Celebrate the stars at MITSUKOSHI BGC’s 2nd anniversary

(From left) Charmaine Bauzon, Commercial Business Group head, Federal Land Inc.; Thomas Mirasol, vice chairman, Federal Land, Inc.; Yoji Kawaguchi, general manager, MITSUKOSHI BGC; Yusuke Hirano, vice chairman, Federal Land NRE Global Inc.; Tetsuo Koike, president, MITSUKOSHI Federal Retail Inc.; and Jodee Arroyo, deputy general manager, Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Retail Development Corp. —CONTRIBUTED

Federal Land’s MITSUKOSHI BGC invites everyone to a heartfelt celebration of its 2nd anniversary through the enchanting Tanabata Matsuri, a popular summer festival in Japan.

Running from July to August, Tanabata Matsuri features colorful décor, meaningful rituals, and engaging activities, offering a sensory journey that captures the spirit of tradition and togetherness.

Mitsuko, MITSUKOSHI BGC’s beloved Kokeshi doll fronting 8th Avenue. Donning her new Tanabata summer look, Mitsuko stands as a cheerful symbol of the season, bringing together tradition, festivity, and the shared joy of marking another year of memories at MITSUKOSHI BGC. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

A time for star-crossed lovers

Tanabata Matsuri is a Japanese summer festival that tells the story of star-crossed lovers, Hikoboshi (Altair) and Orihime (Vega). They are separated by the Milky Way and can only meet once a year—on July 7. The tale speaks to every heart that has known love, longing, separation, and reunion—feelings Filipinos deeply understand.

In Japan, families celebrate the season by writing wishes on tanzaku and hanging them on bamboo trees, alongside vibrant decorations that light up homes and neighborhoods.

MISTUSKOSHI BGC mirrors these cherished rituals, giving locals a chance to experience a celebration that unites the two cultures.

Woven with exciting anniversary activities and offers, there’s much to see, shop, and taste. So, here’s your guide to making the most of MITSUKOSHI BGC’s 2nd year anniversary and Tanabata Matsuri celebration.

As part of the Tanabata Matsuri festivities, guests such as Ava Te and Miko Reyes wrote their wishes on tanzaku cards and hung them on bamboo trees. This is a cherished tradition that pays tribute to the Japanese legend of starcrossed lovers who reunite once a year beneath the stars.

Events, activities, offers

MITSUKOSHI BGC blooms with bright entrance arches, setting the tone for a vibrant escape from the city into a slice of Japanese paradise.

From colorful murals to Tanabata lanterns and bamboo leaves with tanzaku cards, the space immerses patrons in Tanabata Matsuri. Of course, this does not go without an exciting line-up of exclusive activities for the whole family.

The kick-off

The festivities kicked off with the traditional Kagami Biraki ceremony, which symbolizes harmony, gratitude, and new beginnings, and the unveiling of the fabulous makeover of Mitsuko, MITSUKOSHI BGC’s beloved Kokeshi doll fronting 8th Avenue.

Grand Matsuri Sale

Between now and Aug. 14, MITSUKOSHI BGC holds the Grand Matsuri Sale, featuring limited items and simultaneous offerings across various categories from participating tenants every week.

The Tabemono or Food Matsuri Sale features exclusive treats and promos from Café Dolci, Bizu, Fukuhachi Dining, Fruit Club, Tokyo Delights, and Yogorino.

From July 25 to 31, the spotlight shifts to style with the Red Tag Sale, bringing special offers on fashion and retail from Giordano, Dr. Leather, G-Shock, Analogue, Fino Leatherwear, Beyond the Box, and Cutting Edge.

Home essentials will take centerstage at the Home Fair Blowout Sale from Aug. 1 to 7, with promos from True Value to refresh your space in style.

Finally, from Aug. 8 to 14, it’s all about the little ones at All for Kids, with engaging offers on toys, games, and kids’ services from @Tokyo, Keeplay, and Kids Box, plus limited-time kids’ menu items to discover throughout the mall.

The festivity started with a taiko drum performance.

Weekends of wonder

From July 19 to Aug. 17, every Friday to Sunday, shoppers can try their luck at Senbonbiki, a popular matsuri game where each string leads to a surprise. Customers with a P2,500 single or accumulated receipt will have the chance to pull a string and win exciting prizes from brands such as Canmake, MITSUKOSHI FRESH, MNLA, Yoyogi, Yogorino, Bandai Gashapon, and Kiehl’s.

Complementing this is the Natsu Workshops series, held every Saturday and Sunday throughout the same period. These Japanese-themed creative sessions invite mallgoers to awaken their imagination through a lineup of hands-on activities.

The following activities will have two sessions, at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., on their designated dates: Make Your Own Sandwich with Kewpie (July 27); Create Your Own Miniature Landscape Terrarium (Aug. 2 to 3); and A Pottery With Bumi and Ashe (Aug. 9 to 10, and Aug. 23 to 24).

Go-to destination

Since its opening, the award-winning MITSUKOSHI BGC has become a go-to destination for discerning shoppers, food lovers, and cultural enthusiasts. It is located at the podium of The Seasons Residences, a premium Japanese-inspired development by Federal Land and its Japanese partners Nomura Real Estate and Isetan Mitsukoshi.