Robinsons Place Rises in the Heart of Bicol, The Pilgrim City of Naga

Naga City, Bicol - Robinsons Place Naga opened its doors to Bicolanos last August 15, 2017 and is probably the most iconic landmark to date in Maogmang Lugar for travelers on the road coming to and from Manila. Located along Roxas Avenue, corner Almeda HIghway in Brgy. Triangulo, the complex is a head-turner and has an imposing structure that adds to the cosmopolitan living of Naguenos.

Mall Hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 PM

The mall is easily accessible from major establishments and institutions in the city as well as the Bicol Central Station.

Aside from being Bicol's center of commerce, the city is considered a Pilgrim City. The local's ardent and indescribable devotion to Our Lady of Penafrancia, "Ina", the miraculous wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin, has inspired Marian devotees all over the globe. Due to Ina's countless miracles, millions of devotions, pilgrims, local and foreign tourists alike, flock to the city every third Sunday of September to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia.

IT'S A MALL WORLD AFTER ALL

In time for the annual Penafrancia Festival, a new mall rises in the heart of Naga, just around 3 kilometers away from Our Lady of Penafrancia's Basilica Minore. Shoppers can go to and from the mall via jeepney, buses or vans and other means of transportation. Guests and devotees can also recharge with different options available. There's a wide variety of retail stores, some are even new and firsts in Bicol, plus restaurants and entertainment facilities all at your fingertips.

The mixed-use comoplex, comprises of a three-level commercial building annexed to a two-level Robinsons Cyberate Naga Office building (for PEZA Accreditation) and two Robinsons Lands' successful brand hotels-Summit and Go Hotels which are both now under construction. The mall has  basement parking and an open parking space for private vehicles.

Daiso, Payless Shoesource, Albertos, G&G are just a few of the newest boutiques and one of the firsts in Bicol. Uniqlo perhaps is the most awaited store which will also to open soon along with Guess, Converse, Kamiseta, Bayo, and many others.

Robinsons Place Naga pays homage to homegrown brands that have made the newest mall in the city their new home. Some local brands that we have patronized has continued to stepped up their game when it comes to this industry. It's such an inspiring feat when Bicolano stores level up and continue to surprise locals with their capacity to go side by side with national brands.

The al fresco area is the most unique part of the mall. You can hear artificial sounds of bird chirping making the experience more relaxing while you enjoy some of the best local food stops like Bigg's Diner, Triboo Grill etc. and some known national and internal brands of restaurants.

For a wide variety of meal options, check out the 300-seater food court. Smokey Minaluto, Naga Garden, Ice Blinker, Western Plate just to name a few, are our local favorites and will surely satisfy your hunger.

With Robinsons' anchor tenants, such as the Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons, Supermarket, Handyman, and Robinsons Applicance, mixed with more features, this newest mall is surely set to be Naga's favorite hangout place and shopping destination. Located inside the Department Stores is also one stop payment center for your basic utilities.

KEEPING THINGS LOCAL

Robinsons Land Corporation's newest mall is all about keeping things local. Aside from Bicol brands inside the mall, it's unique and heavily detailed interior uses Bicolandia's iconic gabi and pili nut to complement and promote the rich culture and heritage of the Bicolanos.

The mall's ceiling features a large, leaf-shaped decor reminiscent of gabi (taro) leaves lit up with green, LED Lights with white lighting that illuminate the grande entrance.

The leaf motif continues to the atrium, whose ceiling also has gargantuan leaf patterns with glowing lights that brighten the activity area. Complimenting these ceiling designs are green posts and vertical gardening interspersed throughout the Mall Interiors.

Robinsons Place Naga Movieworld

Houses six cinemas which can accommodate 1,500 seats for a great movie experience - 

Five cinemas will be for 2D and one for 3D.
For movie schedules CLICK HERE

 Can't wait to watch at Movieworld!

For more photos CLICK HERE 

A spacious 2,000 plus square meter activity area located at the Mall's Atrium area is the ideal venue for shows and events. It's like a 360-degree turn where all guests from the mall can just run to the center and enjoy the show.

There's  the Tree of Life, an imposing structure at the al fresco area. Made of fiberglass with a smooth, glossy-white finish, the 15-meter sculpture by Jefre Manuel, features the iconic gabi leaf, paying homepage to the root crop that has catapulted Bicol to the country's culinary map.

Such motifs create a sense of regional pride and a homey feel for families and friends gathering inside Robinsons Place Naga, while indulging on favorite mall activities whether shopping, dining, entertainment and a lot more.

