Shopping, Entertainment, and Dining Districts

[epik ll ian]

I know I mentioned this in another thread, but I thought I'd bring this up again in my own thread. The world is starting to look down on malls lately. People kind of get sick of the idea of traveling to one destination and going inside to go shop and staying in an enclosed area. They're a lot more difficult in all respects than pedestrian shopping streets. There are pedestrian shopping streets in Manila, but they're old and covered in Spaghetti wire that you can barely see any of the signs or anything above head level.
I have nothing particularly against malls, but to be honest I don't think they're doing much for Manila. Everyone in Manila always wants to build a mall. Everywhere you go there's a mall here. There's a mall there. There's a mall being built over there.

What's my point?

My point is, Manila is a beautiful city but it always gets a bad rap for being plagued with poverty. Though there are a lot of people who are poorer than they should be, this scene is not as big as people think.

This side of Manila is showcased a lot more than the modern developing side. Shopping malls aren't helping. Enclosing modern Manila into buildings - malls - isn't really doing much more for the capital other than packaging it up into boxes. Mall hopping is a hassle! Going to a country to Mall hop is inconvenient. There are malls everywhere. Modern shopping streets, however, are the best solution to this mess, and they're very individualistic. No two shopping streets are really similar looking.

Modern Asia is in a HUGE techno craze, and it has been developing by showcasing its beauty in amazing shopping streets. You see this a lot in Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Bangkok. I think the Philippines should start doing this. If the Philippines were to start showcasing its beauty on the outside by opening up being night shopping streets for tourists to go down, they would see a more beautiful side of Manila.

From a tourist's standpoint, passing by Manila would be more aesthetically pleasing. A passerby would see clean, beautiful neon light streets with people walking up and down them. They won't have to go inside to see how modern the country really is. They can see how real Manila-ites lead their day. They can see city goers shopping and passing by to go to work etc. It gives you a grasp of reality - something you can't get in a mall. Malls are really artificial. The poverty scene would soon lose all of its international attention, and some people will stop regarding the Philippines as poor. People would be outside shopping, and they won't have to go indoors to see what's modern in Manila. These pedestrian streets are a big sign of modernization. Not only that, they're more fun than malls! You don't have to go inside to enjoy yourself. They have a nice Asian feel to them, and that's what people like to do when the visit the Philippines (which is in Asia). The Filipino climate is great, that's why people can come there! Why not let the people (and tourists!) enjoy it? You can stay outside, enjoy the outdoors, enjoy the beauty of the city and enjoy all of its splendor. I really hope Manila can start turning to these kinds of developments. Bonifacio High Street and Serendra were a good start, but they're kind of low key.

Bringing shopping outside would also help the Filipino economy, and later the overall economic boost it will bring can help the poor people! Pedestrian Shopping streets are just the way to go. It's a great way to get a feel of the city. It's nice taking leisurely walks down these streets, they're multi-purpose (karaoke, clubbing, food, shopping etc.), and it's the BEST way to experience the country's city life!

Let me give a few examples of what I'm talking about:

Myungdong, Seoul, South Korea
http://cfs3.tistory.com/upload_control/download.blog?fhandle=YmxvZzk0NjFAZnMzLnRpc3RvcnkuY29tOi9hdHRhY2gvMS8xNzQuanBn
http://cfs3.tistory.com/upload_control/download.blog?fhandle=YmxvZzk0NjFAZnMzLnRpc3RvcnkuY29tOi9hdHRhY2gvMS8xNzQuanBn

Dontonbori, Osaka, Japan
http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/200153882-001.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=79D94D7195D79F8254D6F2B53D30CE6BCA62DE5246472DD0
http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/200153882-001.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=79D94D7195D79F8254D6F2B53D30CE6BCA62DE5246472DD0

Nanjing Road, Shanghai, China
http://www.getfrank.co.nz/assets/images/Shanghai_Nanjing_Road.jpg
http://www.thelightisgreen.com/Shanghai%20-%20Nanjing%20Road%20-%20China%20lights.jpg

See how great they look? These are only a FEW of the MANY streets that grace many modern Asian cities. I'd say if they can do it, the Philippines can do it by turning from mall building and turning to this. They also make streets look cleaner, friendly, fun and more modern. They're just 100% every way. When tourists visit a big city, these are without a DOUBT the FIRST place they come to - not only to mention where they spend most of their time.

The new Cityplace project looks pretty nice, but I'm hoping for some more neon signage which will promote greater technological advancement in Manila and a better night scene. I also hope that it won't get too westernized looking, because I want it to showcase the beauty and excitement of the Philippines. I feel like this project will help to lay down the new style of shopping in Manila if everything goes according to plan. I think Manila would be great with these kinds of streets; they really elevate the night scene, and not to mention - the economy. It would open up Manila's Nightlife more to people of all ages instead of primarily adults who like to go clubbing. Plus, malls close! Stores can close when the want (or when the government chooses). I think a great start would be to revitalize Binondo (Manila Chinatown) and make it more open to the night scene (I believe that's what the new Cityplace project is doing). But that's just my opinion. Please feel free to discuss. I would greatly respect your thoughts and opinions!

