Hello Girlfriends!
What I do love about living in Bonifacio Global City, is having an access to almost weekends’ community events and the best part of it is – they are all FREE!
Last Friday night, I spend my pre-dinner hour at Bonifacio High Street and watched the opening night of this year’s #GreatBritishFestival – an annual festival (now on its third year!) sponsored by the British Embassy Manila to promote the strong ties of Filipino and British community!
I’ve got a chance to watch the music collaboration with Mr. Bones + Vanguard Drumline, and their music that made me pump with excitement to be one of the festival goer this season.
And after the music performance, they given us a treat for this year's fashion trends in collaborations with participating UK fashion brands. So no more reason to get sloppy or the coming season :D
This year’s British Retail Fashion Show is much more exciting than the previous seasons, as they gather more UK-brands and also showcased my both models and non-models wearing each participating retail brands’ latest collection. From casual to street wear to officer wear, and if you are looking for clothing for all your family members – they got us covered! Watch my video clip below!
Models and non-models for the British Retail Fashion Show 2017
Great British Festival 2017 – Flier / Passport
From British foods, fashion, beauty, technology, cars, and business – everything UK-brands have joined the 3-days festival and everyone are invited to take part and join the fun. They’ve installed many miniature structures that made us dreams of visiting like the famous London Bridge, The Big Ben Tower, those red telephone booths, and the Stone Hedge! They’ve also installed some fun miniature from our favourite UK-labelled TV series such as the famous iron throne chair from the Game of Thrones, that blue door from the series Sherlock Holmes, a miniatures adventure map (which I forgot which movie that is) and a miniature water-living dinosaur (shit, I also forgot that movie, help me!). There’s also the famous fictional PLATFORM 9 ¾ from Harry Potter, and some stand-alone photo booths.
There are over 100 UK-brands and companies are gathered together for this year’s Great British Festivals, and festival-goers are encourage to visit the booths and get a stamp to their passport/flier from participating exhibitors. And festival-goers who got completed the stamps will have a chance to win a FREE TRIP TO United Kingdom courtesy of Etihad Airways.
And that is freaking AWESOME! Stamps for FREE UK Travel is waaaayyyyy fun-tastic!
And everyone are exciting to collect all those stamps.
Actually, they are more excited compared to collecting Starbucks stamps in exchange for a planner, LOL.
Am not sure why my face is a bit bloated here (or maybe because I just ate kimchi, LOL) but am feeling awesome that day. It is very nice to be a weekend festival-goer, and more reason why I love this city!
On a Saturday (Day two of the festival) I’ve decided to drop-by and roam around (before I do my weekend grocery shopping responsibility, which I scheduled around 7PM) and it was really a super fun sight!
You can shop for your favourite UK snacks and toiletries, kids also have fun with mascots and statues, and even have a free face-paint!
Located at the Ampitheatre, there’s also free film showing like Me Before You, and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Ooh I love film showing! During the previous season, when Ampitheatre is not yet available, we’ve got to enjoy this free film showing, with installed wide screen and we are happily sit comfortably on the greens with our mats, foods and drinks! It was fun and also romantic as well.
Watch the video clip here:
Mr. Security Guard looks badass accidentally posing for me at this Johnnie Walker sign
This year's festival is really fun not only for locals but also for British and non-British immigrants, as they’ve also had a chance to get to know the place, for their family. From retail, looking for new homes, job openings from various UK companies with offices here in Manila, to education, recreation for your family – Great British Festival got us covered. It’s an all-in-one-package!
And during night time, we also entertained with Fringe Manila for their Aerial Dance Collaboration with Airdance and DJ Mica, an internationally known UK-based DJ sharing her spinning skills that night.
It was breath taking performances, with lots of energy and balance – to wonder they are totally fit and strong!
Each night, the British Council also raffled Round-Trip tickets to the UK from Etihad Airways for the lucky festival-goers.
Bonifacio Global City is family-friendly, pet-friendly, and photo-friendly city! Families can hangout to this place, and let their kids play freely (well, not 100% free but with guidance of course). If my sister is here with me, she will definitely go gaga for this place!
Okay, okay allow me to fantasize this Red Lotus (though I know that this is not the latest launched), but it doesn’t matter… I just like this car! Maybe I will be inspired to learn how to drive, hahaha
Then on the Day 3 – things got even exciting!
One the third day of the festival, I’ve got the chance to witness the various performances of the students of British School Manila, and I while I was enjoying their performances, at the back of my mind am thinking – this is where I will send my future kid(s) for their education. It seems that the kids are well taught and they are all talented.
Students should be more encourage to let them engage to any forms of arts, including music because it is good for their development. Ahh I do believe in such things.
Another lucky winner of FREE Round Trip winner to United Kingdom courtesy of Etihad Airways.