Located at the third level is the pampering area called the Wellness Zone, tenants like Dermcare, Nailandia, Skin Perfect, Evegate Spalon, Nails Glow to name a few will surely treat you like a VIP with their various services. 

Aside from the entertainment, business and dining feats of the mall, Robinsons definitely gives importance to the convenience of Bicolanos in terms of providing services beyond their usual role. Robinsons Malls Lingkod Pinoy Center is a public service program of Robinsons Land Corporation bringing together government agencies most relevant to the community where the mall is located. PRC, SSS, Pag-ibig, PhilHealth, PhilPost, Tesda service centers will soon be serving Bicolanos and this is indeed a plus when it comes to convenience.

I'm most excited with the PRC Service Center. No need to travel to Legazpi to renew my licenses.
Photo by AxisJ of SSC CamSur

Robinsons Place Naga is Robinsons Lands' first mall in the Bicol Region and the 46th mall development of the company. With Robinsons Place Naga's opening, the total GFA of Robinsons Malls in Luzon will grow to more than 1.4M square meters.

GRAND LAUNCHING OF ROBINSONS PLACE NAGA

August 15, 2017

ArleneG. Magtibay (Senior Vice President and General Manager of Commercial Centers Division), Robina Gokongwei-Pe (President, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.), Hon. John Bongat (Naga City Mayor, Frederick D. Go (President, Robinsons Land Corporation), Celebrity Endorser Maja Salvador,  Faraday Go (General Manager of Office Buildings Division)

Joseph Marco, Maja Salvador and RK Bagatsing during the Grand Opening of Robinsons Place Naga

A wild afternoon for the fans of these three gorgeous casts of the hit teleserye "Wild Flower".

Robinsons Place Naga Tenants
(Source: http://www.facebook.com/RobPlaceNaga)

Robinsons Place Naga

Roxas Avenue, Corner Almeda Highway

Brgy. Triangulo, Naga City

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RobPlaceNaga

Contact No. 397-1888 local 31817

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Review: The Korea House by Kim's Han Guk Kwan Korean Restaurant

Naga City - The fourth Korean resto has just opened its doors along Alemeda Highway to Naguenos. They might be the latest one to open but I can personally say that they will now top my list when it comes to Korean Food.

The Korea House by Kim's Han Guk Kwan Korean Restaurant found at KJA Hotel in Alemeda Highway is now one with the Korea House Buffet in Caimito St. Corner Del Pilar St. Dayangdang, Naga City (effective July 23, 2018). For Buffet pics and details CLICK HERE

To compare, their price is somehow near Manna and Koreano Resto. Some dishes might be higher than the two other restaurants but driving to Almeda Highway and paying a little extra for the food is ALL WORTH IT. Now let me tell you why.

I love their Tofu Soup! I love mushrooms too! And look, you'll also have fun with the tissue, watch the magic happen. lol

Ingredients are FRESH! Twice a week there's a delivery from Manila of some of the veggies that are not available here in Naga like the Kutsai / Kuchai. The Kutsai is one of the side dishes and main ingredient in the fish pancake (center plate) as well as in the soup that we also ate. I might be getting old that I appreciate food now with less or even no preservatives, that's why I really love this new restaurant.

LEGIT and AUTHENTIC! Mr. Kim is very accommodating and entertaining, he will even shares the benefits of eating this and that plus adding up  a little more Korean food culture. And oh btw, the couple, Mr. Kim (legit Korean) and Bicolana wife Ma'am. Zhette, are so nice that it adds color to the restaurant, its a plus point actually. If they are not busy, you might be lucky that both of them might be personally assisting you to the point of teaching you how to eat like a Korean. Mr. Kim taught us how to prepare the Samgyeopsal  and it was so fun learning first hand from a real Korean. 

K-drama fans rejoice! Yeah they have it here as well.

Shabushabu costs P600 per person. Here's why I wouldn't mind paying for that price. Almost all side dishes are personally prepared by the owners, take note, not bought in groceries. Loved the Korean Cucumber, Dilis, Kutsai, Singkamas ahhh almost everything! Everything is fresh and healthy!

Here are some of their food and they still have more on the menu:
Haemul Ramyun at P180
Tteokbokki P250
Galmaegisal P350
Samgyeopsal P300
Samgyeopsal with seafood P350
Bibim Bap P200
Sundubu-jjigae P250
Japchae P250
Ramyun (spicy or mild spicy) P150
Fried Chicken Half P350

This soup was served after our meal. No seasonings were added, making it healthy and it somehow acts like a "pang tanggal umay" after a full meal. But if you feel like adding a few seasoning, you may, or better yet just add some of the side dishes that will complement the taste of the veggies. The mushrooms are for the win!