[Bosnyboy]

Well the former mayor of manila tried to create a shopping street via rizal avenue in sta cruz unfortunately, existing tenants cant get their act together and open shops along that street. It is also no surprise that it failed becoz of perceived security problems in the area. besides the people in the area arent really the well-off type. They cant really afford to buy the items being sold. If a shopping street is to succeed, my best bet would be in makati or in t. morato area in qc. At least people there has money to shop.

[in_a_rush]

the best place to start this kind of development is in Malate/Ermita area. parang ganyan ang hitsura niya ngayon because of the different restos/bars/karaoke bars in the area. wala nga lang mga shops and stores.

[samadifa]

mainit masyado sa pinas kapagod magshopping mag di aircon yung shopping streets jeje

[dvbaicrviser]

Magandang gawin yan sa A. Mabini at M.H. Del Pilar. Tapos hindi dapat dadaan ang sasakyan, at lagyan ng maraming puno at halaman. Ganda siguro. Parang ganito.

http://photos.igougo.com/images/p117806-Boulder-Pearl_Street_Mall.jpg

[epik ll ian]

Yeah it looks nice, but it's really laid back, historical and European looking. It doesn't really have the surging fun of the latest technology and Filipino culture going through it. It's like a place to go for a stroll or a park.

Then again, I would support the building of nice meditative places and Filipino cultural parks. It's good to have some shopping areas mixed in with nature, but in general they should be separate so the city looks less ... jungle-like ... and more like a city.

Security would be a possible issue on a pedestrian street. However, if you have thousands of people walking down these streets at a time I don't think that should be an issue. A theft would be quite obvious in these kinds of places, and there are many people here to prevent any kind of thing from happening. It would just be a stupid place to commit a crime.

Plus, every place I go to in the Philippines is guarded by a security guard. So security is pretty tight. If the government were to tighten the laws and security in these areas, I really don't see any threat. These kinds of environments have so many people walking through them and they're so well lit that they're just not a place conducive for criminal activity in any way. Plus, with the added protection of security guards everywhere, I'm pretty sure it would be fine.
Affluent places in the Manila I think would be able to support these kinds of areas, and they can set the trend for others to follow. I think its definitely doable.

Manila is developing quickly. Lots of tourists are coming into the Philippines, and especially with the prospect of the Bagong Nayong Pilipino, this kind of a project would definitely be a great addition to Manila. The Philippine economy will be stimulated from tourist dollars flooding in to the country to visit new Manila, and the people will soon be able to have greater spending power. These kinds of projects cater not only to the locals but to tourists especially. These people have a lot of money, and they give a lot to the Filipino economy by buying Filipino goods with their foreign currency. Malls are everywhere and in every country, and they're just not in any way symbolic of a nation's culture since they're pretty universal.

So, if the malls can afford to have nice shops, and the people can afford to go there, I don't see why shopping streets can't exist. I just want to see these kinds of projects built before every beautiful and fun spot in Manila gets closed up into another mall.

[sheryltoon]

The best shopping place is Tokyo and then Hong Kong.
Plenty of goods with low tax. But the accommodation requires way too much. I often ask my friend to bring some cosmetic and perfume back.

[bustero]

Great thread. Basically it's a matter of educating local urban planners. Most of them still don't get it. Malls are a sop as you pointed out. It concentrates power in the hands of a few while creating artificial areas for quasi urban life. The biggest problem is that currently almost all the cbd's are beholden to private interest who control the malls e.g. Makati and Fort to Ayala. It's not in their interest to zone the streets to create areas for establishments that will compete with their mall. Imagine that for years Retail and food establishments were not allowed in the ground floor of makati CBD and even now it's still tightly controlled. Unfortunately these are also the best developed areas because government has not been able to do a good job of regulating a good urban space into being. In the long run I think we will see this as power passes on to more progressive local gov't. Long term trend in the right direction.

[Aziza1121]

Why not ayusin na lang ang Divisoria and Baclaran? Do you think possible ma-transform ang DV and Baclaran into these shopping streets?

[OtAkAw]

^^I bet that would mean LOOOOOTTTSSS of work!!!

[firebar10]

The concept is nice, but I think, such a set up lends itself to the mercy of the elements, like rain, humidity in summer, pollution, etc. that are part and parcel of philippine climatic and city conditions. I would bat for urban renewal of downtown Manila, (Quiapo, Escolta, Malate, Ermita) and make the concept of a themed shopping street part of the plan with certain features (i.e. climate control throught active/passive ventilation) to make walking through them pleasurable. It advisable to conduct a comprehensive survey of the street within these districts of Manila to identify where a shopping street can be put up and make all the necessary engineering/technical plan to make such a place a 24 hour year round comfortable place to shop.

[Narnian_King]

Pwede ito sa Baguio City and tagaytay

[epik ll ian]

The concept is nice, and it is a great form of Urban renewal. It's pretty much killing two birds with one stone. You're not only beautifying the streets, you're creating big modern economic zones in Manila at the same time.

Security was the first problem, and now climate is the second problem. Yes, Manila is kind of difficult to deal with in some respects because it's a hot place and it's prone to flooding. At least it's a good thing it's not located on the eastern side of the Philippines, otherwise it would always be rammed with Hurricanes.

