At the heart of the celebration is The Green Circle Market, an eco-conscious marketplace happening at the hotel lobby on April 18 and 19 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Open to all guests with free admission, the market brings together a diverse community of brands committed to ethical sourcing, local craftsmanship, wellness, and environmental responsibility.

The Green Circle is more than just a market—it is a movement. It gathers purpose-driven merchants advocating mindful living and sustainable practices. Featured participants include Eco Shift, known for handmade, plastic-free personal care essentials created by Filipino women; Sip & Tell Café, a Quezon City-based artisanal coffee shop offering locally rooted brews; and Pili Ani, a proudly Filipino skincare brand known for premium products made from sustainably sourced Pili and Elemi oils.

Also joining the lineup is Physiaré, which provides clinically guided physical therapy and rehabilitation services focused on restoring movement and enhancing overall wellbeing; Devarana Spa, offering wellness retail products inspired by Thai healing traditions; and The Pantry, showcasing freshly baked goods crafted by Dusit Thani Manila’s culinary team using thoughtfully sourced ingredients.

Through The Green Circle Market, guests become more than visitors—they become part of a growing community dedicated to conscious living, where every small choice contributes to a greater impact.

Complementing this initiative is “Under One Sky: Poolside Stargazing,” a unique evening experience on April 22. Priced at ₱2,500 per person, the event offers guests an immersive journey through the night sky, guided by astronomy experts from the Philippine Astronomical Society (PAS). Held from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the experience blends science, serenity, and wonder in a relaxing poolside setting.

The evening also features a curated photo exhibit. In case of unfavorable weather conditions, the program will transition into engaging astronomy discussions led by experts, ensuring an equally enriching experience. Guests will be served light snacks and refreshments, while educational materials and astronomy-themed merchandise will also be available for purchase.

Through these Earth Month initiatives, Dusit Thani Manila invites guests to slow down, reconnect with nature, and embrace sustainability—not merely as a concept, but as a shared way of life.

For reservations and inquiries, guests may contact dtmn@dusit.com or call +63 (2) 7238 8888.

And the summer begins, thus the Viva Europa, the European Union’s cultural showcase is on!

From May 25 until 6 June, Filipinos will get the latest cultural treat online as Viva Europa now comes into the comforts of your homes at the flick of your fingertips amidst this COVID19 situation. 

Mr. Thomas Wiersing, Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i., EU Delegation to the Philippines said that Viva Europa 2020 aims to showcase the best of European music, arts and crafts, literature, films, and astronomy.

Every year, the EU Delegation presents various theme during Viva Europa festival which is well attended and participated by different EU member states. This year, because of COVID19, the first EUFFestival will be available online with 11 European multi-awarded full and 8 short films to the Filipino audience.  The films are FREE and subtitled in English and will remain until 18 June. This EU initiative keeps in mind your safety during this pandemic.

And due to insistent public demand, Euro-Pinoy Concert is back! Get ready to jam and to beat the heat and join jazz artist Tomáš Sýkora  (Czechia)  violinists Jeanette Kamphuis and Stefan Randehed (brother and sister team,  Sweden), flamenco guitarist Alex  Fernandez (Spain), DJ Bhutta B (Philippines) with host Sanya Smith, daughter of the legendary rocker Pepe Smith.

The set date is on May 29 at 8pm to be live-streamed at the EU in the Philippines FB page and in Twitch.com.

Lovers of poetry are also in for a pleasant literary recital on 30 May at 5pm. Diplomats and the European community from diplomatic missions from Czechia, France,  Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain and the EU Delegation will read carefully-selected poems that convey messages of solidarity, hope, collaboration to Filipino audiences. The poetry recital (to be livestreamed at EU in the Philippines FB)  will not be complete without the participation of multi-awarded and renowned poets Alma  Anonas Carpio and Mookie Lacuesta together with two young poets from LIRA or  Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo.

Children always have a special spot in the EU family

“Lakbayin Natin Ang EU” or “Journey to the EU” will be held virtually for the first time. French children’s films with English subtitles will be made available for Filipino children this early June. The children’s festival proper will be held on 5 June at 10:30 a.m. also live-streamed at the EU in the Philippines. 

Embassies of Czechia or the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Poland together with the EU Delegation have prepared a cacophony and a cocktail of the best of arts and crafts, films, puppetry together with introductions and doodles’ session with noted television personality and artist Robert Alejandro. 

As the EU is symbolized by the 12 stars to connote unity, harmony, and solidarity among the peoples of Europe, the EU Delegation conducts once again its stargazing and moon gazing event dubbed “Ode to the Stars and to the Moon” on 6 June at 8 pm.

Here is your chance to learn more about the immense power behind the stars and the moon from astronomers Giovanni Seritella, an astronomer on the side and program manager, EU Delegation to the Philippines; Professor Jun Cajigal and members of the Philippine Astronomical Society.  This astronomical event is inspired by the ongoing dialogues between the European Union and the Philippines through the Copernicus Programme. Copernicus is the EU’s earth observation tool that draws on a large number of space and on-site or local measurement systems. 

VIVA EUROPA 2020 PRESENTORS

Viva Europa 2020 is the outcome of fruitful cooperation between the EU Delegation to the Philippines and the Embassies of Czech Republic or Czechia, France, Hungary, Italy through the Philippine – Italian Association, Poland, Spain, and Instituto Cervantes, Alliance Francaise de Manille and the National  Library of the Philippines.

Updates shall be uploaded in the FB, IG and Twitter accounts of the EU Delegation to the Philippines.

For those who would like to watch the VIVA Europa 2020, you may sign at Festival Scope to receive your FREE passes.

Read related story: https://thephilbiznews.com/viva-europa-2019-lines-up-events-that-take-europe-to-pinoy-hearts/