And the best part of the festival is the LIVE performance of Filipino girl band group 4th Impact. I remember I’ve seen their performance on TV when they auditioned for the British Got Talent, and eventually won the 5th place. These group of sisters (yes they are biological sisters) are so good I felt goosebumps whenever they perform.
And I couldn't resist to have a selfie with this miniature London Bridge. I remember last year this was much taller (I wonder what happen, lol).
My outfit last weekend, very casual AF and went SM Aura for my weekly grocery shopping (see my green mesh bag?).
So did I enjoy the British Festival?
Abso-fuckingly! I can’t wait to celebrate the #GreatBritishFestival next year!
Congratulations and a huge thank you for the British Embassy for organizing and spoiling us this weekend!
xoxo, Blair
Looks like you had a great time, girl! I'm jealous. Maybe I'll get there some time. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteGreat photos.
http://christiestakeonlife.blogspot.com.au. xx
Thank you Christie!
DeletePrevious week was the German Festival and I missed it :(
So I made use that I won't missed the British Festival!
I had no idea this existed, and as a Brit this is so cool to me! Love the British Designers on show (I'm a big fan of French Sole) and I find it brilliant that in the picture of the British goods stall you can get Heinz Baked Beans! Such a classic!
ReplyDeleteHello Sam,
DeleteI'm happy that you also like my post. Yes the ties of British and Filipinos are getting stronger year by year and its a good news for us! Most of Filipinos would love to visit UK, and yes also British to visit - and also live here for good!
This does look like a fabulous event! I'd love to go. It looks like there's so much to do.
ReplyDeleteYes and event kids as you could see love the event too! All kids in different races hangout together and celebrate :)
DeleteThis festival looks awesome, especially all the fashions! You look like you had an amazing time!
ReplyDeleteBeth || www.TheStyleBouquet.com
Yes I did! Well I always enjoy the event especially when it's free admission, LOL
DeleteGirl, you saw platform 9 3/4?! I would have nocked my head trying to enter!!! Looks like you had a blast!
ReplyDeleteLOL, I just took a picture of it, because many festivals goers are lining-up for a photo-op.
DeleteThat's one of the coolest benefits of living in a big multicutural city. You get to experience really nice festivals and get to know more about different cultures. It looks really well organized. Well done for the good shots! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI missed the French Festival (but no regrets coz it turns out I might be feeling boring if I did, no fun activities like this). I missed the German Festival, ooh that Oktoberfest I like it.
The festival looks like so much fun! I love when events like that bring so many people together!
ReplyDeleteI agree, and free concert and sometimes free booze!
DeleteWhat a fun festival! That girl group is REALLY good. I will check out their IG. Great review. Wish I could attend. I love festivals!
ReplyDeleteThank you Breena!
DeleteWhat festivals have you attended before?
I like the miniature of UK-labelled TV series. As a huge Sherlock's fan, I would take a photo of myself standing next to those blue door !
ReplyDeleteHahaha yeah, the youngster are turn gaga for these miniatures! These miniatures gives more inspirations and motivation to travel to UK!
DeleteThe fashion show would be the best part! Wish we had better festivals like this in the USA with up to date fashion trends featured.
ReplyDeleteOh I thought fashion shows in US is very norm.
DeleteLooks like you had an amazing time. The weather was perfect it seems and so were the fashions.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a fabulous night of fashion!
DeleteYou get to go to the coolest events. You never disappoint. This one looks like fun, fun fun.
ReplyDeleteThank you Valerie! And am always happy that you ladies enjoyed my posts :)
DeleteThis looks like a really fun experience. I would love to attend next year. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Tasheena. This always happen every 1st quarter of the year :) Hope you could come next year!
DeleteWow..This looks like so much fun. I am sure you must have had great time.
ReplyDeleteI did and now am excited for what they will offer next year. It was a very successful event :)
DeleteThe festival looks like it was all a lot of great fun. I'm sure I would have loved to have been able to see all these things.
ReplyDeleteYes David, and I am thankful for the British Embassy for spoiling us that weekend! So much fun!
DeleteThat was fun! It's good to know that the city is holding festivals such as that. I'm sure everyone were racing to get that stamp and grab the opportunity to travel the UK. ;-)
ReplyDeleteJoy | www.fatmoments.com
Hahaha I know! But I didn't made an effort to do so. :)
DeleteBut I felt excited for those winners of free trip to UK!
So the festival was a success this year too, Blair! You look like you had a blast! Was there anything you would call your absolute favorite experience this time?
ReplyDeleteHello Mihaela,
DeleteDefinitely that festival is one of my favorite! And a free performances are a bonus :) I love my city!
Looks like a fun day! Would have loved to listen to the concerts as well as seen the retail fashion show. Such big festivals are often a real blast! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Ariane,
DeleteWhenever its a free event, am IN!