However, I'm a person who prefers a small amount of quality things as opposed to a lot of mediocre things everywhere. I believe that if there's a strong will to oppose flooding and Earthquakes there's a way. Lowland Florida somehow manages to have the same kind of shopping atmosphere in its big cities, like Miami, and yet they're hit with MANY nasty hurricanes each year. Yet, Florida's cities still manage to stand. If you drive up and down the Atlantic coast, you wouldn't believe how many beach areas have long board walks lined with stores and high rises. It makes you wonder how they withstand the elements (namely hurricanes), and somehow they do. Some cities have emergency plans such as building sandbag dikes as soon as river waters reach a critical level. Manila can revolutionize itself and use this form: http://www.floodbreak.com/?id=1 of protection. It can also plan its streets accordingly by building in areas of higher elevation.

Here's a document showing how China managed to control its flooding. Southern China is very prone to flooding, yet it manages to control it effectively. The city of Shanghai is located in the southern part of China. If you noticed I had a picture of the still standing Nanjing road in China.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=7&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.unescap.org%2Fenrd%2Fwater_mineral%2Fdisaster%2Fflood%2520china.doc&ei=1w9zSpL7D5DElAfOhaz2Cg&rct=j&q=how+big+cities+protect+from+flood&usg=AFQjCNGAnSovWJmy2Yr1C6C-Q9Kd8m29Uw

Starting on page 8/27 you can see how China has taken preventative measures in order to protect itself from floods. I think it's better I provide you with the original document instead of rewording it myself.

Tokyo and Seoul and Shanghai have also managed to endure a nasty Earthquake problem. I think Manila can do the same (Even though China did suffer a nasty Earthquake recently). However, the shopping streets aren't the only thing that's prone to Earthquake. The whole city is. But Manila is still building, so earthquakes don't seem to be stopping anyone. The only thing you can do is strengthen the buildings as best as possible and implement the latest technology in Earthquake proof buildings in order to minimize the impact of any Earthquake.

Pollution is a problem, yes, but Beijing has an even worse pollution problem. In a matter of fact, all of China has an awful pollution problem. It's hard to go outside in Beijing without having your lungs filled with soot. And it's hard to come inside after the day without feeling purely nasty. They somehow managed to significantly reduce the air pollution during the Beijing olympics. They have also managed to have their own shopping streets. Also, since the Philippines is taking huge steps towards environmental control by going green, pollution shouldn't hinder Manila from converting its Mall craze to pedestrian friendly shopping areas.

There are many outdoor shopping centers in hot places. When I go to places like Las Vegas every few hundred feet or so, I run into a fan hanging from above blowing a nice cool mist on the crowd. It's really comforting. Plus, if you're really feeling THAT uncomfortable outside, you can always go inside to an air conditioned store. There are many ideas out there waiting to be used.

I think if malls can figure out a way how to accommodate their stores with vendors, pedestrian streets can too. Name brand stores can fill these slots until local merchants discover the economic opportunity in these areas and muster up the courage to build their own stores. It would also be nicer for local merchants to open up their own bars, clothing stores, karaoke bars, specialty stores and restaurants etc. - the list is endless.

There are just so many ways to avoid and prevent large scale disasters, and the elements shouldn't prevent Manila from modernizing. In fact it should aid Manila in modernizing. Someday the Philippines can be the leading country in climate control research and development!

[stanleymalls]

Won't you consider Bonifacio High Street in BGC as a Shopping Street? :)

[epik ll ian]

Yeah, like I said Bonifacio High Street and Serendra are good starting points! And I'm very glad they started to pave the way for this shopping trend. It was a better move than another same old shopping mall. The last time I went to Manila, that's where my cousins first took me, so that should show you where people like to hang out the most (not malls, but outdoor shopping areas). Where else can you shop and see the beauty of Manila at the same time? Exactly. I hope the fever soon spreads.

They are a great start, but they're a little low key (and SLIGHTLY out of the way), and rather exclusive looking as compared to what South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and China have though. You kinda have to drive out of your way to get there, until they become the big technologically advanced outdoor shopping district of Manila, you won't see the crowds that you're expecting. Also, Bonifacio High Street is a little too wide and filled with green. Yes, green is good. But the areas bursting with neon signage and high tech shopping areas should have minimal green (some but not TOO much). They detract from the beauty of the technology that surrounds you. I like Serednra more to be honest because vegetation isn't interfering with the MAIN FOCUS of the shopping area. I still think it can grow even more - up and out.

Peaceful green areas should exist by themselves for the most part. They're good scattered throughout the streets, but not in excess. It's good to see them by themselves, but not mixed TOO heavily with the main purpose of a shopping street - they detract from the beauty. It's really hard to go shopping and see all of the fun signs and shops when you have to look through a tree. Green areas are especially nice nice for peaceful parks and nice Zen-like meditative areas. A good way to mix up the city is not with green, but with historical looking buildings. It's good to see a nice mix of old and new (kind of like how Japan and Korea have they're own temple areas and unique historical architecture integrated into new building projects).

Somehow these areas get lost out to being huge thriving streets with the fervor of city life - like this is the life Manila-ites lead. But they still have LOTS of potential to grow, and that's a great! When I was there last, I remember seeing LOTS of empty land surrounding this area, and all I could imagine was the potential to build and grow and turn this area to the center of shopping. Serendra and BHS won't have to be a slightly out of the way place once the Fort becomes Manila's prime shopping destination.

