Metro Manila is beaming with skyscrapers and expansive shopping malls. Despite being a small country, the Philippines is noted for having a large number of these. The mall provides many people an escape away from the sweltering tropic heat. Furthermore, it is the backbone of communities, the foundation of retail economies, and a social haven for teenagers everywhere. Because the country gets warm and humid, especially during the summer, Filipinos go to shopping malls to cool off. Major chains include SM Supermalls, which has over 43 shopping malls throughout the country, and Ayala Malls, which has 14 shopping malls nationwide. Many individuals get together to conduct business and network, or to pass the time by conversing. Moreover, places like these are social outlets for Filipinos. If you happen to live or visit Metro Manila, here are the largest malls you can try to check out. Almost everything’s here!
THE SM MEGAMALL
SM Megamall features an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, government offices, an I-Max theater, and more than 900 retail and dining establishments. The mall can hold four million people and 4,200 vehicles. Imagine how crowded it can get? It is located in Ortigas Center and one of Metro Manila largest malls. The SM Megamall was built in 1989 and launched on June 28, 1991. Moreover, the mall is divided into five buildings: Building A, Building B, Building C, Building D, also known as the Mega Fashion Hall, and the Mega Atrium. For 17 years, SM Megamall, the country’s third SM Supermall, held the title of biggest shopping mall in the Philippines. However, it is currently ranked third, behind SM Mall of Asia and SM City North EDSA and the world’s thirteenth largest. A lot of people visit this place everyday even during the pandemic, when it re-opened.
THE SM NORTH EDSA
SM City North EDSA opened in 1985, just months before the EDSA Revolution, a difficult era in the Philippines’ political history. It was once the country’s largest shopping mall until the development of SM Mall of Asia to facilitate IKEA. A facility this big is undoubtedly almost complete in everything. From international fashion brands to the latest in technology and, of course, some of the best restaurants in Metro Manila. I mean, what would you expect in a total area of 5,360,000 square feet of expansive scape, right? SM City North EDSA is currently the second largest mall in the Philippines and one of the top 15 in the world. They aren’t wrong when they say they’ve got it all for you. What’s new? The EkartRaceway is now open on the 3rd floor of the City Center. It is the country’s first all-electric indoor go-kart racing experience, according to SM.
THE SM AURA PREMIER
SM Aura Premier is Henry Sy’s SM Group’s high-end shopping mall in Taguig’s Bonifacio Civic Center. Furthermore, it is one of the largest malls in Metro Manila. Some refer to it as the SM Mothership due to its distinctive design and the fact that it is the flagship pet project of Ms. Tessie Cozon (daughter of Henry Sy). Most shops that you can find here are clothing lines on levels 2 and 3. If you need to withdraw some cash, you can find an ATM on the B1. No need to worry about your cravings because you can find the supermarket and international and local restaurants on the Lower Ground floor. Moreover, after the fun and tiring shopping spree, you can grab a coffee or a meal in the Food Court on Level 4, or in the alfresco area on Level 5. SM Aura Premier’s boasting 234, 892 sqm area.
THE SM MALL OF ASIA
The SM Mall of Asia Pasay is indeed one of the largest malls in Metro Manila and is owned by SM Prime Holdings. The Philippines’ largest mall chain and developer. It is situated in Bay City, Pasay City. The MoA consists of four buildings linked by walkways, malls, entertainment, and two parking structures. You can find shopping and dining options here. Moreover, there is also an open-air entertainment area with restaurant-bars, KTV, and buffet restaurants overlooking Manila Bay. The area sees approximately 200,000 people on a daily basis. Meanwhile, partygoers can enjoy the Esplanade on the backside of the MOA. However, Following the mall’s opening in 2006, several smaller shopping malls nearby, including Pearl Plaza and Uniwide Coastal Mall in Paranaque, were forced to close. The Philippines hosted the prestigious Skate Asia competition in 2007 thanks to the skating rink at MOA where they also conduct training programs.
THE TRINOMA
TriNoMa (Triangle North of Manila) is a regional mall in Northern Manila that offers all of the best in shopping, dining, and entertainment that people from the north have traditionally tried to seek elsewhere. It features beautiful landscaping and stunning water features, as well as a variety of retail and dining options. Everything comes together at TriNoma, from signature stores to new shopping concepts, from chill to fine dining, and from artsy cinemas to a lively activity center. Moreover, this mall is one of Metro Manila largest malls having 195,000 square meters. The mall, which opened on May 16, 2007, is situated on the east side of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in Quezon City, and competes with the nearby SM City North EDSA as one of Metro Manila’s largest malls. Trinoma, was originally known as the North Triangle Commercial Center/North Triangle Mall and was later altered to “Trinoma,”.
