Who said the southern metro is no fun? A decade ago, Makati was the sole commercial hub. But due to the pollution and the horrendous traffic, more developments have gone on the rise that are, without doubt, on par with Makati. One area that now competes with Makati is Alabang Town Center. This commercial center has four major wings, and one of these has been newly renovated. This new wing has been known as Corte de las Palmas.

Corte de las Palmas is made of beautifully constructed obelisks facing Commerce Avenue. It would be beyond doubt that it would attract attention to passers-by crossing the avenue. Leading towards the entrance is a red-bricked driveway coming from the parking area, which reveals a capturing view of the tri-fountain centered walkway. There is not a day that this newly renovated wing isn't buzzing with people. Establishments of cultured varieties are found along the court's marvelously colored edifice. The merging of nature and architecture of this place prove the ingenuity and relentless tast of local commercial developers. Throughout time, it has proven to be a landmark hangout for the youth and adults alike.

Nucleus

Alabang Town Center's new wing serves as the nucleus of residential and business communities. With an overhead canopy measuring approximately 850 square meters, the pedestrian-oriented commercial center offers al fresco cafes, a relaxing ambiance and the charm of Spanish architecture.

An open-air court at the heart of the center serves as a venue for entertainment and community events. Included in the design is a Palm Court, which houses upscale designer boutiques, three palm-lined main entry promenades, a large parking structure with bougainvillea terraces, and acacia-lined perimeter streetscapes and parking lots.

The variety of the establishments here will surely win the fancy of almost anyone's preference. Two well-reputed coffee bars, Starbucks and Seattle's Best Coffee, lie opposite each other as you enter the covered area of the building. San Francisco Coffee Shop, another international franchised coffee shop, is located on the second level. These coffee bars are ideal for late evening talks with friends and family. Enjoy a wide varieties of fraps and lattes. If you are one who likes to have a breath of fresh air, there are stools ready outside. Smoking is allowed as long as it is limited to the non-airconditioned areas. The music in these places are perfect for conversations and post dinner relaxations, for the tracks usually played here are those of jazz and ambient.

Beer buddies

What do Tequila Joe's, San Mig and T.G.I. Friday's have in common? If you were a drinker, you would immediately spot it and smile.

Tequila Joe's, a bar and restaurant is perfect for those informal dates and casual conferences with your barkada. I would suggest trying the Caspian Squid, which is if you're game for something different. The drinks here may charge you a bit higher than your regular bar, but believe me when I tell that you also pay for the ambience. Joe's also features a huge outdoor balcony facing the parking area and the residential area of Alabang.

San Mig: Pass the beer please!!! If you are in need of a place that can offer you steady isolated space with class, then this is the place. As the name stresses, the drinks are all from San Miguel Corp. This bar and restaurant is located at the end of the Cortes de las Palmas just as you get of the elevator on the second floor. It overlooks the mini-quadrangle housing the Italanni's Family Restaurant. What makes this place special is the name. You can taste it when you sip the beer.

T.G.I. Friday's is another story. So you decided to take your family along for dinner, and you also have toddlers with you? Then this all-American restaurant-bar is ready to serve you. Their menu ranges from serving suited for all ages. The design of the place makes you feel really homey and immediately comfortable.

Multi-cultural options

Corte de las Palmas has more things to offer beyond delicacies. If you are the kind of person who likes Japanese food, then there is Sakura Japanese Grocery for you. Found just 2 restaurants away from Tequila Joe's, this Oriental restaurant not only serves good food, but also an excellent view of the court as well as the mall's Madrigal Ave. exterior from both sides. This restaurant also doubles as a grocery store for rare Japanese ingredients and ceramics.

Another oriental restaurant you would opt to try could be Red Crab Seafood and Steak. Although it may come across as a Chinese restaurant, the menu is mixed in with Western favorites.

Making its way from its prime branch from Makati is the well-known restaurant Italanni's. Its authentic Italian servings bring out the best of the west. The most fascinating appetizer among all the establishments is found in here: bread dipped in olive oil with balsamic vinegar.

Cafe Breton is a Danish crepe shoppe, which offers nothing but the best crepes around. The menu maybe a bit heavy on the wallet, but I assure you it will be the same for your appetite.

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