By the time you read this, Greenbelt 1 in Ayala Center Makati had been closed for redevelopment. Soon, the walls would be torn down, along with the memories built around them.
Mixed emotions burst when Ayala Land, inc. (ALI) announced the closing of the area as part of its four-year redevelopment plan (along with other Ayala Malls in Metro Manila and Cebu). The news made those who “knew” Greenbelt 1 go nostalgic and hopeful at the same time.
According to ALI, Greenbelt 1 will be redeveloped as a luxury mall that would house top fashion retail brands. In homage to its designer and co-developer – National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin – the new Greenbelt 1 will integrate parts of the original concept with sustainable features that Ayala properties are known for: more greens, natural lighting, open spaces in a modern setting.
We asked our staff and some friends what they miss about Greenbelt 1 dating as far back as the 80s until pre-pandemic times, and how they feel about the planned changes. The answers sent us all back to memories of simple joys and an uncomplicated past.
Indie films, commercial movies, and theater plays
Greenbelt Onstage served as the rite of cultural passage for students and young professionals alike. It was here where musicals, theater plays, and art films were staged as a sensible alternative to commercial movies being shown in adjacent cinemas at the second floor. There were times when grade school students would form beelines toward the entrance, their shrill voices bouncing off the walls in excitement.
Our PR agency was privileged to help promote Greenbelt Art Film, so we invited indie film junkies and provided small chairs and tables, with free-flowing coffee, so they could engage in stimulating discussions about the film after each screening. Thankfully, the activities had curious moviegoers getting into the art film genre.
“I remember going here as a kid to watch movies. Then we’ll have dinner at Triple V. This was also my cinema of choice even after Greenbelt 3 was launched because fewer people watched here,” shares writer and editor Paolo.
Greenbelt Onstage served as the rite of cultural passage for students and young professionals alike.
Parents also made sure they exposed their young kids to wholesome, enriching theater experiences at a young age. Geline, now a doting mother to three beautiful children, remembers bringing her kids to Onstage as a bonding time. “It was where my two older kids first watched a theater play. It was Ibong Adarna, back when they were in preschool,” she says.
For the young professionals of Makati, Greenbelt 1 cinemas served as catharsis for a hectic day at work. Minnie, working then as an advertising executive, admits to taking quick trips to Greenbelt 1 during work hours. “Playing hooky over lunch to catch a movie in GB 1 on a slow workday. Usually, a Tagalog or cheesy one so my brain doesn’t have to work. Also, catching plays at Onstage after work,” she enumerates.
The cool hangout of choice
Back then, food servings were bigger and budget-friendly at Greenbelt 1. The sports bar on the third floor was chill, but would get really loud whenever a live game was on. People from as far as Quezon City in the north or Las Piñas in the south would travel to Makati to hang out. Makati was the center of their universe, with traffic not as bad, and those with cars often driving their friends.
“There was a time in the mid-1990s when we were all still living in Parañaque and working in Makati. Since I bring a car to work, my friends would usually hitch a ride home and our meeting place was the driveway of Greenbelt 1. There was a hotdog stand near the area at the time so they would have one while waiting for me,” Agnes, now a PR senior executive, reminisces. “During paydays or when we had the budget, we would eat at one of the restos there (Dulcinea or Via Mare if feeling rich) or even just take out some Bun on the Run (remember this??), then watch a movie. That went on for a couple of years. I remember when there were pay phones near the restrooms which I used to call home or the office when they paged me since there were no mobile phones yet.”
Karen, now a hard-nosed news editor, didn’t mind coming all the way from her office in Quezon City just to meet up with her Makati-based friends after work. “I remember may Wendy’s sa Greenbelt 1. People would go to the salad bar and try to put as much salad as they can on their plates,” Karen recalls with fondness. That marketing ploy was a hit especially among employees on a budget, allowing customers to fit as much salad as they can in a disposable plate provided at the counter for an affordable price.
Karen’s friend Andy, a bank senior executive, maintains that Greenbelt 1 was the best jump-off point when going for a night out around Makati. “For my UST Varsi friends, during our younger years, Greenbelt 1 was our rendezvous going to lakwatsa places around Makati,” he states. They would meet at an area where the canopies over wooden tables and seats are, which they would later refer to as “dating tagpuan” (usual meeting place) – coined after a song composed by a fellow UST Varsitarian staffer.
