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Muntinlupa: Emerald City of the Philippines

Muntinlupa

What was once an agricultural town mostly devoted to cow pasture has metamorphosed into the new residential haven of Metro Manila. Muntinlupa is the southernmost city of Metro Manila bounded on the east by Laguna de Bay; on the southwest by the provinces of Laguna and Cavite; on the west by Las Piñas; on the northwest by Parañaque; and, on the north by Taguig City.

Owing to its general topography, which is somewhat hilly, this tiny poblacion was referred to by its inhabitants during the Spanish period as “monted de lupa,” a vernacular phrase meaning “hills” from which, many believed the name of Muntinlupa originated. Just a few decades ago, this place was at the receiving end of unfair jokes and bad press and has earned undue notoriety. The mere mention of the word “Muntinlupa” always brought to mind the chilling image of the New Bilibid Prison which is located within its jurisdiction. However, palpable progress has a way of changing for the better negative impressions created by the stigma of it being the home of hardened criminals.

During the last decade, the city has undergone rapid development particularly in its Alabang district. The Filinvest Corporate City and the Madrigal Business Center District which host the biggest and swankiest residential communities and business establishments have changed the face of Muntinlupa from a once sleepy town to a bustling modern metropolis. Some of the wealthiest and famous personalities that live in these classy villages include a former Philippine president, well-known show biz celebrities and even the prince of an oil-producing nation. Recently, it received the status of “Most Competitive and Improved City.” Like a precious stone plucked from the mining quarry in its raw form, then cut and polished to perfection, Muntinlupa City—the new glistening jewel of Metro Manila, is now referred to as the Emerald City of the Philippines.

What to See in Muntinlupa

Muntinlupa boasts of the Ayala Alabang Village which is the largest and cleanest exclusive residential subdivision in the country; Alabang Town Center along the Ayala-Alabang-Zapote Road; Festival Mall at the Filinvest Corporate City; and, Manuela Metropolis below the South Super Highway Flyover which are considered as some of the largest malls in the country that feature indoor theme parks.

Visitors who believe that the things to see in a modern city like Muntinlupa that has recently emerged from rural obscurity can only be found in its modern commercial districts and plush residential subdivisions. But for the more adventurous and curious visitor who had seen enough of modern malls and plush villages, the unique spots that define the city’s character and its past may prove a more interesting justification for their trip.

Ironically, this once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing experience can be found at the very place that has given the city its past notoriety—The New Bilibid Prison located at Barangay Poblacion. Hidden within the grounds of this sprawling 530–hectare state penitentiary reservation complex which is surprisingly peaceful and safe, are the following attractions?

Jamboree Lake: Said to be the country’s smallest natural lake, whose water and surrounding park are surprisingly clean.

Monument Hill: Located a few meters from the lakeshore is a mound with a cross that serves as the marker for the resting place of Eriberto Misa, a prison director during World War II who made a mark in history by initiating programs that made prison life more bearable.

Yamashita Shrine: A burial site for Japanese soldiers killed during World War II. General Tomoyuki Yamashita, the “Tiger of Malaya,” is said to have been buried in this place after he was executed for war crimes committed by Japanese troops in World War II.

Where to Eat in Muntinlupa

The best places to visit whenever you feel the urge to go on a shopping spree or a food trip are the modern and comfortable malls of Muntinlupa.

Gerry’s Grill: Located at Alabang Town Center, this food establishment is just the perfect place for the visitor who loves to feast on freshly grilled or cooked food on a budget of P200.00 per meal.

Cabalen: This restaurant can be found at the 3rd Floor of the Festival Mall. It features food from Pampanga like its famous native sausages and processed meats at a mid-range cost of P300.00 per meal. If you feel up to it, try its exotic snails cooked in coconut milk. A pricey appetizer in French cuisine cooked with garlic and parsley butter with an equally pricey sounding name—“escargot,” which simply means snail is very popular in European and North American fine dining. You can eat this delicacy with an Asian twist for a fraction of the cost at Cabalen.

