Makati, Metro Manila

Greenbelt

Where Urban Cool Meets Quiet Escape

PUBLISHED February 7, 2018

PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

Greenbelt in Makati is more than just a mall—it’s a lifestyle destination where luxury, nature, and culture come together. With five interconnected sections, it offers everything from high-end boutiques and fine dining to serene green spaces and a peaceful chapel. It’s a favorite among locals and travelers alike, whether you’re looking to shop, relax, or simply experience the refined side of city life. Currently undergoing redevelopment, Greenbelt continues to evolve while keeping its unique blend of urban energy and quiet charm.

Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Greenbelt with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!

Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Greenbelt. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.

In the heart of bustling Makati, where glass towers slice the skyline and business moves at lightning speed, there’s a place that feels like a soft pause—Greenbelt. Not just your average mall, Greenbelt is that rare city space that gets everything right: high-end shopping, world-class dining, lush green pockets, and a quiet chapel in the middle of it all. And if you’re a traveler figuring out where to spend your time in Manila, this one’s a no-brainer.

Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.

Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.

What Makes Greenbelt Different?

You know how most malls just feel… like malls? Fluorescent lights, endless store rows, maybe a food court somewhere? Greenbelt is nothing like that. Think of it more like a curated experience than a shopping destination.

Let me explain: it’s made up of five interconnected sections—Greenbelt 1 to 5—each with its own personality. From indie cinemas and cozy cafés in Greenbelt 1 to the luxury flagships in Greenbelt 4 (we’re talking Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co.), it’s an architectural and cultural patchwork that works. Greenbelt 3 and 5? That’s where the buzz is—fine dining spots, al fresco lounges, and fashion-forward boutiques.

Nature in the Middle of It All

Here’s the thing you don’t expect in the middle of the country’s financial capital: a tropical park with koi ponds, shady trees, and a tranquil chapel—yes, a chapel.

Right at the core is the Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel, a dome-shaped sanctuary surrounded by water and gardens. Whether you’re religious or not, it’s a peaceful spot that feels worlds away from the traffic just outside. It’s this kind of thoughtful urban planning that sets Greenbelt apart.

Dining, Drinking, and People-Watching

If you’re into food (who isn’t?), Greenbelt is a culinary playground. You’ve got Mango Tree for Thai, People’s Palace for modern Southeast Asian, Sala Bistro for elevated European dishes, and more casual fare like Manam and Mesa if you want Filipino flavors with flair.

There’s also something about sipping a cocktail in Greenbelt’s al fresco spots that feels like you’re on a city break—even if you’re only here for a few hours. As the sun sets and the buildings start to glow, the vibe shifts from shopper mode to date-night cool.