Greenbelt Makati
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. It sits on a prime location bordered by
Paseo de Roxas, Arnaiz Road, Makati Avenue, and Legazpi Streets. In its neighborhood is Glorietta Mall and SM Makati. This mall is uniquely beautiful because it is a complex of five modern buildings with each section having its own architectural style and features. High-end shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities are housed in Greenbelt.
In the concrete jungle that is Makati with its heavy traffic and high working population, it is refreshing to see this treasure box of beautiful things. Beautiful landscaped gardens and well-chosen water features create a combination that makes this 3-hectare area truly an oasis. Beautiful things handpicked by prominent local and international retailers, restaurant, and entertainment operators.
Makati houses the richer population of Metro Manila. It is the location for many of the high-end international and local designer shops and restaurants, specifically Greenbelt, although those who cannot afford the thousand-dollar wallets will still find this a perfect spot for some retail therapy.
History
When it was built in the 1980s, this flagship project of Ayala Corporation had one primary building, Greenbelt 1 located just off Quad and SM Makati. Greenbelt 1 was small and quiet with small retail shops, cinemas, and food stalls along the corridor, plus a very large parking area.It was renovated by Ayala Land in 2000 and reopened as Greenbelt 1, 2 and 3 two years after. Greenbelt 4 was opened in 2004 while Greenbelt 5 was opened in 2007.
Greenbelt 1: Shops and Supermarket
On the first level is Japan Home Center, the biggest houseware chain in the Philippines with quality products from Japan and Asian suppliers. For music enthusiasts, Odyssey, the biggest music store in the country, is the best place to buy DVDs of foreign and local artists, head/earphones, speakers and microphones.
Dining in Greenbelt 1
The majority of the dining establishments in Greenbelt 1 are fast food outlets and traditional Filipino restaurants that are already bywords in the Philippine food scene. The popular Via Mare is a 30-year popular Filipino restaurant chain serving classy Filipino comfort food like Pancit Luglog, Dinuguan, Puto Bumbong, and Bibingka. Another legendary name is Max Restaurant which started right after World War II serving delicious fried chicken and Filipino favorites like Lumpiang Sariwa (fresh spring rolls), Gambas con Aligue (prawns with crab fat). The 40-year old restaurant chain, Pancake House, serves variations of pancake/waffle, all-day breakfast, and rice meals.Some places that are starting to gain a steady following include Tokyo Tokyo, a Japanese fast food restaurant chain with affordable Bento Meals, Maki, Ramen and Sushi. David Tea House is a Chinese tea house that originated from Chinatown with Hong Kong specialties like Shabu Shabu, David’s Congee, Beef Brisket Noodles, and assorted dimsum platter. From the 4th generation, descendants of the popular Aristocrat Restaurant family is Reyes Barbeque that specializes in chicken and pork barbecue, grilled pork belly, tuna and squid. Other restaurant chains that have set up shop at Greenbelt 1 are Bonchon Chicken, Chicken Bacolod, Dulcinea, Jollibee, KFC, McDonalds, and Yellow Cab.
After a good dinner, there are two cinemas, Cinema 1 and 2 located on the second level that screens local and international films. Another option is On Stage that regularly has stage plays, concerts, and shows.
Greenbelt 2: Restaurants
Almost all the leasable spaces in Greenbelt 2 are restaurants with a varied choice of food except for Gourdo’s World Market. The front part of this store is full of goodies that cooks dream of having, with shelves well-stocked with bakeware, cookware, tableware, baking and cooking ingredients. At the back of the store is a delightful café serving cakes and gelato.Among the restaurants in Greenbelt 2, Namnam Comfort Filipino is one worth trying with its Filipino food like grilled tiger prawns, baby squid in olive oil, and house crispy sisig. Ma Maison has a Japanese Western fusion cuisine like camembert cheese fritters, escargot baked with garlic butter and Chasoba salad. BurgerBar serves flavorful burgers like Bar Burger, The Piggy and Falafel Burger.
Sugi is a must-go for those who are craving for high-end authentic Japanese dishes like Gindara Teriyaki, Soft Shell Crag Roll, and Uni Sashimi. After a hearty meal, have some of their popular Macarons de Paris and coffee at Bizu Patiserrie which also serves Truffle Conchiglie, Linguine with Shrimps, Chicken Pesto Baked Rice, and Chicken Cordon Bleu, among others.
