Stroll with me through Greenhills a dynamic area in Metro Manila. Once part of the vast Hacienda de Mandaluyon Greenhills transformed into a vibrant commercial and residential hub. Ortigas and Company played a pivotal role in shaping Greenhills. They converted former estate lands into residential subdivisions and a bustling shopping center.
Greenhills Shopping Center opened its doors in the early 1970s. It quickly became one of the Philippines’ first major shopping destinations. Imagine a complex teeming with shops arcades a theater a bowling alley and a Unimart supermarket. In the 1980s Greenhills became a popular hangout. The youth flocked to Virra Mall for shopping movies and video games. Shoppesville offered hobby stores. Small stalls called tiangges began appearing adding to the unique charm of Greenhills.
By 2002 many leases had expired. Greenhills needed revitalization. Ortigas and Company decided to redevelop the complex. The Greenhills Theater was renovated and reopened as the Greenhills Theatre Mall. This brought new life to a previously underused space. Virra Mall underwent a major renovation completed in 2006. It was reopened as V-Mall introducing SM-operated stores and expanding the Chapel of the Holy Family.
In 2010 a new redevelopment phase began costing around 25 billion pesos. This included more parking retail space cinemas and The Viridian a residential condominium. A new Unimart opened in 2017. The main mall expanded. Annapolis carpark was demolished for The Connor residential tower. V-Mall’s food court transformed into a restaurant zone. Greenhills Mall a new integrated regional mall opened in phases in 2023. It features global brands tiangge stalls cinemas and food courts.
Greenhills has long been a destination for bargain hunters. In 2003 about 90000 people visited daily. Most shoppers were between 15 and 39 years old. They came from middle and upper socioeconomic classes. Women made up more than half of the shoppers. Around 2000 entrepreneurs operate stalls and shops in Greenhills’ tiangge. Greenhills became known as a hub for South Sea pearls. Many pearl traders came from Marawi Mindanao. Furniture and clothing were also popular goods.
Many major retailers started as small shops in Greenhills. These include Bayo Kamiseta Bench and more. Major food chains like Jollibee and McDonalds also thrive here. Many tenants are Filipino Muslims of Maranao ethnicity. They are represented by the Greenhills Muslim Traders Association Inc. Greenhills has faced challenges. It is listed as a notorious counterfeit market by the United States Trade Representative. Efforts are underway to address this issue.
From 2002 to 2016 Greenhills hosted the Manila Christmas On Display. This animated Christmas display was a beloved tradition. It was discontinued in 2017 for renovations but revived in other locations.
Greenhills includes religious facilities. The Chapel of the Holy Family serves Catholics. Masjid Greenhills provides a prayer room for Muslims. Victory also has a branch in Virra Mall. Jesus Is Lord Greenhills holds services at the Music Museum. Masjid Greenhills originally started as a small prayer space. In 2005 a larger air-conditioned musalla opened. It can accommodate up to 2000 worshippers.
Greenhills has experienced various incidents. These include a bombing in 1995 and a hostage situation in 2020. In 2020 a COVID-19 case was linked to Masjid Greenhills. The construction of Greenhills Masjid initially faced opposition. Some residents feared it would attract gangs and lower property values. Ortigas Land defended the project emphasizing the Muslim traders’ contributions.
Today Greenhills stands as a testament to transformation and resilience. It continues to evolve adapting to changing times while retaining its unique character. The blend of commerce residence and culture makes Greenhills a significant part of Metro Manila. Its rich history and ongoing development ensure its place in the city’s future.