The Rise of the South: An Emerging, New Alabang

Recent years have shown dramatic, scene-changing developments in Alabang.  With the worsening traffic in the more renowned business districts of Makati and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, a lot of multinational companies have placed strong consideration to relocating in the South, giving credit to the growing abundance of educational institutions, accessible road networks, modern telecommunications infrastructure, and several premium real estate developments in the area.  Both local and foreign employees alike have discovered for themselves the many attractions that can be found in this area.

Originally identified as a small locale, Alabang has now grown in definition and colloquial reference to the region covering the boundaries of Muntinlupa and Las Pinas.  It is also bordered by adjacent municipalities of Bacoor, Cavite, and San Pedro, Laguna, setting itself as a crossroads for education, commerce, and entertainment – all factors contributing to its rapid expansion and modernization.   Perhaps the greatest asset of this location is the presence of three exits from South Luzon Expressway – 1) Alabang Exit; 2) Filinvest Exit; 3) Muntinlupa-Cavite Exit.  These entry-exit points decongest the area and pave the way for increased accessibility, a far cry from other areas in Metro Manila heavily dependent on EDSA.  In fact, with several options at their disposal, residents and businesses alike have placed themselves in various locations like Cavite and Laguna, as adjacent municipalities now contribute to the growing foot traffic.

Even within its current expanse, Alabang has seen the emergence of new districts and communities.  For example, Northgate Cyberzone now features an increasing number of office buildings and international tenants, to the envy of the traditional landmark Madrigal Business Park; from a hotel neighborhood dominated by Bellevue and Vivere, the area now features the modern, sophisticated Acacia Hotel, and the international franchise Somerset Alabang.  As for mall developments, Evia Lifestyle Center now sets the trend in design, comfort, and style, forcing rivals Alabang Town Center and Festival Mall to renovate and improve as well.  For education, the addition of FEU Alabang, with its impressive, modern, and noticeable building, has increased student population, adding to the long-standing institutions of De La Salle – Zobel, San Beda Alabang, and the exclusive institutes of PAREF Southridge School (for boys) and PAREF Woodrose (for girls). Of course, all major car brands, with massive showrooms and multiple vehicle models in the display, can be found within the premises of the city.  Lastly, from a residential standpoint, the upscale market has seen an increased number of luxury homes and upscale development, such as Brittany Corporation’s Portofino Heights, Portofino South, and Amore communities, Italian-inspired subdivisions that would easily pass off in still photos as international and out-of-the-country locations.

The continuous growth of Alabang not only bodes well for its residents and businesses but also the entire Metro Manila population as well.  As the premier gateway from South Luzon, the establishment of major infrastructures in the area decreases the travel distance for purposes of trade and exchange; further, it is now developing as an entry point of agricultural goods and products, reducing the pressure from traditional markets of Divisoria, Quiapo, and Recto. The expanse of the Daang Hari Road, which connects the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway to Molino-Paliparan Road and Aguinaldo Highway bears much promise, pointing everything up here at the southern tip of Metro Manila.

Alabang has without a doubt flourished to become the business district that it is today. A number of developments have made it a favored location for business owners planning to expand operations in the south of the metro. It has also become a popular residential address not only for its accessibility but also for the many establishments and luxury communities that offer a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Undeniably, Alabang can now be considered a prominent address in the South.

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Reference:

(July 19, 2019) Beyond Business: What makes Alabang an ideal location for work and play. KMC. Retrieved from https://kmcmaggroup.com/research-insights/2019/beyond-business-what-makes-alabang-an-ideal-location-for-work-and-play/