A sense of place at Robinsons Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The streets around it used to be called by different names. Pedro Gil used to be known as Herran, while M. Adriatico was called Dakota, at the time when most of the streets in what used to be a largely residential neighborhood bore the names of the different states in the US such as Kansas, Tennessee, and yes, Dakota.

This was in the old districts of Ermita and Malate on what was reclaimed swamplands, just walking distance from Manila Bay. It is said that when the Americans came, urban planners envisioned the development of the area as, “the newest and trendiest exclusive residential area for American families.”

It also used to be the site of the Manila campus of the Assumption Convent in Herran, and the Ateneo de Manila in Padre Faura. In fact, at one time in the past, the area came to be known as the university district, and a number of the old campuses can still be found here, such as St. Paul College (now a university) on Pedro Gil, and the UP on Padre Faura.

On this storied place now stands a modern-day landmark, Robinsons Place Manila. Originally built in the ‘80s, the Robinsons Manila shopping center has evolved into a 241,000 sq. m. full-service, world-class shopping complex that continues to reinvent itself, to cater to an expanding market while keeping in step with the changing times.

To the main mall, also called the Padre Faura wing, was later added the Midtown wing, which faces Pedro Gil, so that the entire mall effectively occupies a whole block, bounded by M. Adriatico, Padre Faura, Sta. Monica, and Pedro Gil streets.

The redevelopment of the main mall was recently completed. It has been refurbished and given a new and modern look, such as shiny floor tiles and glass railings, that complements the newer Midtown wing. “We created more space, for the shoppers’ comfort and convenience,” Robinsons Land Corp. group property manager, Dollie J. Bufi, remarked. “With the recent upgrades, proper zoning and new brands, among others, Robinsons Place Manila is now more accessible and complete, offering a more exciting shopping experience for everyone.”

“Our tenant mix is stronger than ever,” Bufi said. Some of the new tenants include Topman Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Roxy, Regatta, Terranova, Promod, Nike Park, Charlie, XOXO, Salsa, Miss Sixty/Energie, and Diva. Adding to the mix are Filipiniana-themed kiosks as well as more dining options such as Bistro Ravioli, Cyma, Kangaroo Jack, The Chicken Rice Shop, Hainanese Delights, Racks, Gerry’s Grill, as well as UCC, C2, and Art’s Cream Gallery, among others.

With Robinsons Department Store and Robinsons Supermarket as anchor stores there are about 600 establishments, “that will appeal to everyone, from people with modest budgets to those looking for branded luxury goods,” Bufi noted.

Although it was a weekday at the time of our visit, the mall enjoyed a good crowd of shoppers — families with young children, students from the nearby schools, workers from the government offices in the vicinity.

“Weekdays are like weekends, there’s not much difference,” Bufi observed about the crowd.

Due to its strategic location, Robinsons Place Manila attracts a broad segment of the market, not only residents of Manila but also from other cities. It is easily accessible to commuters, as it is near jeepney routes as well as the LRT-1 Pedro Gil Station.

Robinsons Place Manila is connected to twin residential condominium buildings — Robinsons Place Residences and Adriatico Residences. It is also near a number of hotels as well as travel agencies, so that it has become a favorite stop for tour groups and balikbayans.

To enhance the total mall experience, weekly events were created such as live piano performances on weekends, Friday to Sunday. And on Tuesdays, there’s the Filipiniana Fiesta at the Midtown Atrium (facing Pedro Gil street) featuring Philippine dances.

“This has long been overdue,” Bufi remarked, as we watched the tinikling while some tourists and curious shoppers took snapshots and video on their digital cameras. “Nearby travel agencies and hotels have requested for a showcase of Filipino culture for our tourists and guests, so they don’t have to go far to be able to enjoy something like this.”

“The events are not meant to just draw huge crowds, but to enhance the shopping experience of mall visitors and give them more value for their money,” Bufi added. “This is Robinsons Place Manila today, a trendier mall, a friendlier place.”