Not only was Greenbelt 1 a refuge for people who want comfort from the company they keep; it was also a place where one can be on a budget yet still look sassy. “GB1 was the place to be seen, kahit sa National Bookstore lang. I also like shopping for bargain clothes in the bazaar area because it’s still very much wearable kahit na mumurs (cheap),” reveals Grace, a real estate executive.
Coming of age
Greenbelt 1 witnessed the coming of age of many yuppies (young urban professionals) of the 80s and the 90s. They were the ones who frequented CDr King for their rewritable discs; got a taste of Mushroomburger outside of Tagaytay; bought their school and office supplies from National Bookstore; binged on DVDs at Odyssey; and so many well-loved stores that wrote the first chapter of the story of their young careers.
“I will go for a memory that’s sort of my transition from being a promdi (from the province) to a Makati girl. Being a wannabe cool corporate gal, I once went to this ‘famous’ upscale salon on the second floor. It was terrifying for me because it was known as the fashionistas’ and celebrities’ go-to salon. True enough when I got there, I was seated beside a shala (high social status) celebrity who has one of the most beautiful faces in the industry. I had to act cool though I was internally screaming. When I was done with my haircut I pretended to like it a lot, but it was really meh (so-so). When I got the bill, I realized as a working girl in Makati who’s just starting out, I should be ok with David’s Salon,” Tahl, a public affairs senior executive, shares laughing.
Greenbelt 1 witnessed the coming of age of many yuppies (young urban professionals) of the 80s and the 90s.
Eliza, also a public affairs executive, relishes fond memories of one of her life’s milestones. “My first job in Makati and having my first child. A probinsyana (from the province) at heart who used to be in awe of the bustling activities of a city like Makati, many after-office hours were spent at GB 1 to window shop and hang out with friends. Many years after, it was in GB 1 where we would take our first-born during weekends.”
For others, Greenbelt brought comfort during crazy workdays. Business-owner Jun remembers his early days as a young employee who spent half his waking hours at Greenbelt 1. “I used to walk to Greenbelt 1 whenever I needed a quick sanity break from work or even just for lunch. Back then for me, it was an all-in-one stop: grocery, bookstore, numerous food choices, cinemas, and even phone/gadget repairs. My office was almost just across GB1, so it’s not uncommon for me to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner there,” Jun says.
Feelings about the redevelopment
While Greenbelt 1 has provided some of the most heartwarming memories, its redevelopment is not exactly received as an unwelcome plan. Some felt sadness, but majority has come to terms with reality. The generation that went through maturity with Greenbelt 1 understands the necessity of “reinventing” the place they came to love.
“Mixed emotions. Sad but it’s time to make it a “greener” breathing space. Though it’s a National Artist’s work—bittersweet decision to end it.”
“I had a nostalgia trip when I heard they were closing down GB 1. It’s the end of an era and I felt so old! A part of me feels bad that they have to tear it down when there are places like Makati (Cinema) Square that are in worse shape. So many great memories made in GB 1 but I guess it’s also time to let go and allow it to change to become something even better.”
“I feel sad and at the same time shocked that they would destroy the work of a National Artist. No reason would be enough to demolish a work of art — more so one that symbolizes so many things and holds many historical milestones. Gosh, napaisip ako…and nalungkot.”
“It looks old and tired. I hope they don’t deviate too much from what it looked like before, though.”
“Sad lang ako na wala na but excited to see how it will be transformed.”
“Initially I felt sad hearing about the demolition, but now I’m kind of relieved knowing that the area will be renovated into something better. I’m excited for what’s to come and to make new memories when the construction is done.”
“I hope that when they build a new one, they will still put big umbrellas under which families and friends can take cover from the rain or from the heat of the sun.”
“I loved the old Greenbelt but change is inevitable. The demolition to make way for something new, I think, is just normal.”
“Nostalgic/sad coz like part of my own history is being erased. Ok with progress and improvements but sometimes I wish some things that bring comfort were constant.”
In four years’ time, a new generation will make their own memories when a revitalized Greenbelt 1 is opened to the public. For now, we take comfort in the fact that the new Greenbelt 1 will be a modern, sustainable space that the future needs.
Leave a Reply