Once a park now a mall. That is the story of Glorietta 3.
Glorietta 3 stands as a testament to Manila’s ever-evolving landscape. It reflects the city’s blend of history and modernity. This is a place where memories are made.
Originally, this area was part of the Makati Commercial Center. In the 1970s, it was transformed into a park. Ildefonso P. Santos Jr. designed the landscape. He was a National Artist for Architecture. The park featured an outdoor stage. It became a hub for events. Small shopping arcades surrounded the park. The Quad Theater and Makati Supermart were nearby.
In 1990, Ayala decided to redevelop the Makati Commercial Center. The plan included the Glorietta park. It would be transformed into a shopping mall. The Makati Commercial Center merged with Greenbelt in 1991. Together they became Ayala Center.
The new Glorietta mall opened in 1991. It quickly became one of the largest malls in the Philippines. It was divided into four sections. These were Quad 1, Quad 2, Quad 3, and Glorietta 4.
Quad 1 retained the original four Quad cinemas. Quad 2 featured Glico’s Great Adventure. This was an indoor theme park. Quad 3 soon housed international restaurants. Hard Rock Cafe and TGI Friday’s opened here. Glorietta 4 became an entertainment hub. It had a Timezone branch and seven cinemas. The Oakwood Premier hotel stood above it.
Over time, Quad 1, 2, and 3 were renamed Glorietta 1, 2, and 3. Walkways connected the sections to major roads. These roads were Ayala Mall, EDSA Mall, Pasay Mall, and Makati Mall.
Tenants like Mercury Drug, Jollibee, and McDonald’s found a home in Glorietta. Department stores like SM Makati and Rustan’s Makati became anchor tenants.
In 1997, the mall officially transitioned from “Quad” to “Glorietta”. Expansions took place between 1999 and 2005. Glorietta 5, a detached wing, opened in 2008.
Glorietta 3 specifically is home to clubs and restaurants. You can find international luxury labels here. It offers a mix of dining and entertainment options.
However, Glorietta’s history isn’t without its dark chapters. In 2000, a bombing injured thirteen people in Glorietta 2. In 2003, the Oakwood mutiny closed Glorietta. In 2007, an explosion in Glorietta 2 killed eleven people. Fire incidents occurred in 2007, 2016, and 2019.
Today, Glorietta continues to evolve. A major redevelopment began in 2024. It will feature layout changes and new interiors. The gross leasable area will increase by 10 percent. The redevelopment is expected to be completed in 2026.
Glorietta 3 remains a key part of this iconic mall. It is a place where people gather. It is a place where memories are created. As you explore Glorietta 3 remember its rich history. Remember its transformation from a park to a premier shopping destination.