There are times when even your house feels a little too busy. I guess it’s part of the hassle of living in the city. Mondays are filled with buzz of a new week, Tuesdays are when the work piles up, while Wednesday and Thursdays are when you do your most to get to that Friday and weekend fulfilled. Still, even weekends can be a little hectic. It’s usually the time when I catch up with all the other things work has prevented me from doing. And Sunday afternoons are essentially used to prepare for another Monday morning.

I’m not complaining, but we all know that there is a value in escaping and taking a break. Along our trafficked roads and because of our full message inboxes, you may think it’s impossible. But there is such a thing as a city escape. At The Podium, you’ll find a place to be able to refresh, relax and recharge even just for an hour or two. It’s the place to spend an afternoon when you need to de-stress, just before your next task. It’s also a place where you can take your family if you need some time away from the usual routine.

The Podium isn’t just a typical shopping center. It’s a lifestyle mall that’s factored in how we have different personalities and interests. Here, you will have your favorite fashion and beauty places such as Uniqlo, Sfera and Aigle. There are also boutiques where you can find curated picks from all over the world, like Cul-De-Sac, which carries international brands like Versus Versace, JW Anderson and Opening Ceremony. There is also Assembly where you can find labels like SlovenMode, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini and Aprix.

You can also find the best of the Philippines at The Podium when you visit Kultura at level three, whether you need something for yourself, your home, or as as gifts to your friends. Beauty brands aren’t a stranger to The Podium with Jo Malone, Beauty Bar, Estée Lauder and Kiehl’s ready to help you restock your vanity and makeup kit.

But the experience at The Podium isn’t just about the shopping. What’s unique is how there are many places where you can spend some time for your wellbeing. For those who love a good meal, there is The Corner Market. It’s a large food hall that offers various food concepts with their specialty treats such as Gusto! that’s all about fresh salads, Easy, Tiger for authentic Thai cuisine, Sundays for craft cones and soft serve ice cream, and Barcelon De Calderon for Spanish dishes, to name a few. If you’re in the mood for your usual order, The Podium houses The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Juju Eats, Las Flores, Wildflour and Banana Leaf, to cater to every craving.

I also love how there are many activities that you can do at The Podium. Noteworthy is there for those who love bullet journals and keeping their desks functional and pretty. Electric Studio offers classes everyday if you wish to ride on the spinning trend towards your health goals. There is Yoga+ so you never skip a session to help you keep a fit body; an there’s Options Studio, if you need a more guided routine. There is also Sip & Gogh for you and your children. Inspired by Van Gogh, this is the place where you can paint while enjoying a few drinks of your choice. There are events held at Sip & Gogh that can help tap into your creativity but also give you an activity to unwind and enjoy with the rest of your family.

Whenever you need a break, The Podium with its refreshing approach to our city mall culture is where you need to be. Here, you won’t find yourself rushing through the usual errands. You’ll find an oasis from the busy city life where you can be at your best and achieve your daily goals.

Ria Prieto is an editor, columnist and consultant who loves all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle. To read more of her musings, log on to www.riarecommends.com.

#Wonderfruit2018: A different kind of holiday treat