with the majority of cases in Bangkok.

The new cases were linked to earlier infections from a boxing match, an entertainment complex and a religious gathering in neighboring Malaysia, Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a Public Health Ministry spokesman, said.

Boxing stadiums, beauty salons and arcades were also included in the closure announcement.

Those found violating the order face up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 100,000 baht.

Bangkok will also extend the closure of schools and bars for another 22 days.

Budget airlines also began suspending service.

Thai AirAsia is temporarily suspending its international flights from March 22 to April 25.

Thai Lion Air on Friday said it would suspend international and domestic flights from March 25 to April 30.

Of the patients infected, 366 are currently being treated, while 44 have recovered.

Thailand has reported one death in the outbreak.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Not just a ‘tito brand’: How Levi’s captures young, ‘fickle’ market

MANILA—Denim brand Levi's stays relevant by focusing on consumer needs, highlighting product durability and creating standout campaigns, its marketing manager said Thursday.

The quality of its products also helped capture a younger market, Levi's Philippines marketing manager Kat Costas told ABS-CBN News at the sidelines of the Philippine Retailers Association's OFR Awards Night held Thursday.

"What’s good with Levi’s is a heritage brand it has been around for 150 years, people know it as an iconic brand so sometimes people will say it’s my dad’s brand, it’s my uncle’s brand but it’s still known for its durability," Costas said.

"This is the generation with already so many options, they are fickle . . . What’s good today is that Levi’s also resonate with the younger audience because I guess we put the consumer first, so we try to keep up with what they want, the values also that they’re looking for."

Levi's has also "embraced" e-commerce and is working towards an "omnichannel" retail strategy to reach consumers. The brand is already available in online shopping sites Lazada, Zalora and Shopee, Costas said.

"The landscape is more aggressive now, but I think the consumers are also very discerning . . . So it’s really important for brands to understand the consumer," she added.

Despite the rise of e-commerce, brick and mortar shops are here to stay, Costas said, as the Filipino culture of hanging out together is unlikely to change.

"Here, the malls are really thriving. I think it’s the culture of Filipinos, it’s the place where they hang out. That will always be there, but of course we should embrace e-commerce because that is also the way of the future so we want to capture the audience wherever they want to shop," she said.

Levi's Philippines received the "Outstanding Marketing Campaign" award at the recently concluded Outstanding Filipino Retailers 2019 Awards for its father and son ad, which featured a custom jacket with braille design

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Where to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2019 in Manila

MANILA – Looking for a place to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Check out these deals offered by restaurants, hotels, and malls in Metro Manila.

These are not endorsed by ABS-CBN News.

BISTRO GROUP 

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at any Bistro restaurant and enjoy a special treat by Baker and Cook, plus get 20% off with your BFF card.

Have good food and great times at TGI Friday’s, and delight in succulent lobsters and everything seafood at Red Lobster. At both restaurants, you can enjoy a complimentary glass of Bodega Sangria and Stella Rose wines.

Other Bistro Group establishments include Italianni’s, Village Tavern, Texas Roadhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, Denny’s, Hard Rock Café, Watami, Bulgogi Brothers, Modern Shanghai, Fish & Co., Krazy Garlik, Baker and Cook, and Hukad. 

BIZU

Bizu is bringing back Romance, its signature heart-shaped Valentine’s Day cake composed of layers of moist sponge cake, creme brûlée, caramel, chocolate ganache, then topped with whole fresh strawberries. 

Bizu's seasonal Strawberry Chiboust also gets the hearts-day treatment with its plump, juicy strawberry toppings and raspberry coulis, while the Valentin Macaron de Paris is a stunning sight, dipped in chocolate and dusted with almond praline. 

For those who wish to woo the old-fashioned way, only a box of luxurious chocolate truffles will do. Choose from their heart-shaped dark chocolate or classic versions, packaged in heart-shaped Valentine’s edition boxes.

Bizu Patisserie has branches in Greenbelt 2, Greenhills Promenade, Alabang Town Center, St. Luke’s Global City, Robinson’s Magnolia, and Eastwood Mall. You can also shop from Bizu online at shop.bizupatisserie.com.

BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY

Give the gift of hugs at the larger-than-life bear installation made of a thousand red roses at 7th Avenue of Bonifacio High Street. 

On February 16, there will be a free concert at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater featuring Ben&Ben, Leanne & Naara, Reese Lansangan, Kat Agarrado. Performances start at 6 p.m.

There will be 100 VIP front seats with meet and greet passes to be given away in exchange for single or accumulated purchase receipts worth P2,500 obtained from February 1 to 16 at any Bonifacio High Street, One Parkade, Two Parkade, Central Square (Marketplace by Rustan’s not included), and One Bonifacio High Street establishments. 

