Opening Day: Robinsons Magnolia

Social networks were abuzz on Monday with the grand opening of Robinsons Magnolia. My Twitter feed was filled with posts that were either local celebrities trying to spread awareness, or the people who have already set foot inside and wanted to share the experience. Personally, what got me interested was the location: The ground this new shopping mall stands on used to be the old Magnolia House (dairy/ice cream factory and restaurant), hence the name. (Those who are well-versed with the Quezon City area from the late 90's and earlier would probably have memories of having fun in that ice cream parlor.) --That and how it's situated near my alma mater. How I wish my high school friends and I had a much closer place to hang out in.

At the request of my Aunt, I tagged along with them to have a look around. They were in search of some Griffins Mint Treats that my mom discovered in Robinsons Department Store, Festival Mall.

Robinsons Magnolia is different from the other malls in the chain in that it spells high-end. A lot of stores are still under construction, but brands like Miss Sixty and Charriol will have their place in a couple of months. The interior has the potential of a chic Hong Kong mall.

Already in operation are the fast food, supermarket, department store, appliance center, movie theaters, and a couple of shops. You can take your pick from Gong Cha in the fast food, Cha Time in the supermarket, and Happy Lemon in the theater area. A little extreme, but it sounds like milk tea heaven.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Lobby party[/caption]

The fast food area isn't very big. From what I've seen, there are no Jollibees or McDonald's in sight. What they do have are Pepper Lunch Express, Adobo Connection, Kenny Roger's, Bacolod Chicken Inasal, and Savory Chicken. Also present are a Japanese and a Singaporean resto.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Fastfood area[/caption]

Reminiscent of Shangrila Mall in Edsa, Robinsons Magnolia boasts of a premium air without going all-out designer a la Greenbelt. Being the budget shopper that I am, I have to point out that this is not a pang-masa (for the masses) mall. But at least it's a new hang out spot in Quezon City.

P.S. The mint biscuits were unavailable because the department store's snack bar is virtually nonexistent, save for some chocolate bars near the cashier posts. They didn't have it in the grocery either. We eventually found them in SM's supermarket.

Robinsons Magnolia

Dona Hemady cor. Aurora Blvd, Q.C.