Assembly Grounds at The Rise may bear a striking resemblance to Shangri-La Plaza, what with its luxe interiors, thoughtful selection of merchants and classy ambiance.
Yet while the two malls are from the same developer, and thus share the same DNA, the former “is a different kind of Shang,” says Shangri-La Plaza executive vice president and general manager Lala Fojas.
Located on the fringes of Makati’s central business district and in the midst of Noma or north of Makati, a place that’s shaping up to be the next hot music, dining and arts destination, the spanking-new two-story boutique mall caters to the unique lifestyle of millennials and Generation Z.
“They’re adventurous and like to try new things,” describes Fojas of this particular market. “They also like to chill out with friends.”
Beyond the staples
Food choices go beyond a young person’s staple diet of milk tea (Yi Fang), Korean barbecue (Premier the Samgyupsal) and fancy coffee (Starbucks Reserve). There’s Asian cuisine (Yuki Café, Tong Yang Shabu-Shabu Express, Ramen Daisho, Mey Lin Express), Filipino favorites (Recipes, Zubuchon), Tex-Mex (Fiery Style Southwestern Flaming Grill), bar chow (Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things) and quick fixes (7-Eleven, Bread Talk).
Set to open soon are Americanized Japanese and Asian fast-food joint Chatto Bites, Vietnamese restaurant Vinatrang Cuisine, sizzling-hot steak place Pepper Lunch, healthy organic fare Salad Bowl, French puffs brand Mihimihi, Italian eatery Casa Mia, wagyu and gourmet burger spot Raging Bull + Burgers, and craft beer hangout Spektral.
Beauty and wellness (Nisce Skin Medispa, Pink Parlour, Boho by Nail Tropics, Nook Salon, Sanbry Men’s Grooming House, Lomi Imua Relaxation Hawaiian Spa), fitness (Tapout), general merchandise (True Value, Daiso Japan, Curate), banking services (Bank of the Philippine Islands, Security Bank ATM) and repairs (Besa’s Footwear and Bag Restoration) complete the offerings.
For residents of The Rise Makati, who can enter the mall from the condominium’s lobby and with a quick tap of their access card, Assembly Grounds provides a seamless integration to a property that’s akin to a five-star hotel.
A swimming pool on a spacious sun deck, billiards room, karaoke rooms, two-floor gym with state-of-the-art equipment, private spa, three lounge areas and even a coworking space are among the exclusive amenities of this development designed with Instagram-worthy interiors.
Still, you don’t have to be of a certain age group (or have an Instagram account, for that matter) to feel at home here. Says Fojas, “More than just a demographic, it’s a lifestyle we’re curating for.”
Assembly Grounds: The Rise, 7248 Malugay St., Makati City