CRAVINGS

This Valentine season, Cravings is offering a special four-course dinner for two featuring steak and salmon.

Priced at P2,400, the menu includes Truffle Mushroom Soup, Mixed Green Salad with Dried Fruits and Candied Walnuts, US Roasted Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding and Fillet of Atlantic Salmon for main course, and Cravings’ Special Edition Lava Cake for dessert.

As a treat, couples will have an opportunity to win a cooking class for two at CCA Manila. 

The offer is available on February 14, 15, and 16. 

CRIMSON HOTEL FILINVEST CITY

On February 14, have a five-course dinner under the stars at the hotel’s deck at P2,600 net per person, inclusive of free-flowing wine. 

Café Eight, on the other hand, offers indoor dining with an international buffet spread at P1,800 nett. Ladies get to take home pralines as a gift. 

CROWNE PLAZA MANILA GALLERIA

Xin Tian Di restaurant celebrates Valentine’s Day with a set menu consisting of Steamed Nobashi Shrimp Dumpling Topped with Black Caviar; King Scallop with Dragon Fruit in Honey Calamansi Dressing; Double Boiled Baby Pork Rib with Abalone and Wolfberry Soup; Stewed Boneless Beef Rib in Barbecue Sauce; Pan-fried Sea Bass in Japanese Soy Sauce served with Wok-fried Handmade Polonchoy Noodle with Garlic and Olive Oil; Oven-baked Egg Tart topped with Bird’s Nest; and Rose Honey Ginger Tea. 

The offer is at P2,860 nett per person. 

CRYSTAL DRAGON

Crystal Dragon is featuring a romantic set dinner menu from February 13 to 15.

The five-course Valentine menu at P3,880++ per person consists of Romantic Heart-shaped Stuffed Breaded Prawn Cake on Mixed Salad with Swan Dumpling filled with Black Pepper Duck Meat; Braised Sea Treasures and Scallop Dumpling served with Black Truffle in Lobster Bisque; Braised Pork Ribs with Red Wine Vinegar and Wolfberry Reduction; Wok-fried Egg Noodles with Seafood, Sliced Abalone, and Vegetable Sauce; Earl Gray Vanuari Milk Chocolate Crème Cake with Rose Water Strawberry Gel, and Jasmine Tea.

DIAMOND HOTEL

Treat your sweetheart to a Valentine buffet at Corniche at P3,380 nett per person. Get a chance to win an overnight stay for two with breakfast buffet for every P5,000 spent. On February 14 and 15, be entertained by a pianist during lunch and a quartet during dinner.

Yurakuen offers a Japanese lunch and dinner set menu for couples with a glass of Piper Heidsick at P2,880 nett per person. Complementing the dinner is musical entertainment by a duo.

At the Lobby Lounge, enjoy a four-course set menu with a glass of Cava and a slice of cake at P3,300 nett. Set the mood as a soothing saxophone plays in the background.

Relish al fresco dining by the Poolside with a five-course meal priced at P2,800 nett per person with musical accompaniment by a soulful duo. 

Get a nice view of the cityscape and have a four-course set menu with a glass of red or white wine at Bar 27 at P3,500 nett for two persons. 

Promos are available from February 13 to 15. All ladies dining at Diamond Hotel on Valentine’s Day will receive a special memento.

GRAND HYATT MANILA

Go big or go grand with a Valentine celebration for the whole family at The Grand Kitchen. On February 14 and 15, the restaurant will feature Valentine-themed treats alongside international favorites. Rate is at P2,400 nett per person.

An intimate hideout and dinner date awaits couples at The Cellar, which will offer a four-course dinner on February 14 and 15. Highlights include Pan-seared Scallops, Roasted Magret Duck Breast, and Raspberry Pavlova, and a glass of wine, to name a few. Rate is at P7,800 nett for two persons. 

Grand Hyatt Manila’s poolside cabana will hold a Valentine dinner under the stars featuring Boston Lobsters, Poached Tiger Prawns, Roasted Grass-fed Australian Tenderloin, and Fresh Berries on Basil Ice Cream, among others. Rate is at P9,800 nett for two persons. 

Take your love to extraordinary heights at The Peak, which is located at the hotel’s 60th floor. On February 14 and 15, enjoy two glasses of champagne and premium pica-pica for P3,500 nett. 

The Peak Grill, meanwhile, will have a mouthwatering Valentine spread starring fresh catch from the sea and more at P9,800 nett for two. 

HOLIDAY INN MANILA GALLERIA

A romantically indulgent evening with a breathtaking view awaits at the helipad of Holiday Inn Manila Galleria on Valentine’s Day as the venue is opened up to 15 couples for the special occasion. 