I'm much happier that they decided to build these high streets, though, as opposed to erecting another boring mall. That was a good move. I hope all of Fort Bonifacio starts turning to this kind of shopping. It would just be greater if they had the streets ELECTRIFIED with levels of neon lights, locals, and have all kinds of shops like Karaoke bars, little fun Pachinko-style gambling stores, modern (East Asian style) vending machines, jewelry stores, snack bars, banks to take out money, 7-11 type stores, food carts, hair dressing shops, noodle shops, a few bars, vendor retail, movie bars, electronic stores, toy stores, book stores, local food joints, cinemas, arcades, pharmacies, clubs, pubs, unique restaurants and local vendors etc. It's a nice area (not to mention its very conducive for people who like to enjoy the night out), but until it expands (upwards as well) and until a lot of Manila-ites start coming to this bustling area to do their shopping, it's not quite a network of shopping streets like what you can find in the pictures I showed you guys of Seoul and Tokyo. I like what they did though, and my goal is to see Binondo revived (not so dark, spaghetti wired and undercover looking), and to see Fort Bonifacio become the growing epicenter of this shopping trend.

Here's a short video (in Chinese? with Korean subtitles? haha) of what I'm talking about:

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I'll try and find more. There was one I saw a few months ago of how big and amazing Myungdong is in Seoul. Seoul and Tokyo are so greatly lighted by neon lights and plasma screens that they don't need to waste their money buying street lights. I'll try finding it again for you guys!

[Aziza1121]

^^I dont know why but this thread got me so excited. I have this vision of Manila transforming HK-like. Neon-lights everywhere and pagandahan ng retail stores. This will give chance to our laid-off kababayans to become enterpreneurs. Then, the local govt will earn pa from the space rents.

Ideal place din yung back ng SM MOA or wherever in Manila Bay. May restos na dun. Just line it with trees para may cooling effect.

[epik ll ian]

^^ Exactly!! You can imagine how excited I've been >_< haha
I really hope this will happen someday. All of the problems can be worked out.
Manila can catch up to Neon HK, Seoul and Tokyo. It's so very possible.

[Maxxclip]

The concept is nice, but I think, such a set up lends itself to the mercy of the elements, like rain, humidity in summer, pollution, etc. that are part and parcel of philippine climatic and city conditions. I would bat for urban renewal of downtown Manila, (Quiapo, Escolta, Malate, Ermita) and make the concept of a themed shopping street part of the plan with certain features (i.e. climate control throught active/passive ventilation) to make walking through them pleasurable. It advisable to conduct a comprehensive survey of the street within these districts of Manila to identify where a shopping street can be put up and make all the necessary engineering/technical plan to make such a place a 24 hour year round comfortable place to shop.

you have a point there;) very climatic nga ang bansa natin. prone sa mga typhoon at super init naman kapag summer. ito na rin siguro ang dahilan kung bakit patok na patok pa rin sa panglasa ng mga pinoy ang pagpunta sa mga malls ni Mr. Sy. -malamig na, one-stop shop pa;)

isa pa sa mga dapat i-consider sa mga ganitong adhikain ay ang pagiging tamad ng mga pinoy maglakad:D


Pwede ito sa Baguio City and tagaytay

:okay: i agree:okay:

[kiretoce]

Shopping malls are a hit in the Philippines is because it's an indoor destination (for almost anything). And with the penchant for Filipinos to equate beauty with how pale one can get, they would do anything that can be humanly done not to get a tan. Also, with the oppressive humidity of the outdoors, they'll also want to avoid sweating, hence they flock to the heavenly bliss of airconditioning provided at these malls. :colgate:

Those are a couple of reasons I can think of as to why the idea of a pedestrian shopping area will not take flight.

[boy muscovado]

mainit masyado sa pinas kapagod magshopping mag di aircon yung shopping streets jeje

Yeah. Its not that very popular in the Philippines because its, hot and rains always and there are lots of typhoons :banana:

[epik ll ian]

I thought I mentioned solutions to these problems earlier? The heat? The floods?

And as for tanning, if you're in a somewhat tight street surrounded by buildings and signs, there is a very VERY minimal chance to sun exposure. Also, these streets are designed to show off the night life of Manila mostly. Notice how all of the pictures and videos are taken at night. These times are when people like to go here the most. They show off the city's night life and technological advancement. If you really choose to, go ahead and go to the mall during the day. But nighttime is the time when everyone comes out of work, finishes sight-seeing, finishes school and they come to these streets to unwind and have a great time. It's kind of hard to do that in mall at night. They're not ideal and there are too many constraints. Plus, there is no sun at night when everybody's out shopping and having fun on these streets. It's also very cool at night! Also, you can't get tan when there's no sun!

Filipinos are not the only ones afraid of getting tan by the way. The Chinese, Koreans and Japanese all hate getting tan too, and yet they have the best shopping streets in Asia ... They also continue to visit the Philippines. That should tell you how much that fear stopped them from building shopping streets and making their country among the most fun to shop in. Malls are not really one-stop-one-shop if you look at the fact that they're all over the place and mall hopping is quite the hassle when there are millions of them. Every country has malls. Malls don't make Manila look very appealing to travel to if you have to go to a million malls to do your shopping. You can't even see the city while you're in a mall. A mall looks just like any other mall on the planet. It's hard to make a mall look unique and individual to a country unlike a shopping street. Streets work so much better in letting people shop, they're climate controllable and they let the citizens and tourists see the beauty of a country at the same time. They are not prone to sun exposure as many people believe.


