There's nothing like nature to soothe the eyes. But in today's hectic world, making a trip to the mountains can be quite difficult. So what's the next best thing? Hit the malls with the best parks to enjoy the best of both words, and while you're at it, don't forget to snap an OOTD or two.
1. Ayala Vertis North
The newest upscale mall in the north, Vertis North is home to favorite retail brands. The Green Strip, as its name suggests, is a grass-lined path in the middle of the mall. Dramatically lit at night and dotted with tall palm trees, it will serve you well as Instagram fodder.
Address: Mindanao Ave., Quezon City
Mall Hours: Weekdays, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; weekends, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
2. Power Plant Mall
Trust any high end development to have its own fair share of greenery on grounds. The palm tress and tall ferns that surround the mall provide the counterpoint to a streetwear shot or the perfect backdrop to a dainty floral OOTD.
Address: Hidalgo Dr., Makati
Mall Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Fridays, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m; Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m; Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m
3. TriNoma
Also with a rooftop garden-cum-park, TriNoma could be your new go-to mall if your feed is itching for some nature shots.
Address: EDSA corner North Ave., Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City
Mall Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
4. U.P. Town Center Katipunan
Speaking as an Ateneo alumnus, the kids at Katipunan are lucky to have an entire mall with cinemas, multi-level fast fashion retailers, and craft stores so close by—whereas we had to take a cab or the LRT to get to the nearest mall. Plus, U.P. Town's greens have become trademark to any Ayala Mall. What's not to love?
Address: 216 Katipunan Ave., Diliman, Quezon City
Mall Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
5. Estancia at Capitol Commons
Capitol Commons has established its own community and has proven to be quite an interesting lifestyle stop. The weekend bazaars and restaurants, as well as the expanse that's covered by plantlife, earn it a prime spot for your next OOTD.
Address: 1605 Meralco Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig
Mall Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
6. Glorietta
Similar to its sister and neighbor Greenbelt, Glorietta features a small park flanked by five buildings. Watch out for the food trucks that occasionally set up shop at night! Its allure lies in its accessibility (hello, P2P buses!), central location, and the countless shops and restaurants that can be found within the complex.
Address: Ayala Ave. Makati City
Mall Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
7. Greenbelt
You'd expect lush greenery from its name alone—Greenbelt—and you're not wrong to do so. In the middle of this mall complex is a park complete with a pond that's teeming with life. You can even buy fish food for the koi! And just a few steps away are two actual parks: Washington SyCip Park and Legazpi Active Park. Both of which are situated beside an art museum, a number of designer labels, and posh restaurants. Talk about convenient!
Address: Legazpi St., Makati
Mall Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
8. SM Aura Premier
SM Aura's rooftop park has partnered with Boxes of Greens to help create funding for rural communities in our country. That, along with the rotating exhibits of installation art and the occasional bazaar, makes it worth a visit when you drop by the mall.
Address: 8 McKinley Pkwy., Taguig
Mall Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
9. Bonifacio High Street
Though High Street might seem more like a strip-mall-slash-park than a typical mall, it's earned its spot on the list by being among the earliest of its kind to truly embrace a stretch of green. Its developer knew we needed respite from the concrete jungle even before we did, and delivered in the most urbane way possible—complete with air-conditioned dining and light shopping options.
Address: 5th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Mall Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (hours differ per establishment)
10. Alabang Town Center
Always the first mall to come to mind when talking about the south, Town has that laidback vibe the neighborhood has come to be known for. The many palm trees as well as the patches of grass around the mall complex remind us that a lazy afternoon is never too far away.
Address: Alabang-Zapote Rd., Muntinlupa
Mall Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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