The al fresco ambiance is heightened by the repertoire of saxophonist Archie Lacorte. A curated selection of buffet offerings comes with unlimited beverages. Rate is at P3,500 nett per person. 

MARCO POLO ORTIGAS MANILA

Cucina will offer a love-themed spread from February 13 to 15 at P1,399 per person for lunch and P2,888 per person for dinner. A special a la carte menu will also be available during dinner, with items such as Chicken Piccata in Tomato and Olive Ragout with Tagliatelle in Basil Pesto, and Grilled Australian Lamb. 

Relive the season of love with set menus at Lung Hin, and get a view of the metro at Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge.

NEW WORLD MAKATI HOTEL

Enjoy a candle-lit dinner at P2,999 per person at Café 1228 and indulge in buffet highlights such as chateaubriand steak, seafood specialties, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. 

Ladies will get a special Valentine’s Day present. 

NOBU MANILA

Nobu presents a five-course Valentine weekend omakase with sake pairing from February 14 to 16 at P10,000 nett for two persons or P5,000 nett for one (optional).

The menu consists of Zensai (a chef’s selection of appetizers); Nobu Sashimi Platter (Ceviche, Big-eye Tuna with Chocolate Balsamic Sauce, and Oyster with Maui Onion Salsa); seasonal selection of Nobu Sushi (Toro, Nobu Tamagoyaki, Lapu-Lapu, and Salmon); Brick Oven Roasted Slipper Lobster Tail with Lobster Miso Cappuccino and Sweet Corn Kakiage; Sous Vide Australian Tenderloin with Nobu Bonito and Uni Egg Sauce, Crab, and Umami Vegetables; and Strawberry Azuki Bean Entremet with Kinako Cookie and Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream.

OKADA MANILA

Enbu’s Valentine set menu from February 13 to 15 includes a choice of sushi, sashimi, or assorted appetizers; Prawn and Vegetable Tempura; a special Valentine dessert; and a choice of luxurious main courses such as Australian Wagyu Steak, Saikyo Yaki (miso-marinated black cod with rice), and Hitsumabushi (eel with rice). Rate is at P2,200++ per person.

Goryeo has a Korean Valentine menu available for lunch and dinner on February 14 at P3,888++ per person. The meal includes Silver Cod Porridge; Sarcodon Mushroom with Duck Dumplings; Wrapped Snow Crab with Vegetables and Mustard Sauce; Mung Bean Pancake; Damyang province-style Char-grilled Beef with Rice in Lotus Leaf; and Korean Pear Sorbet with Red Velvet Cake.

La Piazza Ristorante Italiano will offer the San Valentino Dinner for Two (P9,888++ for two) on Valentine’s Day, which includes Saffron Risotto with Red Wine Braised Beef Cheek Medallion; Herb-buttered Salmon Fillet with Potato Gnocchi and Seafood Sauce; Chocolate Dome and Passionfruit Slices; Antipasti Buffet; and free-flowing wine. 

Go all out with a Valentine dinner by the Fountain on February 14 at P9,888++ for a table for two, inclusive of a three-course dinner, free-flowing wine, and refillable antipasti. 

Medley Buffet, meanwhile will have a Valentine feast for guests on February 14 and 15 at P3,000 nett per adult and P1,500 nett per child. The rate includes a curated Valentine buffet spread, free-flowing beverages, and live entertainment. 

POWER PLANT MALL

Power Plant Mall has a Flower Fair at the North Court which features blooms from Petalier and Balloons, Te Amo Floristeria, The Glass House Flowers, and more.

The mall also has a Gift Fair featuring sweet items from Auro Chocolate and Gigi’s Custaroons, to name a few.

Present a single or accumulated receipt purchase worth P70,000 at Power Plant Mall and Rockwell Center stores from February 8 to 14 to get a free movie and dinner date. 

THE GARAGE 

The Garage, an entertainment and dining destination at City of Dreams Manila, is holding a “Valentine’s Serenade” for both singles and couples from February 13 to 15, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Single’s Package is at P1,400 nett per person and includes free-flowing house red wine, white wine, and sparkling wine; San Miguel Pale Pilsen and Light draught beer; chilled juices at The Bar; and sodas and signature iced tea. 

The Couple’s Package, meanwhile, is at P3,499 nett with the same free-flowing selection of drinks with the addition of one Ecuadorian rose, one teddy bear plush toy, and a 150-gram chocolate tile from Chocol8.

