Things To Do, What To See and Tourist Spots in Alabang, Muntinlupa

Muntinlupa is a city in Metro Manila I know so little despite living in the Philippine capital for a decade already. Though just roughly 1-2 hours away from where I live in Makati,  I hardly find myself here for whatever reasons I don't know. It's just that no circumstance has brought me here before. What I have in mind is that it is an extension of the concrete jungle to that of BGC or Makati's business district. That's all. Last weekend, I had the chance to get to know it for the whole day and I am quite surprised that despite its urban feels, there's still a slice of old barrio charm that will take away any city rat's stress from living far from the wrath of EDSA avenue's traffic and the crowded MRT & LRT lines. 

Brief introduction about Alabang

We specifically went to Alabang, a barangay in Muntinlupa that is formerly a village made of vast trees and rice fields. Who would have thought that fast forward to today it is now a promising commercial center? For those who are seriously considering to buy a house in Manila, find one in Alabang. Lumina Heights is building a community there and strategically located to everything your family needs. 

Alabang is a cross - over between a rural and urban life. At one point you'll find yourself lost in a maze of shopping malls dotted by perfectly lined palm trees. Then, just a few roads away, you'll see a natural lake surrounded by tall coconut trees. From time to time you'll hear chirping birds and locals spend their leisure hours on a sunken garden - eating their meals while lying down on a picnic mat. 

What to see, things to do and tourist spots in Alabang

1. Shopping

 They say, you'll never ran out of shopping malls in Alabang - only time. I can recommend two. First, is the Festival Mall which is the first theme mall in the Philippines that opened in 1998 & the  biggest mall in the south of Metro Manila. Second, is the Evia Lifestyle Center.  It is an upscale commercial center slash European inspired mall that transports you in another continent with its design and architecture.

Our first top was Festival Mall. I kind of got lost because it is too big for us who have so little time. For grocery shopping I would recommend here because there are so many products to buy. This is your one stop shop in Alabang. Evia Lifestyle Center is much smaller but gives you that privacy and of course, less time of walking. If you're a foodie and always on hunt of the best restaurants in Alabang, get a table here.

Other malls to check out: SM Southmall, Starmall Alabang, Lianas  Alabang and Alabang Town Center.

2. Jamboree Lake

This was a huge surprise to me, honestly. I was not expecting any nature at all in Alabang. I was thinking of malls and tall buildings only. Oh well, I stand corrected. Jamboree Lake, is not your ordinary lake. It is the Philippines' smallest natural lake.  It's well-maintained and clean despite the fact that it is in a city. 

I have not seen anyone swimming or fishing here but it is a great spot on a weekend to relax and breathe some fresh air.

3. Palazzo Verde

If you got a fortune to spend for your birthday, wedding anniversary and other important occassions in your life, spend it at Palazzo Verde. It's the country's most-sought events venue and a top choice of celebrities, politicians and actors. Your dream of a fairy tale slash Victorian era is gonna come true. 

Other best places to explore in Alabang, Muntinlupa

St. James The Great Church - If you're a devout Catholic, this ornate church is filled with many beautiful works of art. This is also perfect for weddings.
The Park in Madrigal - If you want to run around or do leisurely walking in a modern park, spend your early morning here.
New Bilibid Prison - I know that somehow this place gave a negative connotation in this city when it was built but if we are to talk about the historical spots in Alabang, Muntinlupa this prison is difinitely included. It was built in 18th century via a royal decree.

There's a lot more... I know one whole day is not enough to get to know Alabang.

A barangay to Muntinlupa where the New Bilibid Prison is located (majority of the country's criminals are imprisoned here), Alabang has changed its image over the years.  Alabang is now the home of one of the most expensive and biggest residential communities where the wealthy and famous live. Isn't it would be flattering to share at least the same barangay and city to the prominent faces of the Philippines?

Now the good news is, finding an affordable mid - rise condominum unit in Alabang is not a problem at all. Lumina Heights Muntinlupa is a residential condo community equipped with modern amenities - very ideal for working individuals and starting families who want a comfort and a higher lifestyle of living. It is composed of two (2) six-storey residential buildings (total of 336 for sale units). 

Buying a unit at Lumina Heights Muntinlupa means also getting these list of privileges: 

• 24-hour guarded entrance with CCTV camera
• perimeter fence
• gazebo
• wifi-ready common areas
• jogging path
• parking spaces
• future commercial area
• fire detection & alarm system
• automatic fire suppression system
• underground drainage system

Its construction will take two years so it will be turned over in 2020. This is the best time to buy a unit because it's on a pre-selling stage, meaning it costs way less than by the time it is fully built.  The most important of all is ACCESSIBILITY. Look at these information below:

• From SLEX (South Luzon Expressway) only 9.9 km away / 24 minutes approximately
• From NAIA Expressway (NAIAEX) only 22.8 km away, 39 minutes approximately
• From Daang Hari only 6.7 km away, 20 minutes approximately
• From Muntinlupa - Cavite Expressway (MCX) only 25.5 km away, 48 minutes approximately
• From Alabang - Zapote Road only 9.9 km away, 26 minutes approximately

They got a showroom if you wanna get in touch personally located at Lumina Office, 3rd floor of Starmall Alabang.Just in case you need to know more about Lumina Heights Muntinlupa, see these information below:

• Location: Int. Balimbing Rd. Brgy. Poblacion, Muntinlupa City
• FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/luminaheightsofficial/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luminaheights/
• Contact person: Syrell U. Yaba || Marketing Staff
• Contact numbers: 0926-657-9240 & 0947-962-5549

When the time comes I will have a chance to buy a house in Manila, I would definitely get one in Alabang, specifically in Lumina Heights Muntinlupa.