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Greenbelt: A Study in Contrast
"When the going gets tough, the tough goes shopping!" Haven't we heard this line so often from people who are stressed out, angry, heart broken, or even just plain bored? While this may be the fastest and easiest way to let off steam, whether mentally, emotionally or physically, the instant gratification of the self is the foremost reason for this tried and proven activity. Once the mind is set in this mode the next action to take is where to eagerly spend our hard earned cash. There are several great places to shop in the metro but the result of my unofficial "survey" of ten people proves that the Greenbelt Shopping Center is top on the list. What Greenbelt has going for itself is its location, the variety of retail establishments it houses, and its unique architectural planning – though not necessarily in that order. Sitting on 1.3 million-square feet of prime real estate, this retail complex is found right smack in the heart of the country's central business district. It is the lifestyle center of the sophisticated consumer's craving for top quality dining, entertainment and specialty shopping. The center is divided into five independent parts though interconnected with one another by its unique design, which won the prestigious Urban Land Institute's Award for Excellence, considered the Oscars of the Real Estate industry. Greenbelt 1, which in the early 1980's was the newest shopping area of Makati City, is the mall's original building. It housed the trendiest retail shops and restaurants of that time including five movie theaters. It has retained the majority of the original retail stores, fast food outlets, restaurants, and cinemas but added a number of beauty salons, a supermarket, plus the Onstage Theater, a popular venue for live entertainment such as concerts and plays. It is also the home of Repertory Philippines, the original English language theater company in the country. Indie film festivals, such as Cinemanila, are occasionally held in its cinemas. It has evolved into more than just a shopping section to an arts and cultural come-on for those looking for less mundane experiences. Greenbelt 2 on the other hand is a haven for the foodies because it is home to the mall's wide array of dining establishments. Here, business proposals are discussed and deals are sealed over power lunches. For the person who enjoys savoring the concoctions of the country's top chefs and loves to party at the same time, this is the perfect place to spend happy hour. Al fresco dining amidst the park's landscape while enjoying live lounge music is the perfect way to unwind. No other time has outdoor dining seemed so chic! On any given Friday evening, this part of the business district comes alive with yuppies and groupies all eager to end the work or school week in the company of good friends or a special someone. Greenbelt 3 is perhaps the most multi-functional of all five. Fashionistas have a wide range of shops to choose from. Children are entertained at Timezone, and more modern cinemas await movie buffs. The popularity of the frapuccino lifestyle is evident at Greenbelt 3 which is home to more than six different cafés! This section pulsates to the tune of high-spirited entertainment as the sun goes down. Its restaurants, lounges and bars offer a genre of music selections from Latin to Jazz to Pop. If you are lucky enough you may be seated front and center to an outdoor stage concert of a visiting pop idol like Taylor Hicks, American Idol 2007 winner. This is the type of treat that the Ayala Malls owners and developer give back to its customers, clients and partners every so often. If "label shopping" is your kind of thing then head to Greenbelt 4 for a sampling of the latest collections of the biggest names in fashion. A mini version of Rodeo Drive, Greenbelt 4 showcases the genuine articles Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Prada, Bulgari, Hugo Boss, Charriol, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tods, YSL, Gucci, Bally and Marc Jacobs. If fashion isn't your thing, take the escalator up to the second floor and purchase a good read from the huge Powerbooks outlet or check out the latest trends in digital technology at Avant. Greenbelt 5, which just recently opened to the public, puts a spotlight on Filipino ingenuity and artistry by showcasing a variety of retail outlets featuring famous and up and coming Filipino designers. By the looks of it, the fashion boutiques, furniture outlets and restaurants prove that the Filipino talent is definitely at par with its Asian, European or American counterparts. Modern breed of designers and restaurateurs show that they can easily adapt with the changing trends and tastes of their meticulous and worldly Filipino and foreign clientele. Though construction is not yet totally completed, Greenbelt 5 has garnered instant success and positive feedback from its patrons and critics because of its efforts to put Filipino creativity and cleverness at the forefront. A national publication didn't mince words to sing praise to it as "the new, stunningly beautiful mall, whose design and concept has never before been seen in the country, houses the Filipino soul, which finds expression in the creativity of our local fashion and furniture designers and chefs. Finally we have a place to appreciate what the world has long been privy to." If at this point it would seem that Greenbelt 5 has achieved its goal in concept and design, what is to come in October this year when its Phase 2 is opened to the public? Expect more of the best brands and shopping experiences with the opening of these concepts: Gallery of time pieces (Panerai, IWC, Audemars), Luxury fashion staples (ZARA, Mango, Raoul, Promod), Young Lifestyle Zone (Billabong, Aldo, Charles & Keith, Fox, Crocs, Victor jeans), Family Zone (Specialty shops for children, fathers & home) and Upscale pampering services (Fitness First Platinum, Spa, High-end salon). As The Greenbelt Shopping Center continues to differentiate itself from other malls and shopping complexes, its seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces cannot be overlooked. Its beautiful gardens is the handiwork of landscape designer Ponce Veridiano, whose expertise is like that of a baton-wielding maestro whose every stroke weaves an effortless and uninterrupted harmony that has tied all of Greenbelt together in one pretty package for us to enjoy. Contrary to the meaning of a greenbelt, an undeveloped land around the city that contains parks, farms or vacant land, this Greenbelt is a study in contrast. From its concept and design to its function and beauty, it elevates the status of shopping malls to a new and bold era of Greenspeak where the environment is part and parcel of things to come. |
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