Mandaluyong City is notable for its high-end malls. Also, being at the center of Metro Manila makes it a hub for businesses and commercial centers. The city stands in a prime location connected to nearby cities and provinces through a series of connecting thoroughfares and public transportation. Living in Mandaluyong can be so easy, close to key establishments and landmarks without traveling far from home. In this article, I will guide you through the activities you can do in and around the city.
Explore the malls of Mandaluyong
Mandaluyong City is one of the busiest cities in Metro Manila. This is due to the presence of large commercial establishments and malls that are accessible wherever you may go. If you are looking for a place to shop, dine, or watch a movie, then these malls should be your go-to places:
1. SM Megamall
SM Megamall is one of the biggest malls in the country. Located in Ortigas Business District and along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), a shopping center is a go-to place for shopaholics and food lovers.
2. Shangri-La Plaza Mall
Shangri-La Plaza Mall is another prime shopping destination in Mandaluyong City. The mall is also located in Ortigas Center and is just a stone’s throw away from SM Megamall.
The shopping center showcases its modern architectural and interior design. There are also lots of restaurants in the mall such as Texas Roadhouse, Cibo, Brotzeit German Restaurant, and many more. A sky garden located on its 6th floor can provide fresh air surrounded by landscaped gardens with a magnificent view of the city skyline.
Explore the parks
The city is also renowned for its parks and its distance to residential developments and offices makes it a haven away from the hustle and bustle. Some of the green spaces you can explore in the city are the following:
3. Ortigas Park
It is a 600-square-meter park between the cities of Pasig and Mandaluyong.
Despite its concrete jungle setting, the park serves as an urban oasis for office workers and residents to relax and unwind. Ortigas Park is also surrounded by restaurants and malls, so you will not go hungry or bored.
4. Greenfield District Central Park
The Greenfield District Central Park is just beside Shangri-La Plaza Mall.
The green space is a hub for picnics, jogging, and events. There are even recreational spaces in the area, one of them being Climb Central. Explore Central Park with its pedestrian-friendly streets and landscaped gardens.
Recreational spaces for you to enjoy
When looking to have fun in Mandaluyong you need to make sure that you have a game plan. Luckily, the city has lots of recreational spaces for you to fill your day with fun and excitement.
5. SM Ice Skating Rink
The SM Ice Skating Rink is the first and only ice rink in Mandaluyong City.
It is located at the SM Megamall Building B Atrium. The rink is a great place to spend quality time with family and friends. You can also take skating lessons if you want to level up your skills.
6. Breakout Philippines
Do you love solving puzzles? If you do, then you will love Breakout Philippines.
The place is an escape room game where you and your team will have to solve a series of puzzles to get out of a room. Themed rooms are available such as The Cabin, Kidnapping in Baker Street, and many more.
7. Wack-Wack Golf & Country Club
The Wack-Wack Golf & Country Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the Philippines.
The country club features 2 championship golf courses, a clubhouse, and a swimming pool. The club is exclusive for members and their guests.
Experience the city’s nightlife
The city also comes to life at night with its various bars, pubs, and clubs. You can start your night at one of the many speakeasies in the city. You can explore some of the following:
8. Punta Mandala
Punta Mandala is a bar located alongside Shaw Boulevard.
The place has a bohemian and rustic vibe that makes it a great place to relax and unwind. The bar also has live music perfect for young professionals and friends to chill after office hours or on the weekends.
9. Black Wood Bar and Grill
The Black Wood Bar and Grill is a bar that is perfect for unwinding after a long day.
The place serves comfort food with a twist as well as cocktails and beer. The bar also plays soothing music making it perfect for those who want to enjoy the nightlife scene in Mandaluyong.
10. The Beer Factory
There is always something you can go to The Beer Factory.
The microbrewery has a wide variety of beers that you can choose from. You can also order food to go with your drinks. The place is perfect for those who want a budget-friendly night out.
Eat and Dine in Mandaluyong City
The city has a lot to offer when it comes to food. You can find all kinds of cuisines in the city ranging from Filipino to international fare. You can explore some of the following restaurants:
11. Mesa
Mesa is a Filipino Restaurant in SM Megamall.
The interior design of the premises feels like home with Filipino architecture incorporated in every corner of it. The delicacies are also promising with a modern touch to your classic Filipino food cravings.
12. Duck & Buvette
Duck & Buvette is a restaurant in Mandaluyong City serving French cuisine.
The ambiance is casual yet chic, and the food is honest and simple but with intricate flavor profiles. The menu changes seasonally to make use of the freshest ingredients available.
13. Yabu: House of Katsu
Yabu: House of Katsu is a Japanese restaurant in Mandaluyong City specializing in katsu, or Japanese-style fried cutlet.
The restaurant is cozy and beautifully designed, and the food is top-notch especially their signature dish the Menchi Katsu Set.
14. The Aristocrat
The Aristocrat is a Filipino Restaurant that is popular for its delicious food and hospitable service.
The restaurant started in 1928, and since then, they have been serving Filipinos their iconic dishes. Some of their most popular dishes include the lechon kawali, which is a deep-fried pork dish; the adobo chicken, which is a chicken dish cooked in vinegar and soy sauce; and the kare-kare, which is a stew made with beef, vegetables, and peanut sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, The Aristocrat is the perfect place for you.
15. Vikings
Vikings is a buffet restaurant that serves international cuisines with dozens of branches in the country.
It is the perfect place for special occasions such as social gatherings and business events for there are function rooms fully equipped for various kinds of activities. If you want to experience a premium service and excellent cuisine, explore the Vikings near you.
Mandaluyong is a great place to live or visit. The city has a lot to offer whether you are looking for a place to shop, dine, or explore. With its central location, Mandaluyong is also a great base to explore the rest of Metro Manila. So what are you waiting for? Come and experience Mandaluyong for yourself!