I just found out that even in Korea, they also have this practice of drinking coffee after having meals. Don't you just love it here?!

Fact: We never drank water the whole duration of our dinner (only after drinking coffee), according to my friend and I quote "Yung parang ayaw mo muna matanggal ung flavor sa mouth mo". But yeah seriously, we only realized that hey"dai pa kita nag iinom tubig oh!" after we were done eating. I think its because the freshness of the ingredients plus the manner of preparation that makes the food more to eat.

Don't ever be shy in asking questions from the owner on how to eat Korean food. You'll learn a lot from the very nice owners and at the same time, they will make you feel at home. You'll never get intimidated because they will let the food communicate to you. All these experiences from this restaurant, I am willing to come back and back for more.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kimshangukkwan/
Location: Caimito St. Corner Del Pilar St. Dayangdang, Naga City

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Review: Chevrolet Sail 1.5L LTZ

Sedans are the easily recognizable cars long before there were SUVs, AUVs and many others. Nowadays, huge cars now fill the needs of families when it comes to space and durability. It's now a challenge for many automakers in making sedans as stylish as ever that will still fit the budget of an average-earning Filipino. Not everyone can afford SUVs and here in the Philippines there has been an explosion of sales when it comes to small sedans.

Pili has stepped up a notch when it comes to car showrooms here in Bicol. Chevrolet CamSur in Brgy. San Jose recently had their grand opening sharing to Bicol another American automaker after Ford in Del Rosario, Naga City.

Chevrolet recently launched a new subcompact sedan called the Sail and I got the chance to take the unit for a test drive. Now here are 5 details that I really like about this car that you might probably consider it as well. Remember, finding your perfect car is just like finding the close to perfect partner in a few years of togetherness. Hugot! Haha

First feat that I really appreciated is the rear view reverse camera. Most often than not, SUVs have the reverse camera for obvious reasons. So, the Sail having a reverse cam is definitely a plus for this sedan. All you need to do now is to focus on the 9-inch touch screen, android-powered infotainment system right in the middle of your dashboard. 

The Sail may not have a fancy dashboard and exquisite cabin design, but everything you need is there and of course very functional. The top of the line LTZ variant has the standard USB port, center cup holder, steering wheel radio control and Bluetooth Handsfree.

Second would be the 9-inch touchscreen Android-powered Infotainment System with 16GB head unit and Mobile connect with Google Voice Search ready for your travels. For one year you'll get to experience built-in navigational system (Waze) on the unit and have the option to renew it after a year. And oh it also includes Spotify and Google Play Store already. Take note, it's not on your phone but it's on your unit. What's also more exciting is that it has a phone mirroring capability, so even if your are using an iPhone, yes, it can also mirror  what's on your phone, amazing right?! Just don't forget that we are not allowed to use the device when you're on the road because ADDA is in effect. 

Dashcam not included :P

If you are the person who plainly listens to music (or news) without having too much consideration about the quality, then the Sail is for you. The LTZ variant has 4 speakers same with the 1.5L AT LT and only 2 speakers for the 1.3L MT LT. 

Reverse Sensors and Rear Camera (Just right above the first 3 in the temp. plate)

Chevy's are known for space and we mean tons of space. 

Third feat would be the ample head and legroom both in the front and at the back for your passengers. 

Just look at the trunk space! Placed my 10L daysack 

and umbrella (fully extended) for visualization. 

Fourth feat would be the inbuilt sunroof with slide and tilt function. I'm a self-confessed fan of sunroofs! You can tilt it to disperse hot air within the cabin or slide to let fresh air and light in. Perfect for your countryside road trips. Plus, it's a better angle when taking pictures or videos instead of doing it on your windows.

Most of the time, sedans are used for daily transport so it's also important what's under the hood. Engine-wise the 1.5L AT LTZ has responsive transmission with Active Select manual mode for the times requiring complete driver control. From the DOE fuel economy rating, the Sail got an average of 18.26 km / liter for highway driving. Again, fuel consumption depends on the driving habits. 

Fifth, she's got the looks! The orange paint job and the contrasting gunmental alloy on the wheels has definitely made the Sail look sporty and curvaceous at the same time. There are no fancy accessories like bumpers, or bulging fenders, nor huge grilles, but the body lines are very stylish. It also has a good looking front with sporty headlamps and foglights which are becoming a norm for all types of car nowadays.

