Celebrating the best of life with our grandparents through APO that cares

"We recognize that the elderly should continue to live full lives and enjoy the best that life has to offer, despite the constraints posed by the quarantine. While it may take time before our lolos and lolas can go back and once again rejoin their families and loved ones in visiting malls, Ortigas Malls wants to assure them that they are cherished." ~Architect Renee Bacani, Vice President of Ortigas Malls

Today, we show once more to the whole wide world how unique the Filipino cares for its elderly. And, no amount of challenges can dampen our spirit of loving and caring for our Lolos and Lolas. For, even in the midst of a pandemic, we continue to celebrate Grandparents’ Month this 2020.

Our lolos and lolas have a special place in our hearts. Family gatherings and weekend activities whether in malls, restaurants, or in our ancestral homes almost always involve them. Unfortunately, the pandemic has been particularly challenging for the elderly, many of whom are not allowed to leave their homes under current restrictions.  Many cannot go out to see their family and friends until the quarantine restrictions are lifted.

S.I.L.Y.A. Tito Lorete Alcala’. HIStory.

Paint-A-S.I.L.Y.A.

Was conceptualized and created by ARTISTSHOP thru ARTISTSHOPcares and officially launched as a S.I.L.Y.A. program on Grandparents’ Month, 2017, to elevate the love and care for the elderly as an artform when Tito allowed his rocking chairs to be used and serve as a canvas for painting by artists a painted brushstroke at a time. In the 8th year of S.I.L.Y.A.

We Remember. We Celebrate.

To THANK. To HONOR. And, To INSPIRE.

was conceptualized and created by ARTISTSHOP thru ARTISTSHOPcares and officially launched as a S.I.L.Y.A. program on Grandparents’ Month, 2015, that allows Tito to honor in gratitude by ‘dedicating’ and placing a decal bearing their name at the back of his rocking chair the special people in his life who have shaped him who he is today and, continue to do so.

To ensure that the elderly do not feel left out in these difficult times, Ortigas Malls in partnership with ARTISTSHOPcares has launched a heartwarming initiative called “Apo that cares” in time for Grandparent’s Day on September 13. The ArtistShop is the same organization behind the famous S.I.L.Y.A. chairs made especially for the elderly that are found around Ortigas Malls as well as airports, commercial centers, and other public places around the country.

Cheers to The Philippine Father of Grandparents' Month. Tito Lorete Alcala', S.I.L.Y.A. Founder & Social Entrepreneur. 

“Apo that cares” aims to bring the mall experience to lolos and lolas through their grandchildren. “Apo” comes from the word apothecary, which traditionally is a person who prepares and sells medicine. For this campaign, apothecary doubles as apo – the Filipino word for a grandchild – and how they deliver care and love to their grandparents. Through the initiative, gift bags containing liquid hand soap and soothing balm may be purchased by grandchildren at Ortigas Malls and delivered to their elders – a gesture to remind them that although they may not be around to join the rest of the family in mall visits, they are still remembered. 

Through “Apo that cares”, Ortigas Malls and ARTISTSHOPcares aim for this year’s Grandparents Day to remain memorable and joyful.

For more information, you may check their official Facebook pages - Greenhills, Estancia, Tiendesitas,  and Industria.

Ortigas Malls' Celebrate Life campaign aims to bring positivity and optimism despite the situation the world is currently in as they reopen their doors to all shoppers. Ortigas Malls is also behind the retail favorites Greenhills, Tiendesitas, Estancia, and Industria, thereby enhancing shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences in the city.