Right now, it's pretty much unpopular in the Philippines because ... it's nonexistent. Trust me, if you have shopping streets as fun and high tech as this, people will come regardless.

[Aziza1121]

Nakakatamad and nakakapagod maglakad kasi wala ka naman nakikitang kanais-nais habang naglalakad. There's nothing to feast your eyes on and divert your attention.

Di ba pag nasa Ayala Center ka, nde nakakapagod mag-ikot sa buong Glorietta hanggang makarating ka na sa Greenbelt? Kasi enjoy ka sa dami ng nakikita mo. Ganun din sa Divisoria, lalo na sa Juan Luna St. Ang daming knick-knacks na pwede bilhin! Minsan nga, mas maganda pa than in SM Malls. Yun nga lang, nakakahilo mag-shopping sa DV, kc magulo setup. Pag sa gabi ka naman mamili, puro raw food na ang tinda.

[flesh_is_weak]

since mainit sa atin, maybe we could resort to underground shopping streets--although it won't apply to many cities in our earthquake prone country, but i think it would be perfect for reviving and maximizing the use of space in the old and crowded (relatively earthquake-free) Cebu downtown

[epik ll ian]

since mainit sa atin, maybe we could resort to underground shopping streets--although it won't apply to many cities in our earthquake prone country, but i think it would be perfect for reviving and maximizing the use of space in the old and crowded (relatively earthquake-free) Cebu downtown

Oh yes, good idea! I would love to see shopping streets pop up everywhere - not just Manila, but Cebu, Baguio, and Davao too! And going underground would be an interesting trend that the Philippines can start!
I also just made a correction to my above post. Please read (second paragraph)! :)

[frustratedarchitect]

http://i42.tinypic.com/rh74ue.jpg
Photo credit: dhens08 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dhens08/)

HARRISON ROAD, BAGUIO
http://i39.tinypic.com/2mxlb43.jpg
Photo credit: read.drea (http://i39.tinypic.com/2mxlb43.jpg)


http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm209/waldenstrom/walden2/IMG_8421.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm209/waldenstrom/walden2/IMG_8407.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm209/waldenstrom/walden2/IMG_8400.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm209/waldenstrom/walden2/IMG_8403.jpg

Taken from the BGO thread: Photos by Waldenstrom (doc Jeff)



Baguio's main streets could become shopping streets, especially if they make it more pedestrian friendly. 3000 to 5000 people are in session road sidewalks alone at any given minute.

[epik ll ian]

Thanks for the pictures! One reason why I really like these streets is because they're not covered in Spaghetti wire (and litter). You can actually look above you! Maybe Baguio can set the example for Manila and light up its streets with levels of neon lights and commercial attractions to make it look like a modern shopping city - especially since people like to go out and enjoy themselves at night. That's the primetime to unwind and enjoy yourself! Baguio is another big touristy spot in the Philippines, and I think they can pull it off.

[kiretoce]

OT: Renamed the thread to reflect the nature and tone of the discussions here. :colgate:

[RickC]

Street shopping...Great Idea...Let's take criticism a big plus...someone is giving us a great suggestion...Let's try something for everyone....move..on...

[epik ll ian]

OT: Renamed the thread to reflect the nature and tone of the discussions here. :colgate:

Good idea, I like it.

This is just 4/5 of the whole entire episode of Andrew Zimmern visits Seoul, South Korea. But watch this. It's a clip of the show, but it'll give you a great feel of living life in a modern, high tech, place. You'll really see how shopping streets are played out. I think it'll give you a desire to want the same. I mean, hey, I want the latest, don't you? :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkZs5OYA5NA&feature=related

This is really where it's at now. Let's not think of why we can't, but how we can! Let's try and do our best to build and revolutionize these areas to personally fit the glove of Filipino style. If we can make them really look amazing, build them with the latest technology, and make them look the latest, people will shop there regardless of any minor problem. I know we all crave the latest, and we want the best for our country! These kinds of areas can show off malls easily. With lots of hard work, we can turn the big metro areas of the Philippines into modern technology starved areas that can easily compete with Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai and Singapore.

[rapuy]

Nice thread here!

I really like the idea of having a pedestrian shopping strip as it is not only a place for shopping but also a showcase of Philippine culture and architecture.
Outdoor shops is a refreshing alternative to malls because you don't have that feeling of being enclosed in a box.

Marami ring dapat i-consider para sa pagdevelop nito. Number one nga jan, eh yung climate natin sa Pilipinas. Mas gusto ng mga tao na presko habang nagsashopping, that's why mall culture is here to stay.

Mall owners have started to integrate this concept of a open pedestrian space and an enclosed mall. We can already observe these trend in new developments like Greenbelt, Trinoma, SM skygarden, SM MOA esplanade and Bonifacio High Street. People are starting to appreciate more dining and shopping in a not so enclosed space but with easy access to cool environs of malls.

[WANCH]

Yeah. Its not that very popular in the Philippines because its, hot and rains always and there are lots of typhoons :banana:

That's the same case with most major ASEAN cities.

But there are some shopping areas around Metro Manila that are not malls but they cater to the C & D crowd.

As for neon, Manila has one of the highest concentration of neon lights in South East Asia rivaling Bangkok.

