Contributed by Touriztadventure
The southern parts of Metro Manila continue to flourish as the fast-rising business and commercial hubs. The south is no longer about “Ayala Alabang” or “Town”. With different establishments, big or small, sprouting rapidly on this side of the metropolis, South people have other valuable options to go for leisure, shopping and dining.
Also read: 20 Instagram-Worthy Spots in Metro Manila
I am listing down the newest spots in the south that I have visited lately. If you are heading down south of the metro, check these out.
1. River Park
Location: Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
River Park is part of the massive expansion of Festival Mall. Opened to the public in 2014, this 2,300 square metre park is a perfect place to escape from one’s daily and tedious work routine as it has a relaxing environment with surrounding nature. Open daily, River Park has a flowing river and wide flourishing green grounds. It has an open amphitheatre beside the river for events and other performances.
This leisure park accommodates outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, and biking. Delight in a variety of gastronomic finds within the park. Likewise, guests are rewarded to a night of musical treats from different homegrown talents.
During weekends, a festive fireworks display is happening in River Park. Meanwhile, during yuletide season, River Park entertains its guests to lights and sound show, an attraction that highlights dancing lights in sync with Christmas songs.
2. Water Garden
Location: Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Water Park is another part of the massive expansion of Festival Mall. This is an area where there is an abundance of shopping, dining and entertainment spots to choose from. Opened its doors to the public in the middle of 2016, expect that Water Park will become a word of mouth attraction among the southern peeps.
3. Venice Grand Canal Mall
Location: McKinley Hill, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Inspired by Italy’s Venice Grand Canal, Megaworld’s Venice Grand Canal Mall became a famous attraction in the southern Metro Manila. Nowadays, this is one of the most visited places in the metro due to its picturesque Italian style architecture. It gives the romantic ambience of Venice, Italy.
On 13 Feb 2016, they opened the Gondola ride. The ride costs ₱500 per person, both adult and children. You may find it expensive but this attraction would let you experience the best of Venice Grand Canal without the airfare expense. It operates every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 11pm.
The Grand Canal is surrounded by fine dine restaurants; however, few of them are in operation. Other parts of the Grand Canal are not yet operational.
4. Evia Lifestyle Center
Location: Daang Hari Road, Almanza Dos, Las Pinas City
Vista Land’s prime development, Evia Lifestyle Center is an upscale commercial venue where you just want to linger and relax. This vibrant and posh place offers high-end ambience in the south as it features its indoor Piazza and sky art that changes colour, setting the mood of the place.
5. Molito Alabang
Location: Madrigal corner Commerce Avenue, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
After a day’s work, why not head to this chill place in the south, Molito. It has a wide array of lifestyle, dining and beauty establishments. Those from the south regularly visit this place because of its casual, calming ambience. A spacious green space allows its guests to lounge and feel the vibe of this place. Dining selection is not a problem because of its plentiful food choices in varying cuisines including Filipino, Japanese, Korean, American, Italian, etc.
6. Uptown Mall
Location: 36th Street corner 9th Avenue Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City
Having a Las Vegas-inspired water fountain, Uptown Mall is the newest flagship development of Megaworld, bringing in luxury shopping and dining at its finest. There are a handful of establishments open; nonetheless, anticipate more luxurious retail brands, dining areas that offer international cuisines, a world-class cinema, a sky garden and a chapel.
Also read: Spice Up Your Instagram Feed With These 7 Beautiful Spots in Taguig
With these rising developments in the south of Metro Manila, South people do not need to go far to experience urban recreation and entertainment, as they are undoubtedly within reach. I hope that better transport system would be in place to fully appreciate these attractions.
