‘No tricks, just treats’

FOR two consecutive days within a week, I attended two fun events in one of my favorite places. Novel attractions and experiences at City of Dreams Manila are in full swing with the newly unveiled The Garage — a VR Zone and a food park in one, and the recently held annual sales and marketing appreciation night dubbed as “No Tricks Just Treats,” which highlighted the Halloweenthemed festivity at the luxury resort’s grand ballroom.

The opening of The Garage is set to change the landscape of entertainment and dining in the metro, as it features a modern industrial interior designed by Paris-based award-winning creative design agency, Malherbe Design. The Garage’s VR Zone, which is perfect for the young at heart, has activities including Mario Kart Arcade GP VR, Hospital Escape Terror, and Ski Rodeo as produced by renowned Japan- based video digital entertainment company Bandai Namco Amusement.

The unique and entertaining experience at the VR Zone is complemented by great food. A curated line-up of 10 food trucks and trailers offers Japanese, Italian, American, and Filipino fare from dining outlets such as Little Flour, Pink’s Hot Dogs, Farmacy, Pizza Grigliata, El Chupacabra, Katsu Sora, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Juiced, Chocol8, and The Roaster.

In an earlier lifestyle media preview, a few days before the opening, TV host Rovilson Fernandez was the emcee of the event in the presence of select media guests, City of Dreams Manila executives, food and beverage partners and graffiti artists for The Garage.

City of Dreams Manila’s Chief Operating Officer Kevin Benning and Bandai Namco Amusement Managers Yukiharu Tamiya and Ryuichi Osada led the introduction of the VR Zone at the media preview. For the food park, present during the preview were Pizza Grigliatia’s Edward and Isabel Co, and Chef Emman Galvez; El Chupacabra’s Chiqui Mabanta; Little Flour’s, Pink’s Hotdog’s and Farmacy’s Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, and Little Flour’s Chef Mark Isla; Pink’s Hotdog’s Richard and Gloria Pink; Hokkaido Ramen Santouka’s Genevieve Ronatay and Anna Liza Lim; Katsu Sora’s Elsa Uy Qua and Vanessa Torres.

Graffiti artists DeeJae Paeste and Kookoo Ramos likewise graced the event to present their modern artworks to complement the contemporary ambiance of The Garage. Representing City of Dreams Manilaoperated outlets Juiced, The Roaster and Chocol8 and the VR Zone operations at the media preview were Benning together with his team: Vice President for Hotels and Food and Beverages Michael Ziemer; Director for Food and Beverages Steven Carl, Asst. Director for F&B Juvel Contreras, Executive Chefs Markus Tauwald and Audi Budiman; Executive Pastry Chef Hoon Sung; Head Chocolatier Tweet Obsequio and The Garage Outlet Manager Sarah Javier; and Senior Manager for NonGaming Operations Arnold Uriarte.

The well-attended opening that ensued on a Sunday afternoon was hosted by DJ and TV host KC Montero, and led once more by Benning; and Bandai Namco Amusement General Manager Kunihisa Yagisita. City of Dreams Manila’s Vice President for Public Relations Charisse Chuidian and Director for Public Relations Mina Gervacio were also present to welcome the guests. Other special guests at The Garage launch were interior designer and columnist Tessa Prieto-Valdes; actor and director Ricky Davao; broadcast journalist Jing Castañeda; sportscaster Anthony Suntay; and many more.

There seem to be no stopping in terms of excitements at City of Dreams Manila. A few days after the launch of The Garage, a Halloween-themed annual sales and marketing appreciation party for clients was held with glitz and glamor. Benning, Ziemer, Director of Sales and Marketing Jenny Santillan and her team brought the house down with their fancy costumes.

The resort’s luxurious grand ballroom was wickedly beautiful with tables adorned with spooky yet elegant details and a buffet of delightful Eastern and Western fare was served for a fun yet opulent social event that is hard to forget. were regaled with fabulous raffle prizes; a dance number from the talented group of DreamPlay performers; witty banter of guest hosts Giselle Sanchez and Sam YG; and live entertainment from Part 3, a local rock band who regularly performs at the City of Dreams’ CenterPlay.

Truly, City of Dreams Manila never fails to offer new experiences that make us come back for more!

Chief Operating Officer Kevin Benning flanked by Bandai Namco Amusement Managers Yukiharu Tamiya and Ryuichi Osada at the ceremonial sealing of the partnership and opening of the VR Zone at The Garage, City of Dreams Manila.

At Pink’s Hotdog are (from left) are Katrina Holigores, Gloria Pink, Richard Pink, Candy Dizon and Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo.

(From left, standing) Bandai Namco Amusement Managers Ryuichi Osada, Yukiharu Tamiya, City of Dreams Manila’s Chief Operating Officer Kevin Benning and Vice President for Hotels and Food & Beverage Michael Ziemer with the young celebrities (from left) Dan Hushcka, Julian Trono, Ataska Mercado and Carlyn Ocampo.

With the Roaster team are City of Dreams Manila’s COO Kevin Benning, VP for Hotels and F& B Michael Ziemer and Executive Chef Audi Budiman ( center).

At the Chocol8 are (from left) are City of Dreams Manila’s VP for Hotels and F&B Michael Ziemer, Executive Pastry Chef Hoon Sung, Head Chocolatier Tweet Obsequio and COO Kevin Benning.