11 Reasons Why I Love the Mall of Asia

We all have special places in our lives and there are hundreds of reasons why. Just like you, I have multiples. In fact, each time I go home from abroad, I see to it that at least one of my favourite places is included in my itinerary.

Specifically, I have one I called ‘activity headquarter’ or sometimes ‘idea saviour’. Simply because I never ran out of things to do in this place. And if Im lost of plans, the place is capable of rescuing my day. I treat my family, I catch up with my friends and I splurged myself. Also, I can stroll not only with humans but with pets, be in nature or enjoy the concretes. Almost everything are offered in the vicinity and nearly everything that I needed was obtainable. All because it was one of the largest mall in Asia.

Truly, my family is grateful to live just 30 mins. away from this mall. I can say that it is not only me who loves the place but also my parents and sister. It is like our default place when we think of somewhere we can enjoy.

So here are my 11 reasons why I love the mall:

1. Accessibility.

Transportation from jeepneys to taxis are available. It serves routes from all over Metro Manila in almost just a ride. The mall build an organised PUV hub to cater the goers. Surely, it was a convenience for those who come in all directions.

2. It comprises almost entirely what I need.

The mall have various restaurants, fashion boutiques, bank services, beauty parlours, electronics division, coffee shops, hardwares, furniture emporium, book stores, bars, toy stores, pet shops, sports outlets, baby and maternity stuffs, music section and lifestyle services. Also, it has a huge department store, hypermarket, movie theatre, ice skating rink, bowling centre, children’s playground, exhibit space, and a medical clinic.

3. Household errands is a breeze.

Pay household bills, send parcel to relatives and friends, exchange currency or do groceries? It will definitely be a relief for having it at one stop. It is open even during holidays. Save time and energy.

4. Family-oriented.

Can basically find something for grandparents, parents, children, infants, relatives and friends. The mall also have an entertainment for the youngsters. It offers an exterior carnival and a water fountain. In fact, it stands with the largest observation wheel in the country. It views both majestic scenery of nature and concretes. Surely, it is haven for both the parents and the kids. Definitely, many picture-perfect and happy memories are built in this place.

5. Free Shuttle

Pay nothing to go to the surrounding luxurious hotels and casinos. Buses are taking passengers back and forth from the mall’s opening to closing time. So if feeling lucky or wanting to get out from the heat of the crowd, a trip is just a few minutes from the mall.

6. Big events.

The mall also hold a sizeable and important events. As such, the world pyromusical (a dance of massive fireworks in harmony to sounds) every first quarter of the year, the new year countdown concert each time, the lovapalooza every Valetine’s day and the annual marathon during summer. Moreover, I have to mention the weekend fireworks display at night and the parade of outdoor orchestra band daily in the afternoon. It create a special feel whenever a visit to the mall is just like an ordinary day. Additionally, if it was a birthday, anniversary or congratulatory, the display and music is like a bonus to the celebration.

7. The al fresco feels.

It is refreshing that the mall consist not only an indoor but also an outdoor strolling experience. It was really a breath of fresh air to wander and know that the architecture of the building is not the usual boxed-typed.

8. Near the airport.

Going to airport is less than an hour away with traffic jam. Before and after flight, it is a good excuse to spend some time to eat local food that will be or had been missed. In addition, buying from an enormous display of pasalubongs (gifts) and souvenirs for light weight travellers is a cakewalk. For a long daytime layover, it is also a quick pleasure to consider spending time exploring and familiarising what the mall can offer.

9. Big excuse for going to church or a convention.

A church is just across the street. If feeling lazy for a worship, the mall is a good motivational force. Also, a huge convention center is located beside it. Invitations regarding bazaars, exhibits or concerts will definitely be more fun to consider.

10. Embracing the Manila bay.

The bay area is an exceptional and unique highlight of the mall. It is where people can sit and watch the sunset at the breakwater. There are also an array of interesting food stalls around to excite the palate. Some bars and restaurants offer live bands and are open up until 3 A.M. What’s more, numerous of buffet restaurants exist along the seawall to guarantee gastronomic satisfaction with a sea view. If feelin’ adventurous, jetties going to nearby touristy provinces such as Bataan and Batangas are also catered nearby.

