Promotions and news in HCMC and beyond…
Mapletree renames Kumho Asiana Plaza to mPlaza Saigon
Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd (“Mapletree” or “the Group”), a leading real estate development, investment and capital management company, has rebranded Kumho Asiana Plaza to mPlaza Saigon. The change of name is part of the Group’s plan to rejuvenate the property which was acquired in June 2016. mPlaza Saigon is a prime mixed-use development comprising a Grade A office building, a serviced apartment tower, a hotel and a retail podium in District 1. Mapletree
has commenced asset enhancement initiatives (AEI) at the property, which will be carried out in phases, starting with the retail podium. The office, hotel and serviced apartment tower will subsequently undergo AEI over the next few years. Wendy Koh, Mapletree’s Regional Chief Executive Officer of South East Asia, said: “Tapping on our rich experiences in developing mixed-use properties like Saigon South Place, a 4.4-hectare precinct in the affluent District 7 of HCMC, we
aim to refresh mPlaza Saigon to give it a new lease of life, and be the place to work, live and play in the heart of HCMC’s central business district.”
After completing the first phase of the AEI, the retail podium will be transformed to a modern space with carved out open concept retail area. The podium will also bring a better tenant mix which includes a cinema, Asian and international dining options, as well as trendy cafes and juice bars to benefit mPlaza Saigon’s residents, hotel guests and office tenants, and its customers.
mPlaza Saigon measures close to 146,000 square metres in gross floor area. Occupancy rates across the 21-storey Grade A office tower, the 260-unit award-winning serviced apartment, and the four-storey retail podium are considered some of the strongest in the market. The serviced apartment and the 305-room hotel are managed by InterContinental Hotels Group. mPlaza Saigon is centrally located along Le Duan Boulevard and Hai Ba Trung Street in the center of HCMC. It is also close to the city’s major landmarks and tourist attractions such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and is accessible to all the districts in HCMC. Mapletree began investing in Vietnam in 2005, and today owns and manages a portfolio comprising office, retail, residential, industrial, logistics, and serviced apartment assets. Including mPlaza Saigon, the Group now has over S$1.2 billion in assets under management in the country.
For more info, visit www.mapletree.com.sg
Pamper Your Pooch
The first pet villa in Vietnam, Bed & Pet-first (14A6 Thao Dien, D2) offers the best care and amenities for your pets. Their 11,000 square feet villa was designed with the best comfort in mind and every little detail was thought of so that your pet can relax and enjoy their stay. Dog owners can receive daily photographs and messages to keep them updated while away, or use the private cameras available to talk to your dogs any time, everywhere you go. To celebrate its 20-month anniversary customers save 20% when purchasing their new editing package.
For more details, call (028) 37 444 178 / 0934 080 186.
Exciting New European Grill and Vietnamese Bistro at Hotel Equatorial
Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City (242 Tran Binh Trong, D5; (028) 3839 7777) has recently appointed Chefs Donald Pezar and Pastry Chef Pongrat Prasitthimet to create a new dining experience. They are delighted to announce a new bistro concept at Chit Chat at the Café, where diners will enjoy a European grill and Vietnamese bistro all in one. The European grill features a range of imported steaks, meats and seafood. Diners can enjoy the freshest produce such as grass fed Angus beef from Cape Grim in Tasmania, free range lamb from New Zealand, or live Canadian lobster cooked exactly to their liking. Chef Pezar’s home recipe of ‘homesmoked baby back ribs with Kansas City barbecue glaze’ is amongst the biggest favorites. Chit Chat at The Café is a great place to experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine with the reintroduction of some local classics, prepared with the freshest of ingredients, such as steamed chicken with onions & Vietnamese herbs, braised caramel prawns with fish sauce & spring onions clay pot or Bun Cha and more.
Pastry Chef Pongrat also brings the very best of irresistible desserts including ‘the finest Vietnamese Marou Chocolate Mousse with sea salt & biscotti’, New York-style apple cheesecake with oatmeal crumble topping & caramel sauce’. Chef Pongrat has also developed a delicious rage of artisan chocolates, cakes and pastries available at Etc, located at Chit Chat the Cafe.
Flor De Caña Launches A Limited “Legacy Edition”
Flor de Caña announced the launch of a special edition of its Flor de Caña 12 Years and Flor de Caña 18 Years ultra-premium rums under the name “Legacy Edition.” This special edition collection pays tribute to artists from around the globe through painting and poetry. The exterior packaging design features an original painting by Nicaraguan artist Augusto Silva and includes a book with a poetic anthology selected by Honduran poet Rolando Kattan, consisting of 49 poets representing 38 countries in 16 original languages.
In addition to the artful packaging, the “Legacy Edition” contains a poetry book with the work of internationally renowned poets from five continents. Representing Vietnam, the book features poems from local poet Chan Phuong’s work Blues of the Sea.
