Muntinlupa City has its share of massive malls and beautiful skyscrapers, making it one of Metro Manila’s most modern areas today. In Alabang, a prominent barangay in Muntinlupa, you will find a lot of commercial establishments where you can shop for hours. Formerly a rural area, it is now brimming with new structures where every building’s design is pleasing to the eyes.
Take note that even with all these developments, Alabang remains one of the few areas in Metro Manila where you can still enjoy the greenery. The sides of the roads of Alabang are covered with trees, and buildings are amply spaced so that you don’t feel cramped. Even the commercial centers provide wide open, breathable spaces as they have incorporated the outdoors in their designs.
In this neighborhood guide, we’ll be exploring more of what Muntinlupa, and specifically Alabang, have to offer.
Main Image: digitalpimp. | Flickr
Table of Contents
A Brief History of Muntinlupa
Muntinlupa was under the Augustinians’ religious authority as early as 1601. The residents received Catholic education under the convent of the Guadalupe Sanctuary. In 1869, a project was made to form towns out of the barrios of Muntinlupa, which was then approved by the civil government.
In 1901, Muntinlupa was part of Morong, Rizal province. Two years later, it was included within the boundary of the province of Laguna and was placed under Biñan along with San Pedro through the Act of 1008, dated November 25, 1903. However, Muntinlupa’s residents contested such a decision. They later on petitioned the government that Muntinlupa become an independent municipality. An executive order dated December 19, 1917 granted such a petition. After WWII, the government began to build infrastructures in the town. Factories, residential housing, and many business establishments rose along with road widening and many other development projects.
On Feb. 16, 1995, Muntinlupa converted into a highly urbanized city through House Bill No. 14401.
Neighbors and Nearby Places
From surrounding cities to other points of interests nearby, we have mapped them out for you in different categories.
Bordering Cities
From Alabang, you have Parañaque to the North, Las Piñas to the West, and Laguna to the South.
Historical Sites
- Biological Production Service Building (BPS)
- St James the Great Parish
- St. Jerome Emiliani Church
- Japanese Cemetery
Schools in Muntinlupa
- Alabang Elementary School
- Anima Christi Center for Learning and Human Development
- Far Eastern University-Alabang
- Infant Jesus Learning Center-Alabang
- Le Sainte School
- Liceo de Alabang, Inc.
- MIT International School
- Saint Bernadette College of Alabang
- Pedro E. Diaz High School
- Saint Francis of Assisi College
- Saint Peter School of Alabang
- San Beda College-Alabang
- San Roque Catholic School
- STI College (Alabang Branch)
- Theresiana de Montealegre Dame School
- De La Salle Zobel School
- Institute for Child Development
- Maria Montessori Foundation
- PAREF Woodrose School
- The Learning Child School
- Virgin Mary Immaculate School
Shopping in Alabang
- Molito Lifestyle Center
- Alabang Town Center
- The Landmark-Alabang
- Ayala Malls South Park
- The Village Square-Alabang
- Commercenter Alabang
Getting In and Around Alabang
By Car
The SLEX passes through Alabang with three exits: Sucat, Alabang, and Filinvest. You may also take the Skyway, which ends at Alabang.
City Buses
Buses are the quickest way in reaching Alabang and Muntinlupa, and all routes will lead or pass through Alabang. The city buses depart or arrive at these two terminals: Alabang Bus Terminal and South Station. These are the buses and routes you’d want to look out for:
- Route 14 Ayala Center-Alabang
- Route 24 PITX-Alabang
- Route 25 BGC-Alabang
- Route 15 Ayala-Biñan
Airport Bus
There is also an Airport Loop service reaching Alabang from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Train
The Philippine National Railway operates a regular service to the Alabang Station.
Jeepney
There are quite a few routes for jeepneys going to Muntinlupa, arriving at Alabang. Here are some of the routes you can take going there:
- Route 411 Alabang-Calamba
- T419 Alabang-Balibago
- T422 Alabang-GMA via SLEX
- Alabang-Pasay Rotonda
Why you should visit or live in Alabang
There are quite a number of reasons why Alabang will make you want to visit or even stay there.
Cost of Living
The average cost of living in Alabang for a single person should be around P33,825.60 a month, while for a family of four is P92,863.80. These estimates may differ depending on your lifestyle, your rent, and how many family members you have.
Business Opportunities
Alabang has become an attractive destination for multinational corporations given its accessibility and business-friendly features. It is also under PEZA and granted tax incentives and income tax holidays for organizations that would doing business there.
Moreover, Alabang is one of the youngest but most advanced cities in the country with a better quality of life for the residents compared to other cities in the Philippines. Alabang is home to excellent commercial centers, offices, and leisure establishments, so making it your permanent home is a good idea.
Space and Environment
To put it simply, Alabang is just gorgeous. The combination of greens, the relaxed ambiance, and modern skyscrapers provide stunning views and dazzling settings that make you want to live in this district.
Top 5 Things To Do in Alabang
Go on a food trip – From rustic dining spots to upscale restaurants, Alabang has a wide selection of flavors for every occasion. It’s worth a try, as the district offers many gastronomic gems that will surely take your taste buds on a wonderful gustatory trip.
Go shopping – Alabang is famous for its upscale commercial centers offering international designer brands. However, good finds do not only come from here. You can also go around the district and visit the bazaars and small retail shops nestled on the outskirts of Alabang. You can find hidden gems and score very good deals like you could in Baclaran or Divisoria.
Get pampered – Alabang has its laid-back, soothing personality that could get you relaxed. And what better way to pamper yourself even more than by going to the massage places and spas at Molito or Alabang Town Center.
Be entertained – Alabang provides room for the country’s arts and music industry in its many commercial areas. The city is home to the Filinvest Open Grounds, the official venue of the annual music fest Wanderland. Molito, Alabang Town Center, and the Festival Mall hold regular shows people can enjoy.
Get fit – Alabang has quite the space and roads for you to bike or jog, if going to the various gyms that dot the place isn’t quite your thing.
Where To Dine in Alabang
Alabang is one of Metro Manila’s many must-visit food havens when you are on a food trip. The area boasts of eating joints of diverse cultures and flavors. Here’s a quick list of the popular restaurants you must try at least once when you’re in the place:
- The Black Pig – Commercenter Alabang
- Caviar Restaurant and Champagne Bar – Westgate Center
- Alba Restaurante Español – Westgate Center
- Butamaru – Westgate Center
- Da Gianni – Westgate Center
- Melo’s – Westgate Center
- Parmigiano Ristorante Pizzeria – Molito Lifestyle Center
- Bungalow Cafe & Bakery – Molito Lifestyle Center
- Neil’s Kitchen – Westgate Center
- Burger Geek – Molito Lifestyle Center
Final Thoughts
Alabang has become one of Metro Manila’s big things.in many ways, from the striking skyscrapers, beautiful selections of restaurants and entertainment, and a great business atmosphere. And it offers all of these without losing touch with nature.
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