Greenbelt 3: Shops and Cinemas
There are several mid and high-end retail shops in Greenbelt 3 side by side with popular restaurants and coffee shops that serve as a hangout place for coffee enthusiasts. The most lavish shop in this section is Hermes, a 180-year old French company that sells the most coveted bags (Birkin and Kelly) with 6 to 12 month-long wait list. Aside from the twelve-thousand dollar bags, there are leather accessories, shoes, belts, watches, scarves, and jewelry.Another luxurious, albeit not in the same level as Hermes, designer shop is Lacoste which has French designer, Felipe Oliveira Baptist’s natural elegant but sporty, casual collection of apparel, shoes, bags and accessories for men, women and kids sporting the popular crocodile logo. A newer but popular US label is Kate Spade with clean and classic but trendy designs in women’s apparel, shoes, bags, accessories, fragrances and home ware.
Calvin Klein shop has a display of the bestselling American brand’s men and women’s casual clothes, fragrances, watches, home linens. Kenneth Cole is another popular American brand that sells casual clothes, shoes, bags and watches for men and women.
Dining in Greenbelt 3
The whole of Greenbelt is a veritable haven for the foodies. Smokin’ BarBQ is a casual dining restaurant serving Filipino food with a twist like Crispy Bacon Belly, Pork Sisig Wraps and Pako Fern Salad while Recipes by Café Metro serves Filipino comfort food including the spicy Gising-gising and General’s Chicken. The more adventurous diner should try Krocodile Grille that serves exotic Philippine cuisine and regional favorites like must-try Balut (Boiled Duck Embryo) Surpriseor Garlic Frog Legs
Greenbelt 3 Cinemas
Other than dining and shopping, relax and watch a movie at any of the 5 state-of-the-art cinemas located at the second level of Greenbelt 3. Or use up all those extra energy at the third level where Timezone Arena is, the popular Australian game arcade that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. At the same level, Red Box is a test of your singing skills, with its large repertoire of oldies and the latest hits.
Greenbelt 4: Luxury Brands
Compared to Greenbelt 3, Greenbelt 4 is smaller but houses some big names in haute couture. Luxury brands with shops located in this section include Louis Vuitton, the 160-year old French fashion house popular for its clothes, leather bags, shoes, accessories, watches, jewelry and notebooks for men and women with the LV logo. Founded in Italy in 1913, the Prada shop has men and women’s clothes, bags, wallet, shoes, eyewear and fragrances.If you are looking for high-end bags, accessories; shoes, luggage; eyewear, jewelry; fragrances, cosmetics; and even pet accessories, the Italian shop Gucci is the place to go to. Clothes, shoes, bags and belts with a classic design can be found in Italian brand Salvatore Ferragamo’s retail shop. Bvlgari is another Italian company founded in 1884 with a luxurious line of jewelry, watches, accessories and fragrances. Other prominent international brands housed at Greenbelt 4 include Jimmy Choo, Bottega Venetta, Burberry, Phillippe Charriol, Tod’s and Marc Jacobs.
Dining in Greenbelt 4
The only dining establishment in Greenbelt 4 is Museum Café/ Kabila, which is a high-end restaurant serving modern Filipino cuisine. Try their US Beef Adobo, Pot of Pinakbet, Shrimp Ukoy (Fritters).
Greenbelt 5: Luxury Brands
The main attractions of Greenbelt 5 are the shops of some of the Philippines’ best fashion designers alongside the biggest international brands. The boutique of the Queen of Knitwear, Lulu Tan Gan, has a display of the most beautifully crafted knitted and luxurious Philippine pina (pineapple fiber) apparel and accessories, perfect souvenirs for the visiting tourists. Pinoy Lab by Bench is a local shop that sells Filipino-themed apparel including statement shirts.Balenciaga, the well-liked Paris brand which started in 1919 features a collection of colorful luxurious leather bags, shoes; wallets, belts; fine metal bracelets, and timepieces . The Balenciaga motorcycle bag can be seen in the arms of many international and local celebrities. Paul Smith is a London brand selling fine apparel, shoes, bags and accessories exclusively for men. American designerm, Tory Burch,’s classic/bohemian collection of womenswear, shoes, accessories, watches, bags and fragrances are available at the Greenbelt shop.
Other known shops include Adora, Escada; Bally, Fred Perry; Michael Kors, Patek Philippe; Yves Saint Laurent, Rolex, Liz Claiborne; and Sara. Aside from these fashion retailers, Greenbelt 5 is also the location for many home furnishing and home improvement stores like Blims Furniture, Dimensione and Designs Ligna.
