Merriest Christmas Treats

CEBU, Philippines – A series of activities unravel with the much-awaited openings of premium retail stores and dining establishments. And it all happens at the Ayala Center Cebu. Considered as Cebu's premier destination for shopping, dining and entertainment, the mall aims to give shoppers the merriest Christmas yet.

It's going to be the ultimate holiday shopping experience with the soft opening of Rustan's Department Store this mon th. The store consists of three floors of prestigious brands and exclusive finds for discerning shoppers. More welcome additions to the city's growing retail scene are the store openings of global brands such as Cotton On, Dorothy Perkins, General, Mothercare and Urban Apparel among others - plus homegrown brands like Sunnies Studio to cater to different needs and evolving lifestyles.

To delight the palates, there's an assortment of new dining establishments and gustatory concepts around the mall with restaurants, pastry shops and resto-lounges adding color to Cebu's culinary landscape. The distinct flavors of Planet Grapes, Treat Street Café, The Social, Maple, New Orleans, La Vie Parisienne, Burger King plus more options at the 4th level's Food Choices are sure to delight.

From December 3 to 10, the best holiday gifts abound at the Christmas Expo located at Level 1 Rotunda Area. A bazaar of gift ideas, different gift-wrapping materials and Noche Buena baskets are up for grabs, as well.

The jolly events of the season are to be ushered in by the annual Ayala Malls' Christmas Concert. On December 6 and 7, a unique jazz musical dubbed "Frankly Speaking" takes place at the Activity Center with shows at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The concert features international tap-dance artist Omar Edwards and STEPS Dance Studio.

On December 12 to 15, the Christmas rush happens at the mall-wide Holiday Sale. It's where to find the greatest deals, with exciting surprises during the three-day event. The sale opens, on December 12, with a free concert featuring one of the Philippines' most prolific balladeers - Basil Valdez.

Shoppers enjoy free gift-wrapping services for the whole month of December at Level 1 when they present a receipt with minimum purchase of P500. There's free shuttle, from December 12-15 and 19-21, to Fuente Osmena, Labangon, Talamban, Mandaue and Consolacion for a single purchase receipt of P500. For added convenience, mall hours are extended until 10 p.m. from December 12-23 and until 12 midnight on December 20.

The Ayala mall concierge hotline is 231 5342 to 44, local 350. Ayala Center Cebu's social media accounts are at: www.facebook.com/AyalaCebu,  or  @AyalaCenterCebu on Twitter and Instagram.