Fairytales do come true at Robinsons Malls

MANILA, Philippines - We all know the classic icons of Christmas — the wise men, the shepherds, the belens depicting the birth of Jesus. Then there are the more commercial figures we now associate with the holidays: Santa and Rudolph, Frosty and Snoopy and hordes of industrious elves. Then there are the Hollywood cartoons synonymous with seasonal shopping.

This year, though, Robinsons Malls wanted to go back a bit: they’ve decorated their malls this season with classic characters from the most cherished and popular fairytales and traditional nursery rhymes. It’s all capped off with a live show called “Christmas in Fairytale Land,” a live musical performed by a visiting Australian theatrical troupe that’s making the rounds of Robinsons Malls throughout the country this November and December.

The musical was premiered with a sit-down lunch at the Activity Area of Robinsons Galleria, with Robinsons Retail Group director Robina Y. Gokongwei-Pe in attendance along with media guests.

And what could be more Christmas-y than designer and socialite Tessa Prieto-Valdes reading from a fairytale book to a bunch of kiddies gathered at her feet? Tessa looked as colorful and bedecked with ribbons for the occasion as any early Christmas gift, as she read from “a magic book that creates anything you want just by flipping the pages,” and quizzed the kids on their knowledge of famous fairytale characters, offering those who shouted out the right answers “a hug.” All went home with stuffed teddy bears before the 15-minute preview of “Christmas in Fairytale Land” hit the stage.

Tell me a story: Tessa Prieto-Valdes introduces the pageant “Christmas in Fairytale Land” at Robinsons Galleria with a little Q&A.

The spectacle brings to life beloved characters Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Pinocchio, the Wicked Witch, Humpty Dumpty, The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf. Through colorful decorations, highly visual attractions and installations, and original songs and music, Robinsons Malls carries on its tradition of bringing joy once the Yuletide season rolls in.

“This year promises something more spectacular as Robinsons Malls takes a trip back in time to give life to the beloved fairytales we so loved as bright-eyed children,” said Robinsons Malls corporate public relations manager Roseann C. Villegas. “Creatively, it is our way of urging everyone to go back to the simple, yet meaningful spirit of Christmas: the spirit of sharing and giving oneself unselfishly to others which are the compelling underlying themes of many of our beloved fairytales.”

To make the fairytale spell last, Robinsons Malls will bring the show across the country, starting with a premiere at Robinsons Galleria today, Friday, Nov. 19. Catch the next performance at Robinsons Place Manila Nov. 26.

But there’s more. From this week till the first week of December, “Robinsons Fairytale Land” offers wonder and excitement with a host of creative décor and installations. Stellar attractions include, among others, the giant, lace-like Christmas stars at Robinsons Galleria; the 90-foot Christmas Tree with a gigantic five-pointed star and Night Bazaar at Robinsons Nova Market; photo-op installations featuring the fairytale characters at Robinsons Sta. Rosa Market; and oversized installations and colorful 3D photo-op displays at Robinsons Place Dasmariñas and Robinsons Place Imus.

There are also lighted photo-op displays simulating an open fairytale book design at Robinsons Place Angeles, Robinsons Ilocos Norte and Robinsons Place Gensan; and a spectacular 500-square-meter interactive children’s playground with pop-up pages from the fairytale story book in larger-than-life dimensions at Robinsons Starmills Pampanga.

And since Christmas starts just a little earlier in the Philippines than the rest of the world, Robinsons Malls is proud to claim that their presentation of “Christmas in Fairytale Land” represents the “first Christmas pageant in Asia,” as well as the first time that its holiday event is being launched at the show’s actual stage and setting.

Here are the scheduled performances of “Christmas in Fairytale Land”: Robinsons Galleria (Nov. 19); Robinsons Place Manila (Nov. 26); Robinsons Nova Market (Dec. 4); Robinsons Metro East (Dec. 5); Robinsons Starmills Pampanga (Dec. 10); Robinsons Sta. Rosa Market (Dec. 11); Robinsons Place Imus (Dec. 12); Robinsons Place Angeles (Dec. 17); Robinsons Otis (Dec. 19); Robinsons Place Lipa (Dec. 21); Robinsons Place Dasmariñas (Dec. 22),