Dining in Greenbelt 5
Many high-end restaurants serving a variety of cuisine mean that you will never run out of options in Greenbelt 5. Mr. Jones is an upscale contemporary American diner, must try is Pot Roast and Garlic Beef Tapa Overload. Krazy Garlic is a concept restaurant serving garlic-rich dishes like 40 Cloves Chicken, and Snowflakes Pizza. Restaurante Pia Y Damaso has an ambiance reminiscent of old Filipino houses. It serves “subversive Filipino cuisine” like Crispy Adobo Chicken Skin and Tails, Callos and Ode to Heidelberg.Upscale meaning expensive but classy and certified delicious restaurants can be found in this section. Felix has a really long menu of various cuisines including Asian and French. You must order GenSan (spicy tuna and garden salad) and Feliciano (adobo with white cheese). Myron’s Place is another high-end restaurant specializing in steaks like the President (US Certified Angus Beef Ribeye). Lusso is popular for its Foie Gras burger, Luxe Macaroni and Cheese and Pecan Tart. Fely J’s Kitchen, a restaurant dedicated to the memory of restaurateur LJC’s mother serves one of the best home-cooked Filipino and Asian cuisine such as all-time favorite Fried Catfish with Fermented Rice and Crispy Pata (Deep Fried Pork Leg).
Kids can also have time of their own at Gymboree Play and Music, an international brand that offers a padded play area and some short classes for kids at the ground level. The toy store and kid activity place, Kidz Station, is located on the third level.
Attractions
Located at the Greenbelt Mall Complex, Greenbelt Park is a zen-style park that combines lush gardens and well-lit water features. The lagoon retained from the old park winds its way through the new park and is interspersed with green bushes, tall palms and exotic flowers. Live ducks waddle their way in their pond. The manicured lawns are off limits but there are sitting areas that are perfect for enjoying the greenery.
Washington Sycip Park
Washington Sycip Park, located
across Greenbelt 1 behind Corinthian Plaza, was created in 2006 by Ayala Land in honor of legendary Filipino
Chinese accountant and banker, Washington Sycip. It features an interesting Koi pond, two gazebos, sitting benches with
Mr. Sycip’s quotes, interesting sculptures by Filipino artists, and a host of tropical trees and plants. Ayala Museum offers an insight on how the Zobel de Ayala family lives and works with a display of the artworks of artist Fernando Zobel. There are other permanent exhibits such as Gold of Ancestors with an exhibit of one thousand gold objects, A Millenium of Contacts with 500 ceramic objects, Embroidered Multiples of Philippine garments from the Leiden National Museum of Ethnology and Maritime Vessels that include a collection of handcrafted ship models. The most interesting is the collection of hand-carved dioramas of important events in Philippine history.
Oriental-themed New World Hotel is located right across Greenbelt 3. This luxurious hotel has 584 luxurious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a large spa and fitness center. Dine in luxury at Jasmine Restaurant that serves top caliber Chinese food like Peking duck and live seafood. Café 1228 has a wide selection of dishes in its buffet with 5 live cooking stations. The Lounge is a great place to get a cup of coffee while The Rouge is a quiet place to meet friends and enjoy cocktails, malt and cigars.
How to Get There
By Taxi
Take a taxi and tell the driver to take you to Greenbelt 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5By FX (air-conditioned utility vehicles)
From different destinations in Manila, take one that stops at Makati Avenue, preferably at Greenbelt 3 or 4.By MRT Line 1
Stop at Ayala station and go through SM Makati which is directly connected to the Ayala station. Go through Glorietta Mall then on to Landmark then cross Makati Avenue to Greenbelt 4 all by footbridge. By LRT1: Stop at the EDSA Terminal station then walk on the connecting footbridge towards the MRT-Taft station to take MRT1 to Ayala station.By Bus
Along EDSA, stop at the MRT-Ayala Station and walk through the SM Annex then to Glorietta.By jeep in Makati
From Washington, look for a jeepney along Buendia that will go to Ayala and get off at Makati Avenue. From Mantrade, take a jeepney along South Superhighway and get off at Landmark. From Buendia corner Makati Avenue, ride to Landmark. From Libertad/Pasay Road, ride a jeep to Landmark. Greenbelt is connected by footbridges to Landmark.
Mall Hours
Greenbelt 1 is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday to Saturday.Greenbelt 2, 3 and 5 are open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Sunday.
Greenbelt 4 is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Coffee shops and restaurants located at the courtyard are open 24 hours daily.
Travel Tips
Not all establishments in Greenbelt accept credit cards so it would be wise to bring cash. Sanry’s Money Changer at Greenbelt 1 can change your foreign currencies to pesos. There are ATMs throughout the mall where you can withdraw money through your card. Otherwise, Bank of the Philippine Islands and Chinabank at Greenbelt 1 may allow you to get a cash advance from your credit card.Always beware of strangers going near or distracting you as they may just be after your valuables. Always keep your gadgets, purses and belongings very close to you.
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Author: janblim. Last updated: Feb 10, 2015
Pictures of Greenbelt Makati