To be honest there's quite a noticeably body roll when driving over a bend or a corner, but hey it's a sedan so we really shouldn't expect much for it to be sporty. I'm used to a light steering wheel. A simple maneuvering back and forth actually felt a bit of a heavy drag when I was trying to park the Sail in front of the building. Perhaps I'm just not used to it. 

Took the Sail for quite a speed run over the Partido area, overall I noticed that steering becomes lighter as you pick up speed. Highway running is stable even when confronted with strong winds which will make you feel like your car is floating even in rugged roads. 

Black versions or black editions are now becoming an option for buyers. Gone are days for the usual stock in gray or simple silver wheels or accents. Almost every automaker is releasing their black editions or versions. 

What's nice are the safety features which are included in all the 3 variants. It includes 2 airbags in front with ABS (Anti-locking braking system) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). The Sail also has a speed sensitive door locks which means that if you forgot to lock your doors and when you pick up speed, it will automatically lock itself. There is an anti-theft alarm system, child lock, child restraint and seatbelt reminder too. 

Aggressive 16-inch gunmental alloy wheels shod with high performance, low-profile tires for quick road reflexes.

So there, is the Chevrolet Sail for you? Book a test drive now! You have to get to know the car really well and to taking it on a test drive is a must! Visit Chevrolet CamSur at KM 449 National Highway, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur. 

What car do you want to see next? The Colorado, The Spark? or The Trailblazer? I'm drooling over the SUVs and I can't help but imagine taking it for a long drive especially this coming long weekend. Until our next review!!!

Price: 

Sail 1.5L AT LTZ P858,888
Sail 1.5L AT LT P768,888
Sail 1.3L MT P713,888

Transmission: 4-speed AT with Active Select Manual Mode

Engine: 1.5-liter DOHC, DVVT

Torque: 141Nm @ 4,000rpm

Power: 107hp @ 6,000rpm

Seating Capacity: 5

For more inquiries, please look for:

JOJO YGRUBAY
Contact No. 0917.778.5266
Email: jojogr.chevroletcamsur@gmail.com

Chevrolet CamSur at KM 449 National Highway, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur

Related Reviews:

Ford Everest Titanium Review CLICK HERE

Ford EcoSport Titanium Review CLICK HERE

Ford EcoSport on Food Trip to Albay CLICK HERE

Getting a Car in Bicol CLICK HERE

Chevrolet Sail Review CLICK HERE

My friends enjoyed Sailing!

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Caltex rolls out Fuel Your School in Bicol

Naga City, Philippines. August 2, 2017. "The best way to begin democratizing access to powerful technology is through our public schoolswhere even the last, the least, and the lost can also experience it. Now, more than ever, we need to invest in the minds of our young people," said Vice President LeniRobredo during the recent launch of Caltex Fuel Your School (FYS) Bicol in Naga City.

Above photo shows (L-R) AmCham Foundation Executive Director Jun Salipsip, Department of Education Region 5 Director Ramon Abcede, CPI Country Chairman Peter Morris, Philippine Vice President LeniRobredo, Southern Cross Distribution Inc., Chairman Jose Mari Delgado, CPI Policy, Gov’t and Public Affairs Manager Raissa Bautista during the launch.

Caltex FYS, is a program by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, which aims to raise P3 million to provide modern teaching tools to teachers of high-need public high schools in Bicol. From August 1 to September 30, Caltex will donate one pesos (P1) for every liter’spurchase of Caltex with Techron in any Caltex Bicol station.

We all know that Caltex is one of the major players in the petroleum industry in the Philippines. With proven quality to protect your car's engine and having international standards, why not fuel your car in the next months at Caltex and you will be able to help our Bicolano Youth achieve better educational facilities and aid in learning. We can contribute to this growth, we can share in the development of the youth, so Fuel Your School in Bicol and gas up at Caltex! 

For more information about CYFS, visit www.caltexfuelyourschoolph.com or Caltex Philippines Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CaltexPhilippines.

About Chevron Philippines Inc.

Chevron Philippines Inc. has been operating in the country for more than 90 years. Caltex™, its retail brand, offers high quality products and services. There are close to 700 service stations strategically scattered throughout the Philippine archipelago and employees working in several areas of business such as Marketing, Lubricants and Terminal operations. The Chevron products that are available in the Philippines include Caltex with Techron® fuel and Caltex Diesel with Techron®D, Havoline® and Delo® oils. More information on Chevron Philippines Inc. is available at www.caltex.com/ph.

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