[mark_vincent]

It would also be a good start to develop the streets around Divisoria. It has a very big potential to rival other markets in SEA cities. (ex. Chatuchak)

[epik ll ian]

Manila might rival Bangkok in Neon lights, but why not just completely leave it in the dust by jumping the next level and putting ourselves in competition with our high tech neighbors to the North? :)

Divisoria would be a good place to start. It would be wise to start in the heart of business/tourist Manila, unless there is a huge spot that can be dedicated to building an extensive network of nightlife streets elsewhere. That's why Bonifacio High Street and Serendra are not as big as people think. They're not as big and technology crazy enough for people to want to go out of their way to get there. Once they expand, however, they will turn into Manila's big hit. It would also be great if the government gave incentives (cheap rent etc.) for people to muster up the courage and start businesses in these places. The government could also regulate the neon signage as well (keep it modern, keep it organized etc.).

I also realized that shopping streets seem to be the better option because they can always be updated and more modern looking. Plus, unless you add some revolutionary idea to your mall, it will always be essentially the same as all others on the planet, and it's really hard to get techno and advanced within such a closed space. Malls will always be this dark box, and you really can't update a whole mall once it gets old. When a mall starts to age, it just turns into this giant eyesore. People stop shopping in them cause they get so old. Eventually Manila will be plagued with these old dark boxes. It in turn makes the whole city look so old. And it takes so much money to update such a huge building that your only option is to wait until it finally breaks down before you can build a new one. Over time, styles change and the malls we build now will start to look old and gross in the very new future. Streets, however, can always be revitalized since they're individualistic and can be changed more easily to cater to whatever is current. Plus, the basic street shopping design never gets old. Buildings are just the skeleton of what you need. Essentially, you can always update the signs, windows, stores, and you never have to tear down a whole street.

[epik ll ian]

-IAtWUvycLI


This is the youtube video I was talking about before.

There are many districts you can look up as examples for Street nightlife Culture:

Akihabara/Shibuya/Ginza/Shinjuku, Tokyo (pretty much all of Tokyo haha)
Mongkok, Hong Kong (A lot of Hong Kong too)
Osaka, Japan
Myungdong, Seoul
Temple Street, Hong Kong
Apkujeong, Seoul
Nanjing Road, Shanghai
Shinchon, Seoul
Nathan Road, Hong Kong
Avenida Almeida Ribeiro, Macau
Shilin, Taipei
Itaewon, Seoul (Most of Seoul too haha)


I know I've said it before, but there's only so much you can do with a mall. :ohno:. They're also constricted to land space. Streets have the option of tunneling all throughout the city, and the shopping opportunities and building spaces are unlimited. If you leave it up to the streets, the options are endless, modern, real and more exciting.

[dvbaicrviser]

Ganito ginawa ng Dubai. Pwede rin lagyan ng bubong yung area ng Quiapo at Divisoria. :)

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e383/DilligafJKT/DubaiSouk.jpg?t=1249731452

http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/WyomingHist/Dubai%203%20Gold%20Souk.jpg

[bukid]

i just hope the telephone, electric, internet and cable companies would slowly removed those exposed cables and hide them somewhere.

[kiretoce]

Ganito ginawa ng Dubai. Pwede rin lagyan ng bubong yung area ng Quiapo at Divisoria. :)

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e383/DilligafJKT/DubaiSouk.jpg?t=1249731452

http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/WyomingHist/Dubai%203%20Gold%20Souk.jpg

Didn't they have something like this under the LRT once? When the closed down the street to vehicular traffic and allowed only pedestrians to use it.

[epik ll ian]

Yeah Dubai is a good example of what they do to keep out the sun too. But in some places in the city, the buildings are tall enough to where it's not that big of a problem. The shines hard and it gets hot in Korea and Japan during the summertime as well, so these streets do manage in spite of undesirable sun exposure x). And yeah, I hope they can clear the spaghetti wire dangling from all of the buildings too, it would look a lot nicer.

[epik ll ian]

For even more knowledge enhancing debates (haha) and discussions, go to Ayala Center redevelopment thread in the Makati forums. You will see a lot of solutions to weather too.

Anything is possible.

Could this thread also be moved to here ... "The Economy, Industry and Development Issues" ?? Thanks!

[epik ll ian]

Makati Central Business District (MCBD) gets a makeover
PERSPECTIVES By Ching M. Alano (The Philippine Star) Updated August 23, 2009 12:00 AM

Photo is loading...

The future Ayala Avenue will feature uniform tree planting, enhanced intersections, improved lighting, and improved urban design to bring it to the level of major boulevards such as those in Singapore, the US, and Europe.
| Zoom

Picture a worthless swamp-land with nary a sign of life back in the 1600s. And now, picture a prime real estate property throbbing with frenetic activity. From grass to glass, from cogon land to the financial and commercial heartland of the country — that sums up Makati today and its premier Central Business District, dubbed the Wall Street of the Philippines.

Like most young people chasing their dreams in the 1970s, architect Paulo Alcazaren has fond memories of Makati Commercial Center (now known as “Ayala Center”). “I remember Rizal Theater, Maranao Mart, Erehwon, and the many food courts.”

Today, Makati boasts some of the tallest buildings in the Philippines, the finest shopping malls, and the grandest five-star hotels.

