MANILA, Philippines - The bustling corner of Aurora Blvd and Hemady St. near New Manila in Quezon City is a place for nostalgia. Kids, who are probably now all grown-up, used to frequent this iconic spot for some of the most delicious ice creams and shakes that could be found in Metro Manila. The place was known as the Magnolia Ice Cream House, and was a favourite spot where family and friends bonded over Banana Split, Peach Melba, Black and White, and Ernie and Bert, to name just a few of our favorite ice cream delights.
Today, a new landmark has risen that promises to foster even more unforgettable memories. Introducing Robinsons Magnolia, an elegant yet relaxing lifestyle center from property giant, Robinsons Land Corporation.
Paying homage to the famous ice cream house, Robinsons Magnolia is a multi-story shopping mall with a distinct mix of shops and restaurants for the entire family. The fashion forward will delight in international brands such as Topshop/Topman, Mango, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, Muji, Warehouse, Anne Klein,Tommy Hilfiger, Fred Perry, Lacoste, Penguin, Perry Ellis, Ecco, Nine West, Promod and Miss Sixty. High street staples such as Gap, Cotton On, Aeropostale, Springfield, Cache Cache, Superga, and Steve Madden cater to the younger crowd. Popular local retailers such as Bench, Penshoppe, Bayo, Plains and Prints, Celine, Folded and Hung make for even more choices. There are also famous specialty shops such as La Senza, Samsonite, Philip Stein, Charriol, Beauty Bar, Healthy Options and Howards Storage.
The dining experience will never be the same for foodies in this part of the metro. Gustatory delights await shoppers with the wide array of cuisines offered by such restaurants as Tao Yuan, Thai Bistro, Conti’s, UCC, Sumosam, Clawdaddy, New Orleans, Elias, Uncle Cheffy, and Buffet 101. Dessert shops such as Patchi, Red Mango, Happy Lemon, Mary Grace and Jamba Juice will surely tempt even the most disciplined. And if a quick bite is what you’re after, Robinsons Magnolia has one of the fanciest food courts in the metro, featuring island-type food stalls with open kitchens that tantalize with freshly cooked dishes.
Hobbyists will surely be glad to know there’s a True Value hardware store in the mall along with Gourdo’s, Bow and Wow, and a Power Mac Center. For entertainment, there’s a Tom’s World and Gymboree for kids, and four digital cinemas that are easily accessible from the mall’s al fresco area. Movietime is now more fun with so many snacks to choose from in the cinema lobby.
The mall is anchored by Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Department Store and Robinsons Appliance.
Robinsons Magnolia: The new destination
There are many reasons why Robinsons Magnolia will soon be the favorite place to shop and unwind for family and friends. Aside from its interesting mix of shops, the mall easily stands out for its elegant and spacious interiors. Conceptualized by global design firm RTKL,
Robinsons Magnolia’s lay-out highlights both the relaxing ambience of an outdoor setting and the cool comforts of sleek interior spaces. Inside, the mall boasts of a grand entrance lobby, and spacious hallways that lead to a four-level al fresco area that overlooks The Plaza, a lushly landscaped open space dotted with water features and an area for live entertainment. The Plaza is where the new Ice Cream House can be found, serving the same old concoctions that we so love.
The mall is Wifi enabled, is PWD-friendly, has babycare facilities, a Customer Pay Lounge, Valet Service, and monitored taxi service. A concierge facility is also on hand to provide the best customer service.
The old Magnolia Ice Cream House may be no more but in Robinsons Magnolia, there is now a wonderful new place to create happy, lasting memories.
Source: The Philippine Star | August 17, 2012