Food, Art, and Play Come Together in One Place at This New Eastern Hangout

From cosmopolitan snacks and sizzling hot pot to vivid mural backdrops and barkada game evenings, this East-side center caters to all types of hangouts.

Foodies, art enthusiasts, and gamers—this new hangout space in the EAST has something for everyone.

From Neapolitan pizza and Okinawan steak to billiards tournaments and art-filled corners, the new East Wing at SM City East Ortigas is more than just a gourmet playground; it's also a lively social location.  Whether you're a foodie looking for world flavors, an artist looking for Instagram-worthy backdrops, or a gamer looking for friendly matches at the Game Park, this East-side hotspot combines your interests together in one elegant venue.

For the Art Squads: The Glow-Up by Kiefsix

Increasing the element of coolness?  Kiefsix (Kiefer Indiongco), an illustrator and creative director based in Manila, created enormous, vibrant murals on bare walls.  His daring, basketball-inspired designs transform the East Wing into an open gallery that doubles as a hangout and an art crawl.  Additionally, guests are given a playful tour of the area by EYO, a colorful, sun-inspired figure created by Kiefsix that is constantly Instagram-friendly and ready for selfies.

or the Foodies: A Passport of Flavors

The East Wing lineup reads like a culinary world tour:

• Paris Baguette – Bakery brand from South Korea serving pastries and cakes.
• Hoshino Coffee – Signature hand-dripped coffee and soufflé pancakes from Japan.
• Du Hsiao Yueh – Taiwan’s iconic Dan Zai noodles.
• Jiangnan Hot Pot and Grill – Authentic Chinese broths, meats, and sauces made for sharing.
• Rossopomodoro – Neapolitan pizza and pasta straight from Italy.
• Yappari Steak – Black Angus beef grilled on lava stones from Mount Fuji in Okinawa, Japan.
• Nanyang – Singaporean staples like laksa and kaya toast.
• Eat Pizza – Giant K-style pizza slices made for photos.
• Kenangan Coffee & Zus Coffee – Bold brews from Indonesia and Malaysia.
• BEBANG’s Halo-Halo – Fifteen playful takes on the Filipino classic.
• And that’s not the full spread—you’ll also find crowd-pleasers like Sumo Niku, Pancake House, Mesa, French
• Baker, Super Bowl of China, Yummy Mala Pot, Yococo, Coco Fresh, Smashing Lemon, NYFD Fries, Gang Gang
• Chicken, and more. Basically, it’s your foodie passport without ever leaving Pasig City.

For the Gamers: Chill + Play at the Game Park

If gamers and foodies make up an equal portion of your group, the East Wing Foodcourt + Game Park is the perfect venue.   Enjoy ramen bowls from Buchiton, fiery Thai cuisine from Thaiwadee, or K-cravings from Seoul Yummy, and then unwind at the Game Park with pool, darts, or karaoke.   It's the ideal fusion of eating and playing, a time-tested strategy for fostering closer ties between barkadas.

Food court staples like Dingers, TEXMEX, Hey Fried Rice, Lechon Belly Kitchen, Potato Corner, Kohi Manju, Barcada, and Sizzling Plate do participate in the festivities.

Why It’s the Spot for Every Squad

Here’s the thing: the East Wing isn’t just about food—it’s about making memories across passions. Coffee runs, mural selfies, barkada hotpot nights, or game-time showdowns—it’s the kind of place that adapts to your vibe. And with EYO around to brighten every visit, the East Wing becomes the go-to hub for every squad in the East.

Ready to Hangout Here? Snap your mural selfies, discover your next foodie obsession, hit your game streak, and let EYO show you the brighter side of the East.

SM City East Ortigas – East WingFollow along: #HangoutHereAtSMEast | #HangoutWithEYO

At SM City Valenzuela, Bebang Halo-Halo gives the traditional Filipino dessert a daring twist

At SM City Valenzuela, Bebang's Halo-Halo offers a delicious reimagining of the well-loved Filipino dessert in a city where cuisine speaks of culture and innovation. Dessert enthusiasts' palates are captivated by Bebang's playful twist on tradition with each vibrant layer.

Bebang's distinctive version of halo-halo, in which the coveted leche flan is tucked away at the bottom rather than displayed on top, gives each bite a delightful crescendo, is what makes it so alluring. Sago, ube, rice crispies, pandan jelly, nata, corn, and a cinnamon-kissed banana are among the carefully chosen ingredients that give this traditional treat a unique twist in each serving.

However, Bebang's ingredient selection is what really makes it unique. Every serving contains shaved frozen full cream milk, which is revolutionary. The texture alone, which some TikTokers have described as "almost like cream or Bingsu," elevates the experience. When you combine a variety of traditional and high-quality ingredients, you create a dessert that will definitely make people want to return for more.