Awesome festival. I love UK brands. I went to London last year and loved to buy some Uk brands. Nice that there were also films. I've seen me before you and really liked it. It looks like there was a lot to do! The creative dance performance is really awesome.
ReplyDeleteYeah but those two film showing are what I have missed! I haven't watched the Me Before You. So I might as well buy a DVD and watch it alone at home.
DeleteI didn't even know this existed!! How amazing. Love that Paul Boutique was at the fashion show. Their bags are gorgeous. And they really go along out with the film and TV sets! Love the Harry Potter one :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, festival goers are gone gaga for these miniatures. So we expect that this year more Filipinos will visit UK :)
DeleteThat looks like such a fun festival. I really like the replica of Platform 9 and 3/4. Of course I also love British fashion brands like Reiss. But the best for me would be the food! I am completely addicted to Cadbury chocolate--but it has to be the kind made in England!
ReplyDeleteThose Cadbury chocolates are all imported straight from England! :) Many festival goers including me had some haul because they sell it at discounted price :)
DeleteThis festival looks like so much fun! I had no idea they put on things like this in the Philippines! Were hoping to make it there soon, so i'll definitely keep it in mind if our travel plans align!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ashlyn :)
DeleteGreat British Festival is an annual festival every 1st quarter of the year so keep that on your calendar :)
Music and Fashion in the same place plus a chance to get a free ticket to UK, that's wow!!!
ReplyDeleteYes its so crazy! You'll get free tickets to UK from just collecting stamps!
DeleteLooks pretty wicked, I'm not going to lie! Nice post!
ReplyDeleteThank you Christopher, you are so sweet!
DeleteI have never attended a fashion shoot. Whenever I read your reviews I long to attend one and do the photo shoots of the participants. Love your pictures.
ReplyDeleteThank you Indrani.
DeleteI might be amateur in shooting fashion shows for my blog but I find it tough. You see, you have to endure not sitting and just standing for the whole time, and capture the walk. Sometimes I need to bend over just to get the perfect shot. Its not a glamorous work, hahaha
Wow looks like you got to do a various activities at this festival It's seem so worth it! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome dear, I love attending free festivals!
Deletewhat an awesome event. i think i should also join in next year :D
ReplyDeleteOh you should! Bring your family more more fun :)
DeleteThis looks like it has something for everyone.Movies shopping food A perfect day out.Blair you look great even in casual
ReplyDeleteThank you Amrita, you are so sweet!
DeleteYeah I tend to dressed low key during festivals so I wouldn't missed the fun and can walk-run around freely :)
What a great festival!It seems you had great time.There are lot of events for each age.I saw some pictures of face painting for kids.Really fantastic!
ReplyDeleteHello Amila,
DeleteYeah and those face-paintings are exclusive for kids only.. good for them! That's why I never get tired of my city, it's full of everyday surprises :)
I love love love festivals! I may just have to look up tickets for it next year ;) haha! Would it be a little much for me to fly over there just for this fest?
ReplyDeleteHahaha that's great Gigi!
DeleteCome to visit during 1st quarter to 2nd quarter of the year here in Manila because those are the months were festivals are over flowing :) And you will enjoy our tons of beaches too!
I love festivals like that. I would have been there all weekend, too!
ReplyDeleteHahaha Thanks Momma! The best part of this is - it's absolutely FREE, and you have a chance to win free round trip tickets :)
DeleteGreat review of your experiences, and also really nice pictures!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! Am only using my Huawei P9 smartphone which I do love because its too handy and captures very vivid photographs :) Leica lenses works truly well.
DeleteThis looks like so much fun! I have never visited this area, but I need to! This is now on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteHello Michelle,
DeleteThank you dear, but this is just a peak of the iceberg. There are tons of fun, adventures, and festivals overload here in the Philippines that you must need to experience.
There is so much magic in this post. Looks like such a spectacular adventure! We're swooning over the market you were in!
ReplyDeleteThank you deary, yeah and I can't wait for its next season! And I hope I could win the grand prize :)
DeleteThis looks like a blast...I love events that bring together so many happy people and offer so many different experiences!
ReplyDeleteHello Jen,
DeleteYou can bring your whole gang and family and even your furry squad here because everyone is welcome and its FREE!
This looks like so much fun! Love the pictures!
ReplyDeleteThank you Cameron! Hope you could visit Philippines soon!
DeleteThat is more fun than fun. I would love to go there someday.
ReplyDeleteSure! You will enjoy many festivals overload here in the Philippines :D
DeleteI love festivals! This is really fun and enjoy. I also love the fashion shows and so on. Super love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you Angela! Keep on browsing my blog for more lifestyle events.
DeleteI love outdoor festivals. Add the UK and you are in for a great time.
ReplyDeleteLOL you are right! I can't wait for the next UK festival :)
DeleteThis looks like a lot of fun. You took many great photographs!
ReplyDeleteThank you Angela! Glad you like them :)
Delete