Which malls in Metro Manila have the coolest aircon?
The scorching heat is no match for these malls' aircon!
Who says the sweltering heat index is unbeatable? This summer, the heat index in Metro Manila is reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius, driving Filipinos to flock to swimming pools and air-conditioned spaces like shopping malls.
With so many malls in the metro, which one is the best place to cool down? PhilSTAR L!fe asked its social media followers about their favorite malls with the best and coolest air conditioning.
Shangri-La Plaza
Shangri-La Plaza, located at EDSA Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong, was best praised for being cool, clean, and smelling good.
Mall visitors can have an elite and classy shopping experience with its exquisitely intricate interior. If you’re up for luxury shopping, Shangri La Plaza also has luxury and high-end brand boutiques including Alexander McQueen, Armani, Gucci, and many more.
In addition to its restaurants, you can also dine at the stylish Food Forum food court for more affordable choices.
The mall is open every day from 10 AM to 9 PM.
Robinsons Manila, Galleria, and Magnolia
Among the many branches of Robinsons Malls, PhilSTAR L!fe readers said that its malls in Manila, Galleria, and Magnolia have the coolest air conditioners.
One of the oldest Robinsons malls, Robinsons Manila is also one of the coolest malls to wander around in Metro Manila.
“Rob Manila kahit parking sa motor may aircon,” said one social media user.
“Robinsons Place Manila!!! Paguwi [mo] may ubo ka na,” another one added.
At this Manila mall, you can browse numerous boutiques of both local and international brands, and enjoy entertainment attractions including bowling alleys and billiard pools.
Meanwhile, in Ortigas Center lies another old-but-cool mall: Robinsons Galleria. This five-level structure is home to more than 500 shops and has been updated over the years to stay fresh to visitors.
On the other hand, Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City is one of the latest Robinsons malls. True to its name honoring the renowned ice cream establishment, Robinsons Magnolia is one of the top picks for coolest malls.
“Robinsons Magnolia. Yung aircon nila pang preservation,” said one social media user.
“Robinsons Magnolia pang-tocino yung lamig,” another social media user added.
Isetann Recto
Isetann Cinerama Recto earned a spot on this list for its blowers and aircons that enticed people to visit and stay inside the mall to conquer the summer heat.
The mall’s structure has been standing for more than seven decades now, yet it is still open to visitors in Manila.
“Isetann Recto, nakasakay ka pa lang ng jeep ramdam mo na ang lamig," one user said.
“Kahit minsan lang madaan....ISETANN aba buong street na nakapalibot dyan ramdam yung lamig...,” another one added.
Another user also said, “Isetan Recto Lang SAKALAM kabilang kalsada ka palang di ka pa nakatawid ramdam mo na yung lamig.”
SM Mall of Asia, North EDSA, Aura, Megamall, Cubao, and Fairview
A few SM Malls emerged as Filipinos' top pick for the coolest aircon, including SM Mall of Asia, North EDSA, Aura, Megamall, Fairview, and Cubao.
One of the biggest malls in the Philippines, the SM Mall of Asia features shops, a recently renovated food hall, a game park, and an IMAX cinema. This mall also has a skating rink where you can enjoy playing on the ice.
Planning to shop while basking in the air-conditioned space? SM North EDSA has three shopping centers—the Block, the Annex, and the City Center—where you can browse for items to add to your cart.
Meanwhile, if you're in BGC and looking for a space to cool down, PhilSTAR L!fe's readers recommend heading to SM Aura, while those in Ortigas or Mandaluyong can take a breather at SM Megamall. Meanwhile, in Quezon City, there are a few SM Malls to chill at such as SM Fairview and SM Cubao.
The Podium
If you find SM Megamall too crowded, you can opt to chill at the Podium, which is just a few meters away.
Located at 12 ADB Ave. Ortigas CDB, this mall possesses a live green wall facade and elaborate architectural details – a fuse of state-of-the-art glass, curves, and green.
This six-level mall has a wide option of shops and services including salons, business centers, gyms, and many more.
Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Feliz, Glorietta, Vertis North, Greenbelt, Cloverleaf, Fairview Terraces, Market! Market!
PhilSTAR L!fe readers have also recommended Ayala Malls as a top destination for your next mall chill session. Their favorites to relax in include Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Cloverleaf, Trinoma, Ayala Feliz, Glorietta, Greenbelt, Fairview Terraces, Vertis North, and Market! Market!
Aside from its shops and restaurants, social media users have also praised these malls' clean restrooms. "Ayala Malls best din sa [comfort rooms]," one user said.
"Sa trinoma, kakabagin ka sa aircon dun," another Facebook user wrote.
Power Plant Mall
Another mall in Makati that you can take a breather in is the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell. This not-too-crowded mall has over 200 shops and services to explore while you wander around.
It's also a few meters away from Poblacion so you can chill at the mall before a night out with your buddies.
Estancia Mall at Capitol Commons
If you're looking for another mall that's not too crowded, Estancia Mall at Capitol Commons in Pasig is another option.
Grounded in modern luxury and spacious feeling, this mall houses shops, restaurants, and pubs where you can kick back and enjoy the aircon.
Estancia is also a home for events and activities for holidays and special occasions.
Uptown Mall
For malls in BGC, Uptown Mall emerged as one of the coolest malls in BGC. At this mall, you can dine in restaurants like Denny's, Italianni's, Randy's Donuts, and more.
This space, equipped with advanced HVAC systems, is also a few steps away from nightlife destinations in BGC like The Island at the Palace and Xylo.
Uptown Mall also boasts a cinema with Tempur mattresses you can lie down on as you watch movies.
Dragon 8 Mall
Located in Divisoria, the Dragon 8 Mall offers a refuge for visitors in Manila to cool down.
"Napakalamigkahit nasa pintuan ka pa lang," one user commented.
"Dragon 8 Mall lang [malakas]," another said.
This six-storey mall houses fast-food favorites Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and Chowking. In December 2023, it recently recorded a weekend customer foot traffic of 67,136.
168 and 999 Shopping Mall
Located in Binondo, Manila, the 168 and 999 Shopping Malls were among some of the sleeper hits for malls with the coolest aircon.
"[Not gonna lie], 168 at 999," one user wrote.
Some Facebook users even said that the two Binondo malls have colder aircon than other establishments.
"999[,] 168 [and] Isetann, talo pa nila mga SM," one user said.
Festival Mall Alabang
For those living in the South, the Festival Mall in Alabang is a destination to combat the sweltering summer heat. In addition to the air-conditioned space, the mall also has an open, alfresco area where you can get some fresh air.
Looking for activities to do at Festival Mall? At the mall's Water Garden, they hold a Weekend Market at Festival Mall Alabang every Thursday to Sunday, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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Editor's Note: The survey for this article was posted on May 2 with results tabulated on May 6. The article has been updated to include responses from PhilSTAR L!fe's other social media accounts.