With many of the usual destinations still closed for lockdown-weary urbanities, this posh district in southern metropolis may just be your alternative getaway which approximates an out-of-town feel. Taking pride in its lush greeneries and public parks, Alabang is a hub for outdoor recreation, golf swings, specialty dining, a scenic view of the placid Laguna Lake, and a whole lot more.
Situated at Metro Manila’s southern boundary, its core is Filinvest City, a master-planned business and residential township which was developed in harmony with nature with its tree parks and open spaces for a country-style living. The central business district takes pride in its tree-canopied parks with walkways and bike lanes which encourage physical activities walking, jogging, and biking for a healthy lifestyle.
Freestanding sculptures and art installations enhance the landscape and serve as a visual treat to promenaders.
The area has the 9-km Filinvest Mountain Bike Trail, a favorite by beginners and elites alike with its moderate to extreme terrain which will challenge the endurance of cyclists. The CBD also has an extensive network of bike lanes which makes going around the vicinity safe and fast.
For extra miles outside Alabang, pedal to the New Bilibid Prison, a 587-hectare government reserve which transports you to the rural side of Muntinlupa. The sprawling complex is also an ideal bike destination with the Instagram-worthy Jamboree Lake, the Japanese Cemetery, Memorial Hill, and main prison building.
Bayanan Baywalk is another pleasant surprise which affords you a front-row seat to the Laguna De Bay and a panorama vista of the Sierra Madre mountains in Rizal province just across the lake. The public park has adjacent huts on stilts, aquaculture tanks, and bamboo rafts run which can be used for lunch picnics.
Meanwhile, golf aficionados can master their swing at Southpoint Driving Range, a 285-yard facility on Filinvest’s far end. It has 28 covered bases with turf mats, an equipment shop, and a mesmerizing view of the cityscape which can bring out your championship form.
For a full game, there’s Alabang Country Club, which boasts of an 18-hole golf course, a driving range, a multi-purpose field, a gym, a dance studio, and a pavilion for racquet sports, swimming pools, bowling lanes, and restaurants.
Alabang has an infinity dining options, but for more focused choices, you can swing by Commercenter Alabang, a boutique lifestyle mall which houses specialty restaurants and shops. Food outlets often has al fresco dining area suited for today’s pandemic safety protocols.
A must try is The Black Pig, whose menu consists of a variety of European-inspired dishes, prepared as you order with fresh ingredients sourced daily from the market. With a kitchen helmed by chef Carlos Garcia, a veteran from numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, it is a modern casual restaurant and bar which has an excellent selection of beer, wine, and craft cocktails, that can be paired with your favorite dish.
Blending fresh, local ingredients with European recipes, it innovates its preparation and presentation of menu of European-inspired specialties, such as cured meats, including Jamon Iberico, Lamb Leg, Pork Belly, and Rib-Eye Steak, among others.
You can also sink your teeth on its signature grilled octopus, farfalle with king oyster mushroom and foie, all-time favorites, seafood, as well as charcuterie boards, burgers and house-made sausages.
Can’t go out of town, yet? No problem. You can bike, drive, and bite in Alabang.
