MANILA, Philippines - Robinsons Place Antipolo, set to open on Sept. 26 with a grand opening event scheduled on Nov. 15, is expected to be a game changer and a major attraction in Antipolo City, long known as the Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines and a nature getaway.
Located in a 16-hectare mixed-use complex at the junction of Sumulong Highway and Circumferential Road, the two-level mall will take up six hectares. Exuding a modern tropical look, the 38th mall of Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) was designed by Asya Design, one of the top 10 architectural firms in the Philippines.
Arlene Magtibay, RLC senior vice-president and general manager for Commercial Centers Division, said Robinsons Place Antipolo will have a positive impact on Rizal province as it will also host a new public transportation terminal.
“We’ve allocated a transport terminal that will be the new hub to decongest the city. It is a well planned depot so that it becomes more convenient for the public,” she said.
The mall will host some 200 tenants focusing on well-known brands. RLC affiliates such as Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Supermarket, and Robinsons Appliance Center will serve as anchors. These will be complemented by Handyman, Toys R Us, and Daiso.
The mall will also include Robinsons Bank, Lingkod Pinoy Center for public services such as SSS, Philhealth and Pag-IBIG offices.
Robinsons Movieworld consists of four digital movie houses, including a 3D cinema, all of which have a direct access to the transport terminal. The mall is equipped with a surface parking area good for 604 slots.
“The mall experience is very relaxing. Although you’re in the middle of the bustling city proper, it provides an escape,” said Magtibay.
Architect Geoffrey Yu of Asya Design said that design works with the sloping landscape and elevation to make the most of Antipolo’s scenic beauty and cool climate.
To establish a sense of place and a bayanihan (community) spirit, the architectural firm built a “village” that looks like a cluster of modern nipa huts.
“We wanted to promote the bahay kubo (thatched hut) with natural-looking materials that blend with the terrain. Yet the building style is modern,” Yu said.
Robinsons Place Antipolo comprises an al fresco portion for the food and beverage outlets and an indoor, air-conditioned space for retail and entertainment. The façade is raised above the ground so that visitors can savor the vista of the mountains and the skyline of Metro Manila.
Magtibay noted that Robinsons Place Antipolo is a remarkable area in its proximity to important landmarks. The mall is a stone’s throw from the new Antipolo Public market and a short drive from Hinulugang Taktak, National Park, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, the Ynares Center and homes of local artists.
Ultimately, Robinsons Place Antipolo is part of a bigger development that will include a subdivision and a hotel, all of which will create a new destination.