11. Are the special memories I had made in the mall….

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https://www.thediaryofahousewife.com/post/my-memories-are-not-made-in-china

My Memories are Not Made in China

I found my self roaming aimlessly and non-stop for 5 hours around a huge mall. Its like Im going crazy and I don’t know why. Everything seems so unbearable despite all the little work goals I had achieved. When I finally felt hungry, I stoped for a while and sat down like Im going to fall apart. I don’t know what I want and what I don’t. I find it hard to decide where to eat and if I still like to eat. So I walk again until it was night time - that is another 2 hours.

With all the echoes ringing in my head - all the laughters and cheers I visualise out in every corner that I see, I wanted to drop into pieces. When I look ahead I saw me and my mother eating at our favourite French restaurant and talking about our dream destinations. I can hear her sound of hope and excitement. We were really specific with timeline, like travelling to Thailand in two years time. So, I knew it should be today.

I went right from me and there was a picture of my family. We were giggling and loud because after a few years, my brother arrived straight from Dubai airport with a beautiful wife and adorable baby daughter. We were all present this time so we decided to have a costumed family photo. As soon as we claimed it, we are all arguing as to where we should hang it in the house.

As my heart crushed into fragments, I stepped left of me and move on. But I only thought I was carrying on ‘cause I remember, I remember the sight of my parents looking at the endless sea - happy and contented. We had the shortest conversation for like forever. We talk about the beauty of the sun, the steak that we just ate, the story of the dress I am wearing, the last vacation we had in Indonesia and so on.

When I dropped myself for a few minutes to buy my favourite ice cream milkshake, I recollected the time when me and my mom had a bad tiring day. She just accompanied me to settle my stressful upcoming wedding as the planner is currently in Singapore with another client. We sat down in a colourful girly shop and drank our milkshake. She doesn’t like sweets and fats but I don’t know how I made her drink. Perhaps its her way of telling me she is with me in all of my pressure. We sat there until we were again chuckling. And for a few seconds, I had catch a glimpse of love in her eyes. And oh, how I admire the woman in front of me.

With that portrait in my mind, I walked back and I was stuck, stuck in the moment when I dozed myself to sleep while watching a boring biography movie of a famous politician in America. Each beside me was my sister and mom - enjoying the film up to its end. We went out of the theatre, them jeering at me. We then cross the road to view the giant wheel and bought flavoured popcorn. We burst into laughter ‘cause we did pop it into our mouth not while watching a movie but after.

Around 7 o’clock in the evening, I grew really really tired. I sat by the entrance fountain and I’m thankful to the large busy crowd, passing here and there like I am invisible. Although I seem unnoticeable, I’m glad of the warmth the masses brought around. It made me validate my existence.

But then again, I tried to walk fast and faster than I could. But it seems that all the images in my head is insanely haunting me. I wanted to run away and hide from this unfathomable and heavy grief that I feel. It made me want to explode and breakdown.

When I passed by my favourite bookstore, I find hope. Indeed, it is my favourite and solitary place in the mall. It is somewhere I feel relaxed. I always went out in this shop calm and glad even without a purchased book. But this time, though with a timely read on hand, I failed. I went out of the bookstore and looked back with a sad smile. I realised that buying books which used to make me feel good after a frustrated day - or worst day, doesn’t made me feel the same way anymore. The pain and ache I currently feel are still unbreakable. How can this be when I just thought I had already drained up all the tears?

We just had mom’s inurnment yesterday. And that is after months of keeping her at home. I thought I had moved on already but this place - this mall - an enormous mall - our favourite mall - a mall full of ‘made in China’ - a mall where mom’s eyes twinkle each time she asked us to drive here - are memories not made in China but engraved in my heart - overflowing with love and her.

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https://www.thediaryofahousewife.com/post/11-reasons-why-i-love-the-mall-of-asia