Tribune 7/31/2008
The Ayala Malls redefined the shopping experience with the opening of Greenbelt 5, the final piece of the Greenbelt re-development, which completes its long-term plan to be a total lifestyle center.
At the heart of the Greenbelt 5 development is a celebration of Filipino talent. Amid the beautiful, world-class interiors of the four-floor edifice are chic boutiques and stylish restaurants that house the best of Filipino ingenuity in fashion, furniture design and culinary arts.
Dubbed the Filipino Zone, in the first phase of Greenbelt 5 is the first of its kind in the country today. No other destination has managed to gather the local industry's best in one venue. The result is a fashion, accessories and design haven that showcases the heart and soul of Filipino creativity, with international quality.
Greenbelt 5's impressive roster of designers include Cesar Gaupo, Randy Ortiz, Jojie Lloren, Dennis Lustico, Ivarluski Aseron, Joey Samson, Henri Calayag, Jing Monis, Doltz Pilar, Lila Almario, Amina Aranaz, Arnel Papa, Ana Rocha, Jun Escario, Lulu Tan Can, Vic Barba, Elena Bautista, Michi Calica, Emi Jorge, Victoria Marin, Avatar's Butch Carungay, Kate Torralba, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Choc Religiose and Joanna Duarte.
For the home, interior design mavericks include AC +632's Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo, Borders, Domicillo, Designs Ligna, Hive by Restoration, Osmundo, Aguas, Cereo and Budji Layug's Budji Living, which will carry designs from Movement 8's Ann Pamintuan and Kenneth Cobonpue.
Also at the forefront of bringing the newest dining concepts, Greenbelt 5 celebrates the talent of Filipino chefs Bambi Sy-Gobio of Pia y Damaso, Baba Ibazeta of Classic Confections, Gatta Fores of Cibo, LJC Group of Fely J and Chateau 1771; and other new concept restaurants such as John & Yoko, Fish Out Of Water, Solihiya, Zuni, Myron's Place, Travel Cafe and La Maison. Greenbelt 5 is also a meeting point for international luxury brands and some of the best local artists who have received international accolades. These brands include Kiehl's, Bang & Olufsen, Rafe, Celestina, Michael Kors, Escada, Escada Sport, DKNY, Furla, dotdotdot, Balenciaga, Bally, Banana Republic, Kenneth Cole, Paul Smith, Massimo Dutti, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Zara.
Cut by a 2,000 sq.m. Fashion Walk, the second phase, on the other hand, will feature a popular international department store on the ground floor and the Young Zone on the second floor. The Young Zone is a unique active lifestyle center for the young and the young at heart. The third floor features a fun-filled children's zone, as well as shops that highlight home items and items for meticulous dads. This third floor is aptly called The Family Zone. And to cater to all the health conscious, relax and unwind in the fourth floor and burn those calories at Fitness First Platinum on the fourth floor.
Greenbelt 5 is a testament to the Ayala Malls' trailblazing and pioneering spirit. And with these exciting offerings, the Ayala Malls truly brings the best of the world, and the Philippines, all under one chic, world-class establishment.