From the penchant for holiday gift-giving shared by both Filipinos and the Japanese, here’s a curated list of exceptional presents
Mitsukoshi BGC is perfect for Christmas in the Philippines. The opening of their first building in the Philippines, with the brand dating back to 1673 in Tokyo, underscores the many things Japan and the Philippines have in common.
For both countries, the yuletide is an extravagant affair. It's all about parties, gifts, spreading cheer, and keeps spirits high all season long with many long-running and unique traditions.
In Japan, Christmas Eve involves a lot of romance. It is considered the second Valentine’s Day, with restaurants, parks, and malls all filled with couples on dates, abuzz with engagement proposals. In the Philippines, December, more than June, the wedding month, bustles with weddings.
The Philippines and Japan share a penchant for Christmas lights shows, too. Japan’s oldest and most beautiful winter illumination event, the Kobe Luminarie, is joined by the Philippines’ Festival of Lights on the list of Conde Nast Traveler’s Most Spectacular Lights in the World.
For both Filipinos and the Japanese, to whom gift-giving is a way of life, Christmas is shopping season. We scoured the recently opened Mitsukoshi BGC for the hottest presents available. May this curated list of gifts help you express your love and appreciation to the most important people in your life.
Beyond beauty
For Japanese leading skincare and makeup brand focused on eco-friendly materials, Kanebo Cosmetics, true beauty is celebrating uniqueness and inner hope, embracing purpose, expression, and diversity in the modern era. What is beauty if not a woman or a man feeling confident and fearless, comfortable in his or her skin?
From its exceptional line, the Kanebo Cream, Lotion, and Emulsion are elixirs that promise fair and bright complexion. Layering and harmonizing the three result in an "unprecedented clarity" lasting, vital glow.
The rich cream features an anti-aging formula that revitalizes, regenerates, and restores skin to a "blissful texture." The lotion and emulsion, meanwhile, provide a smooth, satiny finish.
The gift of sleep
For a restful beauty sleep, Filipino brand Pili Ani has its Before Bed Deluxe Set. The brand, whose name stands for “Chosen Harvest,” specializes in products synthesized with Pili and Elemi oils. In the gift box are Self-care Night Recovery Oil, Calming and Soothing Lotion, Essential Oil Blends in Sweet Dreams, and a scented candle with Sampaguita, Ylang Ylang, and Lavender. Add a few more items to reach the minimum purchase requirement in getting a free wooden solihiya box. Other sets from the brand’s holiday collection are Peace of Mind, Clarity, Fresh Start, Clean Conscience, Ease, Good Foundation, and Good Vibes, all with purpose. Every purchase supports the livelihood of Pili tree farmers in the Bicol region.
Self-care essentials
When Mitshukoshi BGC soft opened in mid-November, it brought with it multi-awarded professional hair care brand E Standard, along with the Japanese fragrance brand Sholayered.
Used at five-star hotels and lounges around the world, E Standard takes pride in world-class quality shampoo with varieties from scalp care to treatment cuticle nutrition.
Another Japanese brand, Waphyto, is known for using the unique "plant biomethodology" that combines phytotherapy, science, and plants, and paying particular attention to soil and geology. All of its products are developed with the power of plants that aims to give positive health and beauty for decades. With a careful selection of natural-derived ingredients and natural essential oils, the product lineup covers categories from skincare to intimate care.
Quality scents, formulated in such a way that they can be layered or combined to create new aromas depending on one’s preference, shine in Sholayered. Scents that can be mixed are Sugar Lychee, Champagne, Fresh Pear, Lemon Peel, Orange Blossom, and Olive Vodka. These three can be found at the Beauty section on the ground floor.
Contempo-retro art pieces
Manila-born Los Angeles-inspired brand, MN + LA, finds a new home at Mitsukoshi BGC. The fashion label reimagines the idea of basic, mixing minimal shades and vibrant patterns in its outerwear, from oversized tees to trousers, shorts, jackets, hoodies and sweatpants. Check out these looks from its catalog.
Upscale menswear
Filipino specialty retailer Signet is a destination for classic tailoring, handmade shoes, trousers, and Japanese denim. From its Kona Bay Hawaii shirts to Ring Jackets everything was designed to look and feel better with age. The brand by Kelly See, Tom Sing, Jason Qua, and Edie Lim guarantees expertise, comfort, and only the best by the best.
Collectors’ ecstasy
One of the biggest bookstore chains in the Philippines, Fully Booked has expanded its Japanese manga and book selection in its latest outlet, by collaborating with Kinokuniya. Close to half of the branch on the second floor of Mituskoshi BGC is stacked with Japanese literature. Some of the bestsellers are manga of popular series Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Spy × Family, to name a few. For something extra, the Colossal Edition of Attack on Titan or the Demon Slayer Box Set is an exorbitant gift to your otaku friend or family member.
A popup of Co, the collectible store, as its name suggests, is a shop for everything collectible. Included its extensive collection are Funko Pops, trading cards, and action figures. Check out the Jumbo Charizard and a signed limited edition Chase Dwight Schrute in a vinyl figure box.