A complete cosmopolis

The concept of Bonifacio High Street is unique and pioneering," says Rowena Tomeldan, vice president and deputy head of Ayala Malls Group. "It starts with a selection of unique and authentic restaurants and retail shops found at Serendra then crosses to a twin boulevard of popular restaurants and winner brands."

Bonifacio High Street is from 3rd Ave. to McKinley Parkway – almost a kilometer-long stretch.

The buzz about Bonifacio High Street all started with a clutch of restaurants located at Serendra – a great mix of establishments that purvey fusion cuisines: Polu Kai Grill (Hawaiian), Gaudi (Spanish), Guava (Filipino fusion), Silk (Thai), Tatami (Asian fusion), and Hosseins (Persian).

Restaurateur Larry Cruz put up Abe as a tribute to his father. Other restaurants that are worth trying out are Balducci, Barolo, Portico, Mezzaluna, Duo, Brazil, Ilustrado and Fez.

To satisfy sweet cravings coupled with a good cup of coffee, ice-blended drinks or even hot tea, there is Cupcakes by Sonja (try the strawberries and cream cupcake), Miss Desserts, Café Mary Grace (ensaymada and cheese rolls), Larry’s Cafe and Bar, Tea & Therapy, and Bookworm Café, all of which ooze with desserts. 

There are also interesting specialty stores located at the second floor of Serendra. Luna is known for its precious stones and baubles. If you want rare gift items and accessories, go Pharaoh for Egyptian finds or Finesa for Bali items. For homegrown goods, Habi Home, Padua and Isa Casa have exceptionally crafted furniture and lighting fixtures. Other shops include Europa, That One Piece (T.O.P), Durrani Carpets, Mantra, Carnevale, and Hermle.

The shops at Serendra also feature service stores like BPI, Nail Tropics, Fix Lab by the Bench Fix Group, Renergy Medi Spa and New Concept Mandarin Philippines (language school). While you are in for some rest and relaxation, your kids can play at Gymboree or have their studio photos taken at Blow Up Babies.

Other stores with unique concepts include World of Feng Shui (for good luck charms), Mantra and Peppered Cherry (hip boutique). For art lovers, there are galleries like Art Verite, Gallerie Raphael, 1/Of Gallery and E Gallery. Indeed, there is something for everyone.

Soon to open food and non-food shops are Chelsea, Xocolat, Tsokolate Batirol, Zao, Conti’s, Cacao, FU, Kape Isla, Souk Gallery, Show & Tell, Bark Avenue, GE Monogram, Isa Casa, Styled Optics, Oh! By Anna Pashmina, Pondok Indah, Julianne Collection, Pandango, Mocha and Belladonna.

"Initially, Bonifacio High Street aimed to attract those who live and work in the Bonifacio Global City and neighboring areas," explains Tomeldan. "Now, we have gone beyond that because even on a weekday, the shops are frequented by people from all over Metro Manila."

Tomeldan adds, "Bonifacio High Street is a complete cosmopolis. It is a relaxing place yet brimming with activities. It also brings a sense of community to the area."

Bonifacio High Street starts at Serendra, anchored by an activity park with rows of flagship stores and winner brands in food and retail.

Stores that are now open include Crocs (cute and comfortable footwear), All Flip-Flops (which has the biggest Havaianas collection), Figaro, Lush, Timezone, Maxiworks, Hobbes and Landes, Speedo, Mizuno, Mini Shabu Shabu, Wristpod, The Face Shop (Korean beauty and skincare brand), and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. When Krispy Kreme first opened its flagship store, hundreds of people lined up just to get hold of freshly baked glazed doughnuts.

"At Bonifacio High Street, we zoned stores according to special interests," explains Tomeldan. "Fashion stores will be near each other and so will kids’ stores and active sports outlets. This zoning was important so that people will have an easier time shopping.

Among the stores that will soon open are R.O.X., Bo Concept, Nike, Adidas, Dimensione, Fully Booked, The Spa, Apple, CK Underwear, Club Princess, Crumpler, Cycle Path, David & Goliath, Animaland, ECCO, Essenses, Fruits & Passion, G-Force (Oakley), JBL, Kenneth Cole, Nine West, Nokia, Picture Company, Rudy Project, Texas Roadhouse Grill, Top Shop, Von Dutch and Philosophy.

The list of exciting stores with new concepts does not end there. TGIFridays, Italianni’s, Fish & Co., Starbucks, Breadtalk, Benetton, Healthy Options, Golf Depot, Puma, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Springfield, Pedro, Natural Source, and Shiseido will fill up the retail side of Bonifacio High Street.

You will never fail to see a crowd of people enjoying the sunshine or moonlight along the specialty shops and restaurants. Some people say that Bonifacio High Street development remind them of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica and Lincoln Road in Miami.

Bonifacio High Street is a localized version of the "main-street experience, the first of its kind in the Philippines. Instead of a street, there is an interactive park or a green pedestrian promenade as the center of activities. It is the heart of Bonifacio Global City and serves as a dynamic social hub." 

Tomeldan concludes, "Bonifacio High Street is the heart and mind of Bonifacio Global City that allows business and pleasure to converge in a truly refreshing and vibrant environment."