THE TASTING ROOM

Available from February 13 to 15, The Tasting Room’s five-course Valentine’s dinner menu at P6,600++ per person includes Lentils Hummus with Hazelnut Oil, Grey Shrimp, Tiger Prawns, and Socca; Crackers with Eggplant, Apple, and Mint; Grilled Foie Gras Terrine with Artichoke and Port Wine; Cod with Pineapple, Coriander, and Sesame Seed; Smoked Grim Beef Tenderloin with Coffee, Salsify, and Hazelnut; and Chocolate Ginger Tart with Exotic Fruits and Pomegranate. 

The set menu comes with a complimentary welcome glass of Henriot Brut Champagne, a door gift of Mexican hot chocolate cube and lemon cake, and a long-stemmed rose for each lady. There is also an option for wine pairing at P3,100++.

TWG TEA

Indulge in TWG's tea-infused Valentine’s Day menu for two that begins with an enticing beef pastrami accompanied by marinated tomatoes and feta cheese infused with Lover’s Tea. 

The meal continues with the duck confit with Billet Doux Tea infused Mexican mole sauce served with sautéed mushrooms and baby potatoes, and beef with Red Chai infused red wine sauce accompanied by a spinach and purple yam croquette. 

To accompany this main course is the Mon Amour Tea, black tea blended with yellow blossoms and sweet notes of quince. 

End with choux pastries centered with Geisha Blossom Tea infused raspberry cream on a shortcrust pastry.

TWG Tea’s Valentine’s Day Menu with a starter, two main courses, choice of two teas and dessert is priced at P2,650 for two persons. Available at all TWG Tea Salons & Boutiques in the Philippines until February 24.

WOLFGANG’S STEAKHOUSE

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener is offering a Valentine Special Wine Pairing set menu from February 11 to 16 in all of its Philippine locations: Resorts World Manila, The Podium, and Bonifacio Global City.

The wine pairing set good for two includes a majestic set of oysters flown in from France; a choice of Beef Barley or Caesar Salad; USDA Prime Dry-aged Black Angus Porterhouse Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Creamed Spinach; and Housemade New York-style Cheesecake. 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

LOOK: P8 burger causes pandemonium in malls

MANILA - A local burger joint's one-day only promo has caused pandemonium in various malls early Monday, as seen in social media posts by customers who documented their experience.

Several Facebook posts showed hundreds of customers crowding outside Zark's Burgers outlets, hoping to avail of the P8 burger.

The promo, according to Zark's Facebook page, was to mark its 8th year anniversary and was open only to the first 80 customers. While the promo started at 10 a.m., many customers lined up as early as 7 a.m.

Pauline Cabal Estrada posted a video of a massive crowd in SM Sta. Rosa, where people were pushing and shoving their way to the burger outlet in the hopes of availing the promo.

In SM Bacoor, Kent Pontivedra's video showed people rushing to line up outside the burger outlet. Pontivedra lamented that the restaurant and mall had no crowd control in place.

"Kami ang aga aga nmin pumila 7:00 am pa. Dapat kung sino unang dumating papasukin at papilahin agad kung saan yung Zark's Burger," he said in his post.

Meanwhile, RJ Rebagoda posted a video in SM Sta. Rosa, where security guards could be seen attempting to hold off a huge crowd trying to get inside the burger outlet.

In a Facebook post, Zark's Burger has apologized for the "inconvenience" to its customers.

"We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience experienced by patrons and other mall shoppers unintentionally brought about by this celebration that was intended to thank all of you for 8 years of loyal support and patronage," it said.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Dad's incredible at Robinsons Malls

(The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - As part of its annual “Dad’s Incredible” tradition, Robinsons Malls brings in a punch of exhilaration and adventure to Father’s Day celebration with a slew of cool activities dads and their families will enoy.

Dad can stir up the audience with his amazing vocals, electrifying dance moves or an out of this world talent. All Talent performances will be judged according to caliber of talent, originality, stage presence and overall impact. Make a dashing pair with dad and conquer the stage as Robinsons Malls gives away prizes of Robinsons Universal Certificates worth an awesome shopping spree. The contest is open to fathers aged 25 years old and above with children ages 5 to 12 years old. Join now at Robinsons Nova Market, Robinsons Place Imus, Robinsons Place Dasmariñas, Robinsons Sta. Rosa Market, Robinsons Place Lipa, Robinsons Place Angeles and Robinsons Otis.

Let dad loosen up his necktie and roll up his sleeves! Dad and child teams are invited to be one of the mighty contenders to compete for an Extreme Sports Challenge of wall climbing at Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Galleria and Robinsons Starmills Pampanga. The fastest pair with the highest points will take home amazing prices.

Selected Robinsons Malls are treating all fathers to free Health and Wellness services such as spot massage, BP check-up, and stress test. Make way also for a memorable portrait to treasure with your kids just by simply visiting the caricature or photo booths at selected malls nationwide.