Robinsons Galleria redefines shopping experience in Ortigas Center

MANILA, Philippines - The grand lady of retail in Ortigas Center is undergoing another transformation to bring a new round of shopping and leisure experience that it has been providing for the last 20 years.

Robinsons Land Corp. — one of the country’s premier real estate companies in the development of residential communities, mixed-use properties and shopping malls — is undertaking a redevelopment of its flagship mall, Robinsons Galleria, a favorite destination for shopping and leisurely pursuits since it opened in 1989 and effectively spearheaded the transformation of Ortigas Center into a vibrant commercial and business district.

 “The redevelopment is our way of keeping our loyal patrons engaged and excited about every trip they take to the mall, while addressing the shifts in the way families and professionals now choose to pursue their interests and passions,” says Lourdes T. Alano, Robinsons Malls vice president for lease. 

It is just the latest in a series of stunning transformations that Robinsons Galleria has undergone over the past two decades. The mall’s ongoing transformation, which marks its 20th anniversary, is perhaps its most ambitious yet.

“From the outset, the changes that we are undertaking will be readily evident to patrons old and new because Robinsons Galleria’s entire façade will undergo a massive transformation, especially the sides fronting Ortigas Avenue and EDSA,” says Alano.

There will be eye-catching advertising billboards and stunning glass architectural features that signal the very modern aesthetic the mall is embracing inside and out. “The interiors of the mall will have modern architectural touches and clean colors, not just as matter of aesthetics but also to further energy efficiencies as part of the company’s environmental initiatives,” says Alano. “For example, the liberal use of glass in the façade will allow more natural light in, reducing the use of electricity to properly light the mall.”

Besides the structural and interior changes the mall’s retail layout is also being reconfigured. In particular, the mall is creating specialized zones to further enhance the public’s shopping experience without falling into monotony. “Our upcoming kids zone Jumpstreet on the third level of The East Wing, for example, will have kids-oriented retail brands that will be complemented with food kiosks to serve the appetites of young and old, and a play area that will be open to the children of our mall guests,” says Alano.

The retail brands that will comprise Jumpstreet include Periwinkle, Osh Kosh B’Gosh, Twilo, Kids Hair Salon and Babyland; The White Hat for yummy cold treats, and stores and kiosks for fabulous finds and other interests.

Meanwhile, an already existing specialty zone in Robinsons Galleria, 50th Avenue, is also undergoing a major renovation designed to bring it up to the level of the mall’s transformation. “The Sports Loop is another specialized zone that, besides the stores devoted to sports and the active lifestyle, will feature hubs of interests and leisure for guests who don’t necessarily share their loved one’s passion for sports and similar pursuits,” adds Alano.

Another area that will get a re-imagining is the sprawling area at the Level 1, East Wing which will be MyDomain, a destination for all that a techie’s heart desires, from the latest in cool gadgets and hi-tech services to lounging around with other techies to enjoy their favorite brew over animated conversation and the free WiFi hotspots spread throughout Robinsons Galleria.

Get moving at Sports Loop: All the sporting goods and fitness stores are located in the sports zone. The area will be enhanced by adrenaline-boosting design elements and lively colors.

Of course, what should easily be the most talked-about aspect in Robinsons Land’s redevelopment of Robinsons Galleria is Veranda. To emerge from the strip of retail space on the mall’s second level facing Ortigas Avenue and the adjoining parking space, the re-imagined space will not only bring the mall’s total retail floor area to 96,250-sq.m. from the previous 95,700-sq.m. but also reinforce Robinsons Galleria’s reputation for breaking out exciting new concepts in the mall landscape.

“At Veranda, we will be providing exciting options to our guests who are part of that emerging market of progressive professionals that like to engage in social and leisure activities at their own pace without the constraints of a mall’s typical operating hours,” says Alano. “The space will be a social hub where our guests can dine and enjoy their cocktails or their coffee over good conversation amid a beautifully landscaped pocket of the mall lush with foliage and trees.”

To service Robinsons Galleria guests well after the main mall has closed for the day are Starbucks, dessert haven Golden Spoon, Giligan’s Island Bar & Restaurant, Chef’s Table and its scrumptious Filipino offerings, Johnny Rockets for a mouthwatering slice of American cuisine, and Eat Well! for those hankering for Chinese cuisine. 

With the massive redevelopment targeted for completion just as the holiday season kicks in, Robinsons Galleria celebrates 20 years once more poised to redefine the shopping and leisure landscape for a new generation of Filipinos.