Bebang's best-selling Presidential halo-halo, which costs only Php 168, has a delicious combination of rice crispies, sago, pandan jelly, ube halaya, macapuno, cinnamon-infused banana, nata, and langka. Melon, mango, buck pandan, and ube are some of the other unusual varieties that provide a delightful range of flavors to satisfy any craving.  

Bebang's Halo-Halo is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of regional flavors and a tribute to Filipino inventiveness, updated for today's daring foodies. Enjoy this delicious take on a traditional dish at SM City Valenzuela's ground floor.

Kiwa Express Offers Authentic, Premium and Affordable Korean Cuisine at Ayala Malls Manila Bay

“I’ve been operating Kiwa Restaurant in Solaire since 2015 and there has been this growing demand from Filipino regulars wanting easier access to my authentic Korean food. It is true-to-heart Korean food. Not fusion. Not localized. And we offer high-caliber and quality Korean cuisine at a very affordable price...the quality is identical to the food that they would sample from Kiwa in Solaire. I observe food being served to the general public is too much of fast food and instant food. It is too salty, sweet, deep fried and harmful to your health.  Korean food offers a healthy alternative as it uses generous portions of vegetables. Kiwa Korean food, in particular, is not instant nor ready-made food, and always delivered via on-site preparation and cooking. I hope to provide healthier alternative for Filipino people for better well-being. This restaurant is our launch pad, the model on which new branches will be based. When this clicks, we already have other upcoming outlets.” ~Dr. David Shim, CEO and owner of Kiwa Express

Annyeonghaseyo!

Drawing from the quick-service casual Korean restaurant is an offshoot of Kiwa Korean Grill at Solaire Resort, Kiwa Express opens its doors at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, to let diners have a taste of authentic Korean cuisine in a mall location and more casual yet modern chic Korean ambiance. Introducing to mall patrons exceptional Korean dining options at an affordable price point. Promising to bring premium Korean menu offerings not yet offered by other Korean restaurants.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of Kiwa Express at Ayala Malls Manila Bay was led by (from left): France Eusebio, General Manager, Ayala Malls Group; Reyna Aguilar, Operations Manager, Kiwa Express; Dr. David Shim, CEO and Owner, Kiwa Express; Veronica Valdez, Operations Manager, Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Kiwa Express offers premium and authentic Korean cuisine at an affordable price and casual ambiance, springing from the success of  upscale Kiwa restaurant at Solaire Resort.

 A groupie with family and friends is made more memorable with the cute bear character of Kiwa Express at Ayala Malls Manila Bay

One of my first time ever experience is to wear a hanbok, also called Chosŏn-ot a traditional Korean clothing.

With my co-bloggers: Gerilen Elinessete of https://gerifiedph.com/; Lally Gonzales of https://lallysreflections.com/; Adae Ang of http://www.adae2remember.com/; and me!

Dr. Shim values the "authenticity" of the Kiwa Express experience. Without hesitation, the authenticity of his food is the foundation of his success. Items selected by Dr. Shim are listed on the Kiwa Express menu as either chef's recommendations or Kiwa signature dishes. 

Here are some of my "Must-Try" Korean food from their Menu!

Kiwa Express Menu

"Kiwa Galbitang, the Korean version of bulalo," is his personal recommendation for first-time diners. It will make you very happy, I promise you that. The hearty and filling beef stew is an excellent introduction to Korean cuisine. Slowly stewing beef short ribs in aromatics produces a clear, delicate broth that is a sensory delight. Also highly recommended by Dr. Shim is the must-try Kimchi Jjigae, a warming, spicy stew featuring their signature kimchi, Jap Chae, Shrimp Tempura, and Doenjang Jjigae." ~Dr. David Shim, CEO and owner of Kiwa Express

This dish became my instant favorite why wouldn't I, it has the perfect soup taste I will always have whenever I dien in at any Korean restaurant.

Kiwa Galbitang, the Korean version of bulalo

Kiwa Express’ Chadol Doenjang is a healthy Korean Soy Bean Paste Stew

The Jeyuk Deopbap of Kiwa Express is a filling Korean Spicy Pork Over Rice

Rice lovers will delight in Kiwa Express’ Kimchi Bokkeumbap, a Kimchi Fried Rice

A balance of flavors tantalizes the palate with Kiwa Express’ Seogogi Muguk, a Beef and Radish Soup

 Kiwa Express’ Signature Dish Galbitang is a must-try Beef Shortribs Soup

 Kiwa Express offers authentic and value-for-money Korean dishes

Prices at Kiwa Express are based on individual serving sizes. For large groups of diners, there are also family-sized options. Customers can order meals more easily by purchasing meal sets in packages.

