THE GRANDEUR OF SANTACRUZAN AT ROBINSONS PLACE MANILA

The month of May is definitely more fun in the Philippines. It is the time of the year when religious festivals and processions are celebrated by the Catholic communities all over the country. The month-long Flores De Mayo (Flowers of May) is aptly celebrated for the abundance of colorful flowers and foliage in full bloom. It is then highlighted by the most anticipated finale dubbed as the Santacruzan- the traditional re-enactment of the search for Christ’s Holy Cross by Queen Helena and her son Emperor Constatine.

Recognizing the religious significance as well as its beauty and grandeur, Robinsons Place Manila, together with EMBOA(Ermita-Malate Business Owners Association), brings to Manila the exciting experience and unique sights of the Santacruzan through its event dubbed as Paseo de Malate and Flores De Ermita on May 31, 2015.

Paseo de Malate

What make this Santacruzan even more elegant are the horse-drawn carriages that will be used by the Sagala ladies during the traditional procession or parade. These Victorian carriages or Caruaje will be adorned with beautiful flowers and will tour around Ermita and Malate leading towards Robinsons Place Manila, the venue of the event’s finale.

The parade will start in Luneta Hotel where the Sagala will sashay down the hotel’s iconic wrought-iron staircase leading to their respective caruajes. The parade will course through Roxas Boulevard accompanied by the Ati-Atihan drum beaters. The parade will end in Robinsons Place Manila where all the ladies will alight from their carriages and will be welcomed with a spectacular musical rendition from the Manila City Band.

Flores De Ermita

The elegance of any Santacruzan is further complemented by the beautiful lasses or Sagala. This celebration will be participated by 21 charming women who are reigning beauty queens and title-holders. These fine ladies will be led by Robinsons Place Manila muse and Reyna Elena, Ms. Earth 2013 Angelee Delos Reyes.
Mall-goers will be captivated by the 21 dazzling ladies as they walk around the mall in their exquisite gowns created by the talented and accomplished designers Johnny Abad, James Acuna, Blas Aligno, Ivan Dela Cruz, Karen Castro, Louie Gonzales, and Aldrin Panglinan.

After the parade, the maidens will then offer flowers to the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary followed by a cultural performance and a fashion show to highlight the colorful pageantry of the event.

Shoppers can get the chance to keep a photo memento of the glorious event with the caruaje and a life-size horse model to be displayed at the Midtown atrium.

Pistang Pinoy Ambiance

Other attractive sights to look forward to are Robinsons Place Manila’s barrio-inspired set-up designs in the Midtown Atrium starting May 25. The area will be transformed into a festive barrio using native materials such as bamboo, pawid, banig and colorful buntings or banderitas. There will be a plaza at the center for games or palaro and nipa hut-inspired booths surrounding the area. Mall patrons will surely enjoy the different photo op corners and activities like the cooking demo and a food fair of delicious Filipino delicacies. A traditional cultural dance will also be witnessed on May 26 for the mall’s monthly Fiesta Filipiniana event.

Reviving Manila

Robinsons Place Manila and EMBOA share the same passion in revitalizing and uplifting the Ermita-Malate area through initiatives and various activities that will strengthen Manila’s economic, social and cultural environment. Robinsons Place Manila, the only full-service premium mall in the heart of Manila and highly supported by various establishments and organizations, continues to reinvent itself to provide additional values to its growing number of clients and patrons. To know more about Robinsons Malls sales and events, like and follow Robinsons Malls in Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.