Awesome Eastwood Xmas

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

Just like millions of Filipinos with family get togethers we welcomed my brother George and his family from New Zealand. After a satisfying lunch at Gloria Maris in Greenhills, I had the pleasure of accompanying my nieces Kim and Hannah. Our mall of choice was Eastwood in Libis where grand ma is a part of the Gourmet Market selling Joy’s Ham.

standing from left: Dr. Donald Bautista, Tim Bautista, Lilia B. Yang, Erlinda Bautista, George and Jude Bautista. Seated from left: Alfonso, Jay, Kim, Hannah and Joe Bautista at Gloria Maris, Greenhills December 23, 2012.

There was a debate with my nieces between watching THE HOBBIT and RISE OF THE GUARDIANS. Hannah and George had already seen THE HOBBIT but since we had to wait an extra half hour for the RISE of the GUARDIANS we went with THE HOBBIT. We had a great time. I appreciated the scenes between Gollum and Bilbo, it explained so much of how ‘the RING’ was acquired/stolen. For me Gollum is such a fascinating character with what happened to him and how he affects the whole Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The only negative thing I can say about THE HOBBIT is that it sets audiences up for the upcoming sequels as well. It almost drives me insane; I can’t wait for the next movie. In spite of the title Dwarves are really the ones that take center stage not the Hobbits.

Two stars from left: ALCHRIS GALURA and sister GLAIZA DE CASTRO pose with the Cha time Staff in Eastwood City walk2 December 23, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

When we got out of the theater I bumped into ALCHRIS GALURA and his breathtaking and equally talented sister GLAIZA DE CASTRO. I’ve interviewed ALCHRIS several times before, everyone from directors to actors who’ve worked with him say he IS one of the most talented young actors we have today. And he recognized me even before I was able to approach him. He’s a personable young man.

From left: Alfonso Bautista, Kim Bautista ALCHRIS GALURA, sister GLAIZA DE CASTRO and Hannah Bautista at Cha Time in Eastwood City walk2 December 23, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

ALCHRIS has won awards and is one of the recognizable names and faces in the Cinemalaya film fest. GLAIZA however, has had stints in both indie and mainstream having roles in TEMPTATION of WIFE, Tweets for My Sweet and Biritera for GMA network for 2012 alone. The two stars were kind enough to let me photograph them in Cha time at EASTWOOD Citywalk 2 with my nieces and nephew Alfonso. I told Alchris I was also addicted to milk tea, which made him laugh.

Outdoor chorale at Eastwood City walk2 December 23, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

On our way back to the Gourmet market, we saw an outdoor chorale singing Filipino carols. I wanted to shoot the elaborate animal and Christmas display by PLDT but was pressed for time. When we got to the annex, MARCO SISON had already started his FREE concert. It never fails to amaze me how women swoon from talented singers like Marco. He sang 70’s hits like “Nais Ko”, “Gaano Ka Dalas ang Minsan” . He went down to the crowd kissing and hugging fans and he sang his own hits “Si Aida, Lorna at si Fe”, “My Love will See you Through” and “Always.”

Marco Sison makes women swoon at the Eastwood Mall Open Park December 23, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

We didn’t even know about the wonderful events in the mall or intend to meet celebs but that’s just the way it is if you go to EASTWOOD. And an even bigger FREE show is coming New Year Countdown to 2013 on December 31, 6PM at the Eastwood Mall Open Park featuring international superstar IYAZ with live performances by Ely Buendia, Up Dharma Down, Urbanation, General Luna and X-Factor finalist Mark Mabasa.

Marco Sison makes women swoon at the Eastwood Mall Open Park December 23, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

This is the best way to welcome the NEW YEAR 2013, to all my family, friends, readers HAPPY HOLIDAYS and THANK YOU for all the support 2012. Let’s hope for an even bigger and more successful 2013!