Lifestyle hub rises in Biñan

A new lifestyle hub is set to open in Laguna next week, set to transform the retail and entertainment landscape in the province.

Umbria Commercial Center, a joint venture between Piccadilly Circus Landing Inc. and Double Dragon Properties Corp., will open its doors to the public on December 2, offering a new alternative to shoppers in Biñan, Laguna for the holiday season.

“We opened in Biñan because we saw the opportunity was there. Umbria is something Biñan never had before and the idea was for people not to have to go far to shop, dine and unwind,” said Andrew Ng, president and CEO of Picadilly Circus.

The Umbria Commercial Center sits on a 9,000-sqm property, which will house some 50 tenants upon opening.

Pioneering project

This commercial venture was the brainchild of high school friends Ng and Bryan Yu.

Ng’s business background extends to trading, real estate commercial leasing and retail operations, while Yu worked for a bank. The two friends’ first business undertaking was managing franchised stores of a giant fast-food chain in the country.

Putting up a mall wasn’t initially part of their business plan. However, the two decided to try their hand in this business after someone offered them a big parcel of land located smack in the middle of the city bordered by residential communities, schools, and other commercial establishments.

Ng and Yu believe they can offer a unique proposition to the market, as they are young and are more attuned to the “latest trends and can anticipate what would be the next big thing.”

‘Firsts’ in Biñan 

According to the mall’s proponents, the Umbria Commercial Center is poised to be the first of its kind in the area.

Not only will it combine a distinct shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure experience under a single roof, it will also offer guests a modern complex that is far from the box-type architecture typical of malls.

For one, the three-level complex will feature a contemporary design that integrates modern elements such steel and glass with vibrant landscapes, al fresco spaces. and walkways lines.

Its youthful and lively vibe is expected to draw a younger crowd although families and people of all ages will find this newest destination a must-see.

Ng and Yu also ensure that their commercial center has the right mix of stores, activity areas, and amenities including free Wi-Fi access.

Among the many  ‘firsts’ housed inside the commercial center include a BBQ buffet restaurant, Yupangco Music Academy (formerly Yamaha School of Music), Dr. Relos (seller of vintage wall clocks and wrist watches) and a fully air-conditioned sports center and multi-purpose hall called Umbria 180 outfitted with FIBA-approved flooring and equipment.

Functions, brands

The Umbria is also being eyed to host the South Luzon Basketball League, school-based sporting activities, as well as corporate and social functions. This early, bookings have been made to hold the South Luzon Volleyball League (Umbria Invitational League) next month.

Establishments familiar to Filipino mall-goers can also be found at Umbria. These include anchor stores Robinsons Supermarket, Jollibee and Mang Inasal, Handyman, Cyber Corner, Nailandia, Netopia, Happy Grandma’s Café and Chef Mo’s Boneless Lechon.

There are other brands and services in the future such as an amusement center, salon, fitness center, appliance center and a dance studio that will be added to the retail mix.

Meanwhile, customers can look forward to exciting times ahead with more activities in the pipeline: concerts, dance competitions, arm wrestling competitions, Cross fit events and marathons, Alley Cat races for fixies, Zumba classes, Spoken Word poetry, ball room dancing and dance sports, among others.

“This is one way to get people to hang out and have a great time,” Yu added.

Accessibility

Umbria Commercial Center is readily accessible via the South Luzon Expressway through the Greenfield-Mamplasan Exit.

One can drive a few minutes before reaching the corner of the old National Highway and Jubilation Road. Ample parking spaces can be found at the lower ground floor of the commercial center or the open area beside the sports center.

There’s also a passenger loading area for Jam Liner where buses pick up passengers every hour going to LRT Taft-Pasay.

“One of our main draws is our location which is very strategic. We are near University of Perpetual Help Binan and Brent International School, as well as numerous villages and subdivisions. We are accessible via major roads. So there’s more reason to check out the place, see what’s inside and basically just have a great time at Umbria,” Yu said.