It’s beginning to look a lot like a ‘Doraemon’ Christmas

Mitsukoshi BGC heralds the Yuletide season with a grand holiday tree and a celebration centered on the beloved anime character Leading the holiday tree lighting were Jodee Arroyo, Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Retail Development Corporation deputy general manager; Yusuke Hirano, Nomura Real Estate executive officer; Jose Mari Banzon, Federal Land president; Yoji Kawaguchi, Mitsukoshi BGC general manager; and Charmaine Bauzon, Federal Land Commercial Business Group head “I’m really touched by this concept,” said Yoji. “I myself, like Nobita, always face challenges. But together with our members and partners, we always overcome them.” To make the holiday celebration even grander, a large Doraemon inflatable installation outside the mall was specially flown in from Japan. Guests were welcomed by Mitsuko, the mall’s iconic Kokeshi doll, now dressed in her new festive outfit. Mitsuko, the mall’s iconic Kokeshi doll Holiday—the Japanese way The season officially kicks off with “A Sparkling Holiday: Christmas Lighting Celebration,” which was graced by Hiroshi Kondo and Horan Kondo, who are the directors and owners of Animation International Ltd., the main licensing agency for “Doraemon.” They flew in directly from their Hong Kong headquarters specifically for the ceremonial lighting. Hiroshi Kondo and Horan Kondo of Animation International Ltd. Families can enjoy meet-and-greet sessions with Doraemon and friends on Dec. 6, 7, 8, 13, and 14, with time slots at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. Santa Claus will also make special appearances on Dec. 20 (11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.), and again on Dec. 21 and 25 at 6 p.m. Japanese-inspired performances will enliven the season, featuring Dream Girls & Boys on Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., and a Taiko drumming performance by the Manila Japanese School on Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. These performances bring the mall to life with rhythm, color, and holiday cheer. Visitors can start their festive dining with Ipponyari, a beloved Japanese restaurant from Southern Luzon, making its debut in BGC this November. Opening in mid-December is ABC Mart, a Japanese footwear and lifestyle store offering a wide range of products for all ages—marking the brand’s first store in the Philippines. Several pop-up shops will also open throughout the Christmas season, including Phiten, Kizik, Splingle Move, Gingersnaps, and Theo & Philo, offering festive surprises for shoppers throughout the mall. “We are thrilled to add a touch of Japanese culture to the spirit of the season,” said Jose Mari Banzon, president of Federal Land. “It’s a reminder that sharing our cultures—Japan and the Philippines—creates new, unique memories we can enjoy with our loved ones.” Read more: Manila Bulletin