September 2019

Alabang: The South’s Amicable Community

Perhaps hearing the word Alabang would spark different images, either of a big urban city or a quaint town of greeneries. But if you know Alabang like a real Southerner, you’d know it’s both.

This busy central business district of Muntinlupa can still provide everyone avenues to unwind and feel refreshed every now and then. You won’t see many businessmen with briefcases running after time compared to the other CBDs in Metro Manila. Instead, you will see people with a laid-back aura, enjoying a simple yet sophisticated crowd.

The sight of Alabang residents will make you feel warm. Families and friends bond over coffee and comfort food in the myriad of cafés in Alabang Town Center, Molito, and Westgate, all adjacent to one another on Commerce Avenue. Kids and even pets have ample space to play and make friends.

Alabang is also a place that inspires healthy living at no cost. Parks and open areas are a convenient go-to for fitness and outdoor enthusiasts. Cyclists come together at Filinvest Mountain Bike (MTB) Trail, while joggers have the freedom to set their course as nearly every trail and every road in Filinvest City are spacious and well-paved.

Further, tons of restaurants and establishments in Alabang are birthed from people’s passion and unique stories. The best part is that these people strive to provide authenticity matched with a local touch for everyone to experience. May it be arts or businesses, you’ll find people supporting each other to build a community—a family, even.

Beware, though—once you get used to the amicable atmosphere in Alabang, you might never want to leave.

Getting to and around Alabang

Alabang lies in the center of Muntinlupa, neighbored by Barangay Ayala Alabang to the west and lulled by Laguna de Bay to its east. It is accessible via major roads, Daang Hari and Alabang-Zapote Road from the South and Skyway from the North.

P2P Buses to Alabang

From Makati, you can take the Alabang Town Center (ATC)-bound P2P Bus at Greenbelt 1, along Legaspi St. The standard fare is P100. The bus departs every 15 to 30 mins. or up to an hour. Meanwhile, there is another P2P stop at Century City Mall that stops for pick-up at 5:30 pm and leaves at 6 pm every day.

From Taguig, hop on to a P2P bus at the Market Market Mall P2P Terminal. The bus departs every 30 mins. from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. The standard fare is P120.

From Pasig, there are P2P buses bound for ATC at Ayala Malls The 30th, but the departure time is only 6 pm and 7 pm. From ATC to Ayala Malls the 30th, buses leave only at 6:30 am and 7:30 am. The standard fare is P140.

From Manila, there is a P2P station in Lawton. The bus departs every 30 mins. to one hour and the standard rate is P180.

There are also P2P stations at NAIA Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 bound for ATC. Buses run every three hours from 3:30 am to 9 pm for all terminals except Terminal 3, which starts from 4:30 am until 11 pm. The standard fare is P110.

From Cavite, there are also P2P buses at Vista Mall Daang Hari in Bacoor going to Starmall Alabang. The standard fare is P40, and buses depart every 20-30 mins.

Public Transportation

Other options for public transportation are jeepneys and vans. Alabang South Station is the central station where you can find jeepneys serving Pasay, Bicutan, Sucat, Baclaran, and Zapote. Jeepneys also pass by different subdivisions such as Alabang Hills, Intercity Homes, and Hillsborough.

There are also vans bound for parts of Cavite and Laguna stationed at Alabang South Station, Festival Mall, and Alabang Town Center. Depending on your destination, fares range from P50 to P100.

Parking

Sufficient parking space is provided in malls like Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall, and Molito. The standard rate for the first 3 hours is P40, while overnight parking ranges from P500 to P600.