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Power Plant Mall, Rockwell
If I tell you that I'm an oniomaniac, you'd probably look at me strangely and ask if I have some bizarre fascination with onions. But if I tell you I'm a shopaholic, you'd probably giggle and tell me that you could somehow relate. Oniomania and shopaholism are one and the same. It is the compulsive desire to shop until you drop, which is most likely to happen when the credit card bill arrives. No, this is not a tell-all about my life in debt. This is an article about how one place seems to bring out the oniomaniac in me. I am very particular about my environment whenever I do things. When I write, it must be very quiet since I get easily distracted. When I'm out with friends whom I haven't seen in a while and wish to catch up with, I want to be in a place where we can hear each other talk. And when I am in the mood to dance and let loose, I run to the nearest club where the music helps put me in a trance – who needs to talk? Whenever I fi nd myself in shopping malls where each store plays its own soundtrack out loud, I make sure I get what I came for then leave as soon as possible; or else I go home with a throbbing headache and my day just wastes away thereafter. This is the reason why every time I must head to a mall (actually even if I don't have any real reason to) I fi nd myself driving to the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Center, located at the heart of Makati City. Its ambiance is very laid back and relaxing, as opposed to the other shopping malls filled with frantic sounds of video games and videoke machines. I love so many things about the Power Plant Mall. The live sounds of the piano, string quartet or saxophone almost make me feel like I'm in a hotel lobby instead of a shopping mall. It makes for the perfect background for a leisurely lunch with friends or a romantic dinner with a date. The tall palm trees and the birds fl ying around make me feel like I'm outdoors. Some restaurants also give that al fresco dining vibe sans annoying mosquitoes and sudden rains. The serene environment in the Power Plant mall encourages me to take a laid-back walk around the mall and explore the shops and restaurants at my own pace, thus unconsciously shifting me into shopaholic mode. This is not necessarily a bad thing. The fact that I can take my time looking through the shops is quite beneficial, because I can make "wise" shopping decisions, if there is even such a thing. Unlike honest to goodness oniomaniacs, I don't buy things hastily, I like to take my time in deciding whether to buy or not to buy. Aside from the fact that I don't have to worry about overcrowded hallways or getting wet in the rain when transferring from one wing to another, I love that the Power Plant Mall is a one stop shop. From groceries to high-end designer boutiques, it is a smorgasbord of shopping choices. The shops are also notably situated in an orderly manner. You will find all things related to children on one wing while another section called Archaeology is filled with the latest designs of up-and-coming young designers and future retail royalty. When in Rockwell, I often troop to Fully Booked where I can flip through the latest bestsellers and magazines. Zara is another favorite destination where I browse through the latest in European fashion for men, women and children. I also frequently trek over to the Power Plant Cinemas to catch the latest films. Movie buffs will agree that a comfortable seat and good sound system make a world of difference when watching movies, and this is what the Power Plant Cinema surely provides. Surrounding the mall are a variety of retail establishments an easy two-minute walk away from the Mall's many entrances. Delis, boutiques, spas, coffee shops and even an ice cream bar are ready to provide customers with every imaginable need and want. Shopping is actually both thrilling and exhausting, and the Power Plant Mall provides shoppers with a wide array of stopovers in and around the mall. There are a variety of beauty salons where tired feet can enjoy a relaxing foot scrub. My personal favorite is Emphasis Salon, a salon and spa in one located at the Joya Towers and Lofts. To feel totally rejuvenated without having to go through a full body massage, you must try their Peppermint scalp and back massage. With their exceptional service, I'd recommend that place to anyone who wants to be treated like a queen, or king, for a day. If shopping makes you hungry and you feel the need to refuel, there's no need to drive off to another location. There are a lot of food choices in the vicinity. From the children's favorite fast food joints to dad's preferred Italian restaurant, you definitely won't run out of options. For a modern twist on Filipino cuisine, try C2 Classic Cuisine. For some interactive dining, check out Pepper Lunch, a Japanese franchise that will make any meal memorable and fun. Take a look around and it will be obvious that Rockwell's Power Plant Mall is turning into one of the metro's favorite dining destinations. Whether you want to shop, unwind, or relax, shopaholics and non-shopaholics alike would agree that the Power Plant Mall has something for everyone. |
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