Red Crab Seafood and Steaks: For P500.00 per meal, you can stuff yourself with its crowd drawer—different crab dishes cooked just right to tickle your taste buds from hot to gingery sweet and spicy flavors. A culinary experience to remember for first time visitors of this establishment located at the 2nd level, Cortes de las Palmas along Alabang-Zapote Road.

Where to Stay in Muntinlupa

Parque España Residence Hotel: Whether you are a well-traveled businessman or a leisure traveler, you will definitely fine in this hotel all the comforts, warmth and security which will make you feel that you have never left home at all. For a starting rate of USD70.00, or P2,800.00 converted at the prevailing forex rates, visitors will enjoy living and dining areas with complete dining facilities, cable TV, kitchen with complete cooking facilities, IDD/NDD telephone, broadband internet connectivity, mini bar and hot and cold shower.

Website: http://www.parqueespana-alabang.com/index.htm
5309 East Asia Drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang
Muntinlupa City 1781, Philippines
Tel. Nos.: (632) 850-5847
Fax Nos.: (632) 850-5660
Email address: parqueespana@hii.com.ph

Vivere Suites: Every room in this mid-range hotel features Asian elegance designed to provide for your comfort and convenience. Starting at USD120.00, or P4,800.00 converted at prevailing forex rates, each standard room is equipped with a living, dining and kitchen area aside from the usual bathroom and bedroom.

5102 Bridgeway Avenue
Filinvest Corporate City
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel.No.: (632) 771-7777
Fax No.: (632) 771-0158

The Bellevue Manila: Located at the plush Filinvest Corporate City, this high rise hotel offers a wide range of recreational facilities and a fully equipped business center to meet the needs of both the leisure and business travelers. With rates starting at USD179.00.or P7,160.00 converted at current exchange rates, this 222 room high rise provides in-room fax, in-house movies, broadband internet connection, air-conditioning, telephone, mini bar, room safe, satellite TV, voice mail and tea/ coffee maker.

Website: www.thebellevue.com.ph
North Bridgeway, NorthGate
Cyberzone, Filinvest Corporate City
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel. No.: 771-8181
Fax No.: 771-8282

How to Get to Muntinlupa

Manila to Muntinlupa and Back: Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses ply the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), which is the major route going to Muntinlupa City. Coming from Manila, you can catch the bus at the Taft Avenue corner Buendia Avenue station. Ask the bus conductor to remind you to get off the bus when it reaches Alabang. Traffic is sometimes very heavy at the SLEX and the trip could take about two hours. The bus ride should not cost more than P100.00.

Cebu to Muntinlupa and Back: To reach Muntinlupa from Cebu, you can either fly from Cebu to the Manila Domestic Airport in Pasay or sail from Cebu to Manila. Approximate cost of a round trip plane ticket is P4,000.00 – P5,000.00 while a round trip boat fare is approximately P3,000.00 – P4,000.00. From your point of disembarkation, you can take a jeepney or taxi cab to the bus station in Taft Avenue corner Buendia Avenue and board the bus bound for Cabuyao, Laguna and ask the bus conductor to let you off at Alabang. The taxi fare to the bus station costs about P250.00-P300.00 while the bus trip should not cost more than P100.00.

  Dumaguete to Muntinlupa and Back: To reach Muntinlupa from Dumaguete, you can fly from Dumaguete to the Manila Domestic Airport in Pasay. Approximate cost of a round trip plane ticket is P4,000.00 – P5,000.00. From the airport, you can take a taxi cab to the bus station in Taft Avenue corner Buendia Avenue and board the bus bound for Cabuyao, Laguna and ask the bus conductor to let you off at Alabang. The taxi fare to the bus station costs about P250.00-P300.00 while the bus trip should not cost more than P100.00.