MANILA, Philippines - Riverbanks Center in Marikina offers family Christmas fun and excitement in Christmassaya.
Strolling around Riverbanks Center’s elevated and landscaped facility is in itself an adventure into surprising discoveries that reflect Christmassaya’s nature-inspired theme for the holiday season, making it mas masaya (happier) here than other traditional entertainment and shopping destinations.
Christmassaya features rare finds and affordable tiangge prices at its annual Christmas bazaar and jaw-dropping discounts at the Riverbanks Mall’s 16 factory outlets of international fashion and sports brands such as Nike and Adidas, a picnic grove, and grill kiosks for cooked-to-order fresh foods at the tree-dotted green by the riverside, breathtaking rides and games at the Grand Carnival, which is open from 2 p.m. to 12 midnight daily, offering fiesta-type rides and games like Vikings, caterpillar, ferris wheel, horror train, and kiddie train rides, among others.
All over the mall are colorful life-size stand-ins of storyland characters, which the whole family can enjoy taking photos with and be the Disney character they wish to be. Lay down your hair like Rapunzel, or be Belle and connect with the Beast in Beauty and the Beast. Cinderella with her carriage is waiting for you, so with Little Alice in Wonderland, while the seven dwarfs are looking for Snow White, too. Not to be forgotten is the Nativity Scene at the Riverbanks arcade entrance of the mall.
Riverbanks Center pulsates with various activities all through the month. Join the traditional Simbang Gabi on Dec.15-23, 7-8 p.m. at the Queen of Angels Chapel and enjoy the Big Christmas Sale from Dec. 18 to 27 for a 50-70% discount on select items from Marikina Shoe Gallery and Off-Price Store for your Christmas gifts.
To welcome the year ahead is the much-awaited annual Year End Grand Fireworks Display and Shindig on Dec. 30, 7 p.m. at the Amphitheater.
Riverbanks Center is located at A. Bonifacio, Barangka, Marikina City. For more information, visit www.riverbankscenter.com or call 570-0701 local 332.