Pros and Cons of living in the City: Alabang
The Philippines may have its spectacular beaches, scenic mountain ranges, and cultures known only to a few if you live in the province. The country’s provinces draw a lot of people for its laid-back atmosphere, but most only go to the province for rest and relaxation.
City living, while not as talked about, certainly has its perks. Each city in the Philippines has its own pros and cons, thus attracting different kinds of people.
THE NEW BUSINESS DISTRICT. Alabang is fast becoming Metro Manila’s new Central Business District. (Photo credit: Skyscraper City)
Alabang is no exception. Nestled in Muntinlupa City, this former farming village has transformed into one of Metro Manila’s biggest commercial centers, with several businesses littering the landscape. If you’re an expat looking for a place to stay, here are a few reasons why you should choose Alabang:
1. Alabang is the perfect place for those who want to be close to the capitol yet still be far enough to enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening. It is the last city you’ll come across before the province of Laguna, making it a perfect place to stay if you want to spend a weekend in the province without having to spend an entire day on the road.
2. The good thing with Alabang is most of the government branch offices are (at most) within 15 minutes of each other. You’re also within 20-30 minutes of Makati via Skyway’s Alabang South Station entry point, as well as having the convenience of a transport hub right at South Station.
3. Malls for every budget. These days, you can find almost anything you need inside one of Manila’s malls. Alabang is no different, being home to the Festival Alabang, Alabang Town Center, and Starmall Alabang. Alabang Town Center is a haven for expats, with stalls for name-brand products and restaurants galore. For those on a mid-range budget, Festival Alabang in Filinvest City is the place to be. If you’re really tight, go for Starmall, a community mall located along the National Highway.
4. James Bazaar. One of the country’s most sought-after bazaars calls Alabang its permanent home. The annual Christmas bazaar draws in crowds from all over the metro with its multitude of options for gifts as well as things you just have to get but do not have a lot of money to spend for.
Alabang sounds like a great place to stay; however, like any city you will encounter the following:
1. Heavy Traffic. While it is the southernmost of all the cities, it is not immune to Metro Manila’s traffic woes. The Alabang flyover, while a part of the South Luzon Express Way, is prone to traffic jams especially during rush hour.
2. Mostly upscale. The barangay’s rapid development limits your options if you’re really picky with what you eat, where you stay, and what you want to buy. Alabang Town Center (ATC), the place where expats usually hang out, has a lot of boutique stores. There are places in ATC where you can shop on a budget, but you would need a bit of digging to do so.
3. Most of Alabang can be reached via public transportation, but there are certain areas that can only be reached by cab or on foot, especially around Filinvest City. Most of the people who live here own cars, especially in the affluent neighbourhood of Ayala Alabang, so transportation really isn’t an issue with them.
