Everything's new and vibrant at Newport City

Bustling mega structures that boast magnificent architectures, which allow space for community interaction, for savoring nature, and for bonding with family and the barkada are just some of the trademarks of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls (MLM).

Megaworld is popularly known as a residential and office developer, but not a lot of people are aware that it also creates lifestyle destinations that are vibrant, energetic, and unique.

“That’s why we created a new brand called Megaworld Lifestyle Malls,” explains Kevin Tan, first vice president and division head of Megaworld Commercial Division.

The Megaworld Lifestyle Malls encapsulates all the lifestyle malls developed and operated by Megaworld Corporation, namely Eastwood City, Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill, Forbes Town Center in Taguig, the newly opened Lucky Chinatown, and the vibrant Newport Mall at Resorts World Manila.

Viva Las Vegas

With its strategic location across Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Newport City has the added draw of being easily accessible to local and foreign tourists flying into Manila every day.

“We brought the distinct features of an international tourist destination to the Philippines so more people can have access and the pleasure of enjoying them,” enthuses Kevin.

Las Vegas is obviously the design peg for Newport City.

“The Newport Mall at Resorts World Manila features four levels of luxury shopping and dining,” notes Kevin.

The Newport Mall is a fashion haven for those who want to splurge on designer brands. Check out the luxe leather pieces — bags, shoes, wallets, and belts — at Bulgari and Salvatorre Ferragamo. Shop for time at Tudor Rolex, Bedat & Co., and Segna Tempo. The mechanical wonders these brands offer are a joy forever, despite a world-gone-digital.

“We wanted to create a mall that was grand and flamboyant. Also, we wanted to get that outdoor feel, but it had to be air-conditioned so we put a glass skyline with dramatic lighting,” enthuses Kevin.

A striking feature is the fully air-conditioned indoor plaza, an atrium-type setting enclosed by a glass ceiling.

Those who are passionate about all things delish can satisfy their cravings at the Newport Mall, which houses some of the best restos in the metro: Casino players, ecstatic theater-goers, and famished French food aficionados dine at Beurre Blanc French Mediterranean Cuisine and grab a few drinks at The Wine Bar to make them feel really good on a lucky or a not so lucky day.

Beurre blanc, a sauce made famous by the French, literally means wine and butter. The restaurant offers steaks, salads, and other dishes prepared with what else but beurre blanc sauce.

At Beurre Blanc, dough shall not resist the aroma of freshly baked bread still warm from the oven. Because once seated, a server would plop down a plate of bread — for free — on the table even before handing diners the menu. For the main course, steak your claim at the peppered steak, crusted US sirloin in a light cognac cream sauce served with potatoes and sauteed spinach. Vegetarian diners aren’t left out as they, too, can indulge without the guilt.

All five senses get into the action once a guest enters Johnny Chow, which melds the flavors of contemporary Thai, Korean, Malaysian, Singaporean, and Chinese cuisine with kitschy-pop interiors. 

Palate-pleasers include Gengis Khan, crispy Johnny Chow chicken with soy-honey garlic sauce; and Maggie Woo, lechon Macau with pineapple fritters, which goes well Broken Arrow, minced pork with string beans.

The Warhol-like paintings on the chairs’ backrest represent the chefs who whipped up the iconic dishes. So don’t be surprised to find Marvin Agustin’s portrait staring at you.

Other crowd favorites are Tao Yuan, Crisostomo, New Orleans and Red Crab Alimango house.

At Villa del Conte, the cioccolato sublime from Padova, Italy, you know exactly that you’re getting only the best chocolate from Italy’s culturally opulent Veneto region. Choco lovers just can’t get enough of the Cioccolato with hazelnut paste and whole hazelnuts, the praline balls in dark chocolate with hazelnut cream filling, and the ovicinis. These chocolates are also today’s favorite giveaways for weddings and other special occasions.

That’s Entertainment

Today’s shopping malls are more than just a busy marketplace where money changes hands by the fraction of a second. They’re planned, designed, and built to provide spaces for human interactions, and with the whole family in mind.  

Newport Mall defines family bonding at its finest with four state-of-the-art cinemas. Newport Ultra Cinema 1 is equipped with fully reclining seats with extended leg rests made of premium fabric and high-grade cushion for supreme comfort.

“At Newport Ultra Cinema, moviegoers are treated like royalty. The 80 seats are laid out by pair enclosed by a private viewing pod for utmost privacy. Unlimited drinks and popcorn delivered by personal butlers at the guest’s request through a call button allocated per pod for personalized service,” boasts Kevin.

The Newport Cinema 2 & 4 and Newport 3D Digital Cinema. All movie theaters are equipped with the latest Dolby Digital Audio technology.

Designed to seat 1,500 guests, the Newport Performing Arts Theater is an ultra-modern performance venue, which boasts the largest LED wall in Southeast Asia. The theater is the preferred venue for musicals, plays, and other stage productions, as well as concerts, pageants and movie screenings.

Starting Sept. 15, go on an exciting journey to the dazzling land of Siam in The King and I, which goes onstage at Newport Peforming Arts Theater.

Kids aren’t left out at Newport Mall as they, too, can engage in their own kind of fun and entertainment at the Game Zoo, a video arcade for kids.

Game Zoo is the newest addition to the growing leisure and lifestyle options offered by Newport Mall. The two-story funhouse features an impressive lineup of exclusive games and fun-filled activities with over 100 of the most popular arcade and video games available for the whole family.

“We want to position Newport Mall as a one-stop destination for families. Everything has to appeal to the entire family that’s why we put up the Newport Performing Arts Theater and the Game Zoo,” shares Kevin.

Lovin’ the Nightlife

Nightlife is also a very important aspect in creating that Vegas feel so Megaworld invited Opus and Republiq to open an upscale resto and lounge, and the biggest club in the Philippines.

Opus is an upscale restaurant and lounge club. The restaurant serves European cuisine whipped up by Chef Carlo’s Miguel. Guests dine in an elegant glass-encased dining area furnished with platinum-hued banquets and marble tables. The Opus lounge is renaissance inspired with high ceilings and tall mirror windows on bright white walls. During weekends, the lounge transforms into a club.

Republiq Club is the biggest club in the Philippines, and one of the biggest in South East Asia. Open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the club, known for hosting the grandest and sexiest parties in town, is always packed with Manila’s most beautiful people.

* * *

For inquiries on Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, call the concierge at 709-9888, 709-0888, SMS 0917-8380111, or visit www.megaworldlifestylemalls.com.