The Banana Bingsu is a refreshing Korean shaved ice dessert at Kiwa Express.

All the sumptous korean food are of course best shared with family and friends whatever the occations are.

With Chef Anton Amoncio, and Adae Ang

Dr. David Shim, CEO and owner of Kiwa Express

For inquiries, guests can call (02) 7004 7472 or send a message via Instagram and Facebook.

Dr. Shim believes Korean food will continue to be popular among Filipinos.

The modern and cozy interior of Kiwa Express at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, perfect for a quick, fresh, affordable and satisfying Korean meal

The modern and cozy interior of Kiwa Express at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, perfect for a quick, fresh, affordable and satisfying Korean meal

Kiwa Express

3rd floor, Building B, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Macapagal Boulevard corner Aseana Avenue, Paranaque City.

Taste of Japan: Relaunch of Yoshinoya in PH with beefed-up menu and new store design

“Japanese food lovers in the metro are in for a treat. We will give our customers the authentic Yoshinoya experience, as if they were dining in Yoshinoya Japan. This forms part of our commitment to offer Filipinos with great tasting food and make Yoshinoya the No. 1 Japanese quick service restaurant in the country.” ~Ned Bandojo, Business Development Head of Jollibee Group Foreign Franchised Brands

Craving for Japanese food? 🍱🍛 You're in luck! Jollibee Foods Corporation invites you to taste Japan's World-Famous Beef Bowl! Relaunch of Yoshinoya brand in the Philippines with a beefed-up menu and a redesigned store as we celebrate the authentic Yoshinoya Japan experience in the Philippines.

All beefed up to offer a bowl of culinary surprises, the Jollibee Group is bringing the authentic Yoshinoya experience in the Philippines, as it re-opens this August 19 the Glorietta 1 Mall (Makati) branch of Japan’s world-famous Beef Bowl Chain.

The relaunched Yoshinoya will offer a beefed-up menu bannered by the brand’s world-famous bestseller, the gyudon or beef bowl.

Yoshinoya’s beef bowl features thin strips of tender beef, slowly simmered in the brand’s signature gyudon sauce. The gyudon bowl can be enjoyed in many ways, including adding togarashi, red ginger, green onions, and even cheese toppings. Yoshinoya Philippines also offers “onsen” egg or the traditional Japanese slow-cooked egg with custardy egg white and egg yolk, as an optional topping that makes the beef bowl comfortingly creamy.

Also on the menu are other must-try Japanese favorites like tempura, chicken karaage, chicken teriyaki, and beef yakiniku. Yoshinoya’s tempura or crispy fried shrimp is coated in traditional Japanese-style tempura batter. For its karaage, the Japanese Style Fried Chicken showcases thick cuts of chicken leg and thigh marinated in special marinade, deep-fried until crisp golden brown. These dishes are served over steamed Japanese rice.

Want more to satisfy your cravings? Yoshinoya will also offer ram and other side dishes such as gyoza, kani salad, miso soup, among others. For dessert, customers can enjoy the brand’s Matcha Mochi Ice Cream and Coffee Jelly.

To complete the dining experience, all Yoshinoya stores in the Philippines will be redesigned with a contemporary and casual Japanese style that exudes an authentic, light, and welcoming feel.

 

The opening of the new Yoshinoya store officially seals the Jollibee Group’s first foray into Japanese food. The Jollibee Group recently formed a joint venture with Yoshinoya International Philippines Inc.  to establish the Yoshinoya Jollibee Foods, Inc, which will operate the Yoshinoya stores in the country, with plans to expand to 50 stores in the long term.

 

Like the humble beginnings of the Jollibee Group, Yoshinoya started as a family-run shop located at Nihonbashi Fish Market in Tokyo. Today, Yoshinoya has over 2,000 global locations.

To get more information about Yoshinoya, visit YoshinoyaPhil on Facebook and @yoshinoyaph on Instagram.

About Jollibee Group 

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC, also known as Jollibee Group) is one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. It operates in 34 countries, with over 6,200 stores globally with branches in the Philippines, United States, Canada, the People's Republic of China, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Panama, Malaysia, South Korea, India, and Australia. 

Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger); six franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, PHO24, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines; Dunkin' and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee and PHO24; and 51% ownership of Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand. 

Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL) owns 90% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that ultimately owns the Tim Ho Wan brand. It also has a joint venture with the THW Group to open and operate THW restaurants in Mainland China. Jollibee Group also has a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless for Tortazo, a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States.

Jollibee Group was named the Philippines' most admired company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for ten years. It was also honored as one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies and among the World's Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes. In 2020, Gallup awarded the Jollibee Group with the Exceptional Workplace Award, making it the first Philippine-based company to receive the distinction.