It’s fun living in the city—that is, until rush hour hits and you’re faced with the choice: Do you brave the bumper-to-bumper traffic on the way home or just *patiently* wait it out somewhere? If you’re the type who prefers the latter, we’ve gotchu!
Here, we give you a rundown of cool SM spots where you can chill like a villain while you avoid the 5-to-8 carmageddon… or when you simply want to stay in the mall longer, no explanations necessary! Read on for your rush hour survival guide:
Para sa takot magutom: SM Food Hall
Images from Facebook.com/smmallofasia
If there’s anything worse than getting stuck in traffic, it’s getting stuck in traffic with an empty stomach. Choose an alternate fate and treat yourself to the wide variety of eats available at the SM Food Hall! Some must-try picks at SM Mall of Asia: Mexican tacos and nachos from El Chato, fast-casual Hong Kong dishes from Tuan Tuan Kitchen, and toasties and milk tea from Nineteen Degrees. On a budget? Check out SM Deals for combo meals and other awesome discounts.
Find more foodie favorites here.
Forda entertainment factor: SM Bowling & Skating
Images from Facebook.com/smskating; smbowlingofficial
Stranded ang buong barkada? Gather all your rush hour comrades and engage in after-work fun instead. ICYDK: You can get 15% off one bowling game at SM Bowling and 15% off a two-hour session at SM Skating when you visit from Monday to Thursday.
Check out Weekday Perks on SM Deals.
Tambay but make it #aesthetic: Coffee Spots
Images from Facebook/com/ElephantGroundsPH; smmegamall; aperitif.ph
If you’re going to wait, why not do it somewhere hip or pretty, right? Luckily, there’s no shortage of picture-perfect cafés at SM Supermalls. Some top destinations: Live out the ‘coffee ‘n chill’ life at Elephant Grounds at The Podium, try the popular Agave Latte at Coffee Academics To-Go at SM Megamall, or enjoy European-style pastries and drinks at the newly opened Aperitif Café at SM North EDSA.
Catch these sulit coffee pairings before they’re gone!
Because self-care is life: Wellness and Beauty Stops
Images from Facebook.com/look.philippines; smnedsa; skin101clinic
Instead of subjecting yourself to road rage and stress, paganda na lang, besh! Make a beeline to one of the many self-care stops for time well-spent—on yourself, no less. For just ₱300, you can Indulge in a Whitening Foot Spa at Nailandia Spa. Fancy a skin treatment? Get an Acne Control Facial at Skin 101 for just ₱400. If beauty shopping is your thing, get lost in the endless makeup and skincare aisles of Look at Me at SM Aura.
Check out more beauty deals here.
For creative inspiration: Bookstores and Art Shops
Images from Facebook.com/smnedsa; artbarph; fullybooked; ScribePH
Creative folks, where you at? What better way to unwind and fuel your imagination than by checking out the latest buys at your favorite bookstores and art supply shops? Shop for your next page-turner at Fully Booked, stock up on new pens and drawing essentials at Art Bar and Scribe, and discover a new arts and crafts project at Deovir. Paper addicts, there’s a ton of cool buys at SM Stationery at The SM Store, too!
Browse brands here.
For the movie buffs: SM Cinema
Images from Facebook.com/SMCinema
One of the favorite pampa-lipas oras of Pinoys? Entering new worlds and escaping reality via the movies! You can easily do so by heading to your favorite SM Cinema to catch the latest blockbusters (Barbenheimer, anyone?). Bonus: The plush and comfy seats ensure ultra relaxation, too—dasurv mo after a long day!
Check out the latest flicks here.
Whatever your rush hour survival style, you can always count on SM Supermalls to be your safe and happy place—from opening ‘til closing!
For more updates, follow SM Supermalls on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also check the updated entry guidelines and mall hours for 2023 here.