And now, this much-loved grand old dame is getting a much-deserved face-lift. True, Makati has kept apace with the times, its Central Business District (CBD) boasting world-class buildings, urban design, and landscape architecture. MCBD has successfully accommodated the business, residential, and retail requirements of metropolitan growth in the last few decades.

“But despite its maturity, opportunities for investment, new building projects, and renovations of existing properties to cater to higher and better use continue at a pace that belies the district’s physical and economic zeitgeist,” notes Paulo Alcazaren, principal of PGAA Creative Design, whose firm was tapped by the Makati Commercial Estate Association (MACEA) for the urban master plan of the impro–vements. “These opportunities are given impetus by rising property values and sustained within a continually improving infrastructural framework of utilities, pedestrian and vehicular transportation, and amenities for open space, recreation, shopping, and entertainment.”

Not one to simply stand still, MCBD — through MACEA and Ayala Land, which holds sway over two prime components Ayala Center and the Ayala Triangle — is embarking on a major urban makeover.

In the next few years, a series of projects will be launched to change the face of the district to bring it at par with the best cities in the world. According to Jaime Matias, general manager of MACEA, the association’s main goal is to “maintain and enhance its status as the country’s premier Central Business District and be a regional exemplar of progressive urban development.”

Sustainable Green Development

Together with noted architect William Coscolluela, who’s head of the technical committee and one of the governors of MACEA, Matias lists the following strategies to achieve the association’s goals:

• Enhance the pedestrian realm of the district to make it even more friendly for people.

• Develop pleasant public spaces with lush landscape and functional amenities.

• Create a district-wide urban design makeover within the context of sustainable and green development.

“Dating back to 15 years ago, this overhead and underground pedestrian system allowed for the separation of people and cars, just like in the US, Europe, Singapore, and Japan,” Alcazaren points out. “The models we looked at were the walkable cities like San Francisco and Singapore. We looked at how much cover or shelter from the rain we could provide, the shades from trees, the quality of the pavement, the width of the sidewalks. Ayala Avenue has the widest sidewalks in the country. We’re upgrading the material of the paving and enhancing the concrete and stone pavement.”

Fact is, these bridges and covered walkways have been emulated by other districts in Metro Manila and even by other cities nationwide. But MCBD is not resting on its laurels. It is expanding its network to cover the entire commercial business district so that sooner than you think, you’ll be able to walk from EDSA to Gil Puyat, Makati Medical Center to SM, Pasay Road to Pacific Star, unhampered by traffic and protected from the sun and rain.

Walkable Sidewalks And Urban Patios

Improvements are afoot for Ayala Avenue, MCBD’s premier main street — and perhaps the country’s. Plans for this popular grand avenue will enhance the existing street trees, sidewalk paving, weather protection, lighting, signage, and access to undeground walkways. Pedestrians will be able to walk on smooth, even sidewalks at par in quality with those of Tokyo and Singapore.

We will see a lot of green and open spaces in the inner sub-districts of Salcedo and Legaspi Villages. “These ‘urban patios’ take advantage of unused corners and empty areas,” Alcazaren describes. “When we evaluated the area, we found out that certain corners were not being used. These large triangles of land we’re turning into usable space. These urban patios will have opportunities for well-designed new snack and newspaper kiosks like in Singapore or Tokyo. They will have good paving, shade from trees, and will be clean and well-lighted like the public spaces of Paris or San Francisco.”

Ayala Triangle will also undergo a makeover with Ayala Land opening up portions of it for pedestrians and improving its green open spaces with new landscape designs.

Greenbelt and Glorietta, the original commercial center, are also going through an exciting makeover.

The improvements being considered for the Makati CBD and being implemented by MACEA and Ayala Land are all part of the progressive evolution of the district. These changes are part of the urban DNA started by Ayala and based on the lessons learned over the decades of MCBD’s growth.

Ayala Land continues this mode of smart development with its newer projects in Bonifacio Global City and Nuvali. The original MCBD moves on however, and the lessons learned from this advanced district will then become part of the Ayala Land genetic code for all its projects and interests.

All these exciting changes will be visible starting the end of 2010. We can only wait with bated breath.

[kiretoce]

Photo is loading...

That cracks me up! :rofl:

[epik ll ian]

hahaha woops I forgot to take that out since there's no photo xD

[panaliganmo]

good thing you started a new thread here epik ii ian ... hopefully, the discussion here will be a lot more intelligent than in the "other" one :okay:

[epik ll ian]

