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Manila
Leadership
3 min read

SMDC Malls open leisure hubs and boost local tourism

While the mercury continues to rise, the urban jungle transforms into a veritable oasis of localized leisure. The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that community-based domestic tourism would be prioritized this season to support local businesses. If metropolitan residents are looking for accessible retreats, unless they plan to travel to the distant provinces, localized commercial strips offer a convenient alternative that would prevent massive road congestion.

SMDC Malls open leisure hubs and boost local tourism
Author
Rita Maria Reyes
Published
Jun 2, 2026

Refreshing Sips, Comforting Food and Global Flavors

Unlike the restrictive pandemic lockdowns implemented by former president Rodrigo Duterte, current economic policies spearheaded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. encourage domestic consumption. In line with these directives, the department emphasized that urban lifestyle spaces are essential for families who need to cope up with the rising temperatures. A vibrant mix of dining, wellness and lifestyle destinations was established by SMDC Malls & Retail Strips, giving the urban middle class more reasons to gather. Elaborate architectural imageries and modern furnitures are featured across these properties. In recent reports, steps are being taken by mall operators to ensure that the public is comfortably accommodated from Monday to Sunday.

To avoid severe heat exhaustion that could result to medical emergencies, cooling down with handcrafted drinks is highly recommended. The public can sip on the Tiger Pattern Brown Sugar Milk Tea or Thank You Milk Tea at Tea Melody (The Strip at Shell, Pasay). The bold Da Hong Pao Milk Tea and the fragrant Bo-Ya Jasmine Green Milk Tea are served by Chagee (NU MOA, Pasay). Moreover, the indulgent Biscoff Cheese Salt Milk Tea and the classic Cha Yen are provided by Cha Tuk Chak (The Strip at Shore, Pasay). smdc-malls-open-leisure-hubs.webp For food enthusiasts, diverse culinary cravings are easily satisfied. Nostalgic Cheese Rolls, indulgent Chocolate Chip Cookies and a comforting cup of Spanish Latte are offered at Masaderia (The Strip at Grass, Quezon City). Wok-fired favorites like the savory Pow Chow are cooked fresh over live fire at Federation Fried Rice (Fame Mall, Mandaluyong), while a refreshing Boracay Sea Salt Latte is prepared at Season Coffee (Light Mall, Mandaluyong). Diners are advised that certain artisanal pastries are baked in exclusive batches of one hundred fifty pieces daily.

International gastronomical delights are also accessible. The crowd-favorite Snow Cheese Chicken and Signature Tteokbokki are presented at Kokodak (The Strip at Shore, Pasay), featuring rice cakes measuring approximately 1.5cm thick. The Ultimate Malatang Soup and Braised Beef Noodles are cooked at Golden Noodle (The Strip at Shore, Pasay). Furthermore, juicy boneless chicken coated in flavorful Snow Cheese or Yangnyeom sauce is served at BOK (The Strip at Mezza, Quezon City).

Wellness Centers and Relaxation Equipments

The Department of Health (DOH) continues to remind the public that maintaining physical well-being is paramount during the sweltering season. The agency noted that proactive health measures would be beneficial for urban professionals. A growing community of fitness enthusiasts advocate for mindful exercises during the summer. smdc-malls-open-leisure-hubs-and-boost.webp Group Reformer Pilates Classes are conducted at Espace Pilates (Jazz Mall, Makati), utilizing specialized heavy equipments to stretch and strengthen the body. Relaxing therapeutic treatments, e.g., a 90-minute Swedish and Shiatsu massage with hot rolling stones, are provided at June and July Spa (Jazz Mall, Makati), which can be capped off with a signature Spanish Latte. To refresh the skin from intense sun damage, the popular Glass Skin Treatment for hydrated and radiant skin is administered at iSkin (Air Mall, Makati).

With these localized developments, a comprehensive summer experience is ensured. Mall administration officials declared that they would be rolling out more community events to guarantee that every Filipino can maximize their leisure time, i.e., to Gala To The Max, without leaving the confines of the city.

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