From Friends to The Big Bang Theory – these characters all showed us how warm, loving, and simply fun adult friendships can be with coffee runs at Central Perk and dining out at The Cheesecake Factory. Alas, real life isn’t a sitcom. We don’t live in The Village or an apartment building with all our best friends, and growing up can be such a chore. One thing’s for sure: When we feel like we’re stuck in second gear, our most loyal pals are always there for us.
So, don’t let life (aka first job, promotion, grad school, and other adult responsibilities) get in the way of catching up. Get inspired by Shangri-La Plaza and make time for friends with this lineup of activities that are easy to squeeze into your busy, busy schedule.
Bring back the carefree days as Shang transforms the Grand Atrium into the music fest-inspired Friendship Fête from July 15-24 ahead of the International Day of Friendship on July 30 with anticipated performances from rising Filipino alternative/indie act Any Name’s Okay on July 21, starting 6:30 PM.
Go for a more fun, active vibe and stop by Q Power Station to shoot hoops, compete in racing or first-person shooter simulations, and work up a sweat hitting sweet combos at the DDR. Up the nostalgia factor by visiting Life Four Cuts for its Korean-inspired photo booths complete with achingly cute accessories like animal plushies, bunny-ear headbands, silly hats, and more.
Kick back and relax at the Red Carpet Cinemas and see the latest movies coming out in July. Get ready for a fresh round of Minion shenanigans in Despicable Me 4, experience a roller coaster ride courtesy of the heart-stopping action flick Twisters starring Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones, and catch the much-awaited return of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Deadpool & Wolverine as the two titular fan faves team up.
Prefer another kind of theater experience instead? Red Carpet is also hosting WOW Showing!, a live improv show by the hilarious SPIT Manila, promising laughter and entertainment galore only on July 20 at 7PM.
Time for a long overdue bonding session? Do it over life updates and good food at your usual spot—your home or theirs. Find straight-from-the-farm produce at The Fresh Market by The Marketplace at the Grand Atrium from July 11 to 14 to whip up a delicious dish for the whole gang.
Or maybe it’s finally time to make new core memories. Visit the RCBC Travel Fair from July 25 to 28 at the Grand Atrium to complete the crew’s dream vacay around Southeast Asia or experience South Korea or Japan. This one-stop destination offers deals and discounts on flights, hotels, experiences, and travel essentials, exclusively for RCBC Credit Card, RCBC Wealth Management, and RCBC Hexagon Priority Clients. Pro-tip: Check out Travel Club+ for reliable luggage and more travel needs, Salomon for comfy, cool trail shoes and outdoor wear, or head to the newly opened Levi’s at the East Wing for matching travel fits with versatile denim jeans and jackets.
Navigating life as a young (or forever young at heart) adult can be tough, but that’s what friends are for. Now more than ever, we need their infectious laughter, all the inside jokes, and their support and never-say-never spirit to get us through the rough roads. Sometimes, all we need is a quick hangout with our Day Ones to fuel and get us back on track. Get inspired by Shangri-La Plaza and spend time with a friend today.