Haha thank you. To be honest, after to talking in the other thread, I sit here and scratch my head wondering why so many people don't have faith in new ideas, and they are so ready to render everything "tacky." One little problem and they immediately cower away and go back to the old ways of doing things. Is it really that hard to sit down and think and come up with creative solutions? It gets really frustrating that a lot of people don't have an open mind or lack a sense of creativity to solve a problem. Many countries around us have set the stage for world shopping. Now that we have one award winning mall everyone is completely blinded and think that we don't need much more than what we're doing. But, we have the whole REST of the city to pay attention to. You can't build a mall everywhere in the city. It's impractical and impossible. This award winning mall isn't taking us to world style. It's also not greatly helping the streets look a lot nicer. It's just an award winning mall. So what if we have an award winning mall? People aren't going to fly to Manila because we have an award winning mall or a few of them. Malls are becoming more of the same, and you see a lot of the same stores in them. And honestly, not everyone has the chance to start off in the mall. People from the lowliest walks of life who have a vision can't start off in a mall. Wouldn't it be better to have an award winning city? Don't you want a city that people fly to because it's advanced, modern, and the city has nice places to walk down and shop while you marvel at how grand it is? The honest truth is, we're not even close to reaching world class style yet, and yet a lot of people have the nerve to call the other countries around us who have ... "tacky." What is this? Is it denial? They think Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong are not as good. However, they are constantly referred to as nouveau world class destinations and have shopping places that produce clothing and gadgets that are technologically advanced, modern and far from "tacky." How often is it that we here of the Philippines as leading the way in style? How many native Pinoy brands do you actually find in our malls? Our neighbors are always admired for their new fashion trends and new styles. It's really annoying seeing fellow Pinoys look down on them like that. And even though they're are succeeding at unimaginable rates, we don't even want to bother to imitate how they succeeded and at the same time make it our own. "Oh, well why would you want us to make shopping streets, that's copying." That's not copying. Letting people walk through your city and enjoy nightlife while shopping and marveling at how far the city has come isn't copying. All modern cities are like this.
Mall's can't be built everywhere ... and the streets need to be nice and modern places that attract spending. I'm wondering why a few little problems that have a number of solutions are preventing people from evening opening their eyes to this old and successful concept. I'm also wondering why it's so hard to use common sense and put 2 and 2 together.

[Fraulein]

Araneta Center Shopping District

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/132/317535710_f5837cb0f1.jpg?v=0

http://metrogimik.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/araneta-center1.jpg

http://image58.webshots.com/158/8/87/20/2494887200067329158SAdfcd_ph.jpg

http://www.thebachelorgirl.com/images/AliMallShuttle01.jpg

[bakasaurus]

I actually like this idea..I've been to some here in Japan. Every city has at least one I think. They usually name it ______ machi.

I like how it is continuous with the streets. Which leads me to my point basically, there is a need for very walkable and nice streets, especially for pedestrian use, if we want to have these kinds of Pedestrian shopping disctricts. Secondly, it is best located in areas with naturally high pedestrian traffic..somewhere in the city centers, or branching off from main thoroughfares.

I will take pics when I can..probably tonight since we'll be going around by bicycle. Hehehe.

[WANCH]

Are store or boutiques with a creative or impressive facade?

Like these in

HK
http://www.hongkonghustle.com/wp-content/LouisVuitton_Central.jpg

Jakarta
http://grape.fashionesedaily.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/lv01.jpg

[WANCH]

Here one in QC

At the Cubao Shoe Expo
http://gerry.alanguilan.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/sputnik01.jpg

http://www.clickthecity.com/img2/articles/CTC-2433-image5.jpg

[ritche]

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/5810/img2271r.jpg

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/5978/img2276c.jpg

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/7197/img2279hm.jpg

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/7618/img2158e.jpg

A post I made earlier
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/400/dsc00561jn7.jpg
This is the 10 meter wide brick walkway at the Dumaguete Business Park which we hope to convert into an area smiilar to Fort Bonifacio or Rockwell. The whole park would be crisscrossed with generous brick pathways as these sidewalks would also host retails and fastfood outlets.

There was a plan before by a visionary mayor to convert Perdices St. (the main thoroughfare of Dumaguete) into a walking street but it didn't materialize (yet?) because he was defeated in the next election. In his masterplan, this street would be converted into a street mall with center islands complete with trees and benches, and of course brick pathways. But there are youthful politicians in the city nowadays who wanted to revive his masterplan.

[ritche]

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/6973/tobs.jpg

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/6587/robs1.jpg

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/8169/robs5.jpg

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/7687/15558211232386048194273.jpg

[jpdm]

Araneta Center Shopping District

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/132/317535710_f5837cb0f1.jpg?v=0

http://metrogimik.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/araneta-center1.jpg

http://image58.webshots.com/158/8/87/20/2494887200067329158SAdfcd_ph.jpg

http://www.thebachelorgirl.com/images/AliMallShuttle01.jpg

Nice!!!:cheers:

[jpdm]

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/7197/img2279hm.jpg

r

[CENTER]

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/8169/robs5.jpg



Nice pics of Dumaguete!!:cheers::cheers:

[epik ll ian]

There are some really nice pictures in here.
And it makes me think think of ways to making the city streets more beautiful. Wouldn't it be nicer if we just took down all of the posters? I think they've turned more into an eyesore than anything else. I think it would make the city look a lot cleaner. It's not a big money spending project either. It's actually rather simple. I think there are better ways for companies to make more money - such as allocating that money into making better TVC's (commercials). There's already enough of a distraction going above head level with all of the power cables. Eventually in the future when the Philippines becomes a lot more well off, we can replace some of those former posters with screens.

[boju2]

This is Cagayan de Oro Night Cafe and Market only during weekend

http://www.homeradio935.net/images/whats_hot_not/night%20cafe.jpeg
source (http://www.homeradio935.net/whatshotandnot.php)

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/boju4289/conc1.jpg


http://walksofkulot.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/divisoria.jpg
source (http://walksofkulot.wordpress.com/2009/09/)

More picture here http://www.lawstude.net/2009/02/cagayan-de-oros-night-cafe.html

[boju2]

n5JYs2N5Gqg