Robinsons Place Antipolo a mall with a sense of place

The new Robinsons Place Antipolo will be a game changer and a major attraction in the city, long known as the Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines and a nature getaway. Situated at the junction of Sumulong Highway and Circumferential Road, it will also host the new public transportation terminal.

Robinsons Place Antipolo is set to open on Sept. 26 with a grand opening event scheduled on Nov. 15.

Located in a 16-hectare mixed-use complex, the two-level mall will take up six hectares. Exuding a modern tropical look, the 38th mall of Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) is planned by Asya Design, one of the country’s top 10 architectural firms.

Arlene Magtibay, RLC senior vice president and general manager for Commercial Centers Division, says Robinsons Place Antipolo will have an impact on Rizal (province) in many ways.

“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 says.

Moreover, residents need not travel to Lower Antipolo to watch a movie or shop at their favorite stores. Robinsons Place Antipolo in Upper Antipolo is easy to get to.

Tenants

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 the anchors. These will be complemented by Handyman, Toys R Us and Daiso.

The mix will include National Bookstore, an amusement center and fashion brands such as Payless, Celine, Giordano, Charles and Keith, Travel Club. Then there are Gerry’s Grill, Bon Chon, Jollibee, Bread Talk, Costa Coffee (the world’s second largest coffee chain) and Antipolo entrepreneurs at the Food Court.

“People will look forward to visiting the mall because their favorite brands will be present,” Magtibay says.

The mall will also include the Robinsons Bank, Lingkod Pinoy Center for public services such as the Social Security System, 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,” Magtibay says.

Architect Geoffrey Yu of Asya Design explains 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 says.

Façade

While a conventional mall is a monolith, the façade of Robinsons Place Antipolo is variegated, composed of a series of store fronts in warm colors and textures and different roof lines. The design makes the mall less of a box but more of a picturesque neighborhood. Each store shares the same aesthetic of warm earth colors, natural finishes for a unified look. There are variations in the signage and roof line that add visual interest. Louvers, canopies and trellises shield the mall from harsh elements.

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.

The garden courtyard serves as the main passage to get to the various stores. All the stores and the second floor corridor are oriented toward the garden plaza and the pathways lead to main mall.

“People lead hectic lives, so we’ve made the flow of space as simple as going from left to right and front to back. You don’t get lost inside as in many malls and get lost again in the parking area. You can either move fast or linger in the al fresco to enjoy the architecture and the view,” Yu says.

Domestic tourism

Although its main market comes from Antipolo City, it will also attract residents from Baras, Tanay, Teresa, Angono, Taytay and Morong. The mall’s business can also be fueled by domestic tourism.

Magtibay says Robinsons Place Antipolo is a remarkable area in its proximity to important landmarks. The mall is a near 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.