‘Welcome back, summer!’

‘Welcome back, summer!’With the return of greater certainty and stability, it’s time to bring back what the Rockwell community has sorely missed. It’s about time we reclaim summer, and Rockwell is going all out this season with a whole lot of excitement. Outdoor weekend fairs and events, sunset street parties and an all-new summer collectible tote await Rockwellists!

Rockwell, with Urbanpod Events, welcomed Summer 2022 with the Rockwell Weekend Market. The series kicked off at Plaza Driveway in Rockwell Center in March and featured charms, crystals and natural homegrown products from Heart Factory Accessories, Paul Raymond Studio, Pinkie’s Farm and Good Nature Locale.

In April, Santolan Town Plaza had its own weekend market showcasing organic goods, local handicrafts and more from the aforementioned merchants and Twelve Ph, Casa Garcia, Plural & Co, Jumimo by Vicki, Upgrounds Coffee, Hurno Mnl, Kimbee Nuts and Happy Hour Flavored Beer.

The Grove in Ortigas will have its turn on May 6-8.

Rockwell and its F&B merchant partners will wrap up the “new normal” summer by rolling out a grand summer-ender to be hosted by Rockwell Center and Santolan Town Plaza in May, says Tracey Castillo, Rockwell Land vice president for residential and retail development.

Fittingly enough, the return of on-site events at Rockwell was heralded by the Easter Sunday celebration, this year dubbed “Ahoy!: An All-out Rockwell Sea Adventure.” For the first time since 2019, kids experienced egg-hunting in Rockwell through an exclusive outdoor celebration filled with exciting games, conquests and prizes.

Rockwell Streetside, too, is primed for its own expansion with the addition of some fresh restaurant options.

Castillo teased new restaurant openings, including Marudori and Bar Pintxos at 8 Rockwell, Ramen Ron at Edades and Pizza Express at the R2 Level. Thai restaurants Basil and Greyhound Café as well as udon restaurant Marugame are slated to open in Rockwell Center within the year.

“Our alfresco dining setup adds up to the relaxing and refreshing dining experience in our properties,” Castillo says of the concept they initially launched last year. “We’ll be maximizing this opportunity and see how we can evolve to cater to the needs of our market.”

Patrons looking to escape from their living rooms and bedrooms and make a full-on cinema comeback can break out the popcorn and soda as the theaters in Power Plant Mall and Santolan Town Plaza are now operating at full seating capacity. Moviegoers are allowed to bring their food and drinks into the venue.

Castillo stresses that on top of frequent sanitation, the Power Plant cinemas’ aircon units are equipped with UV light. In addition, fresh air supply is circulated, with an air exchange rate above the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers standards.

Keen shoppers are in for a treat with The Rockwellist Rewards. They can earn points when they purchase from Rockwell establishments and redeem free parking and free cinema passes or merchandise, including the newest Rockwellist summer tote, which will be available soon. As well, customers can earn twice the number of points through shop.TheRockwellist.com.

“Soon, we’ll be launching our rewards program to our properties outside Rockwell Center, such as Santolan Town Plaza,” Castillo reveals.

Patrons who have been looking forward to celebrating their special occasions at The Fifth at Rockwell will finally get to tick it off their bucket list as the events hall has been back in business starting last month.

The sprawling venue on the fifth floor of Power Plant Mall had been open for just a few months when the COVID-19 lockdowns were implemented in March 2020. In June 2021, it served as a venue for COVID19 vaccinations in partnership with the local government of Makati. When protocols permitted, it was also opened up to select production shoots and virtual setups that did not require big gatherings, Castillo notes.

At 1,380 square meters, The Fifth is fitted out with the largest panoramic indoor LED screen in Southeast Asia, an in-house lights and sound system and even a fully equipped kitchen, ensuring that guests get a visual, aural and gastronomic feast.

The main hall can accommodate 500 guests in a banquet setup style, with two VIP rooms (plus a secretariat room) available for smaller gatherings.

“With eased restrictions, we’re very excited to welcome our patrons back and host their milestones,” Castillo enthuses. “We currently have a special booking rate that started on March 14, 2022 and ends on April 30, 2022, for events held from April 1, 2022 until Dec. 31, 2023.”

A promo with Aruga Apartments in Rockwell Center is applicable to full venue-wedding reception bookings, she notes.

Castillo assures that with the COVID-19 pandemic still not over, Rockwell continues to keep its protocols firmly in place to ensure the health and safety of its guests. (Story/Photos by: Anina Reyes)

Get your tummies ready for an all-out Rockwell summer food fest this May