Exploring the charms of the ‘Emerald City’
DISCOVERING the rich history and heritage of one of Metro Manila’s cities is closer than you think. Just 25 kilometers south of Manila, or a brief 30-minute drive via SLEx, lies the Gateway to Region 4A (Calabarzon), the City of Muntinlupa, also known as the “Emerald City.”
Muntinlupa’s roots trace back to friar lands administered by the Augustinians, primarily cultivated by farmers and fishermen around the expansive hacienda lands and Laguna de Bay. Over time, it transformed from Spanish colonial friar lands to a municipality, encompassing areas like Alabang, Tunasan, Cupang and Sucat.
In the early 20th century, Muntinlupa witnessed significant developments, becoming home to essential government facilities like the Alabang Stock Farm, Biological Production Services, and the New Bilibid Prison. The 1960s marked its transition to industrial lands, hosting factories for major consumer brands, while the 1970s saw the conversion of Alabang’s vast agricultural land into premier residential estates.
Today, Muntinlupa proudly holds the title of the 5th Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City in the Philippines. Despite rapid urbanization, the city has preserved its greenery and parks, earning it the Emerald City moniker.
The people of the lake
The best place to meet the people who continue the tradition of fishing as a livelihood is to drive to Bayanan Baywalk very early in the morning. Bayanan Baywalk is a park where local residents can go to walk, jog or bike with a refreshing view of the country’s biggest lake, the Laguna de Bay.
It is also at the Baywalk where the local fishermen sail out before sunset and return the next day with their catch. Laguna de Bay was once abundant with biya and ayunhin, which the local fishermen used to catch using “salakab” or bamboo trap. Nowadays, the local fishermen use motorized boats and they catch mostly tilapia. A small market at the Baywalk sells fresh fish daily from the lake.
Salakab into museum
As a tribute to Muntinlupa’s fishing origin, the traditional bamboo fish trap became its inspiration when the five-story Museo ng Muntinlupa building was developed. Located in Poblacion, this museum has three permanent galleries: Buhay (lifeways), Talino (growth) and Lakas (progress), telling Muntilupa’s unique story of heritage and history from being purely agricultural to one of the country’s most urbanized cities.
The museum also has an auditorium on its fifth floor and an art gallery on the ground floor that features the works of local artists regularly. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is free to the public.
Don’t wear orange
Muntinlupa has always been associated with the Bureau of Corrections ever since the Bilibid prison was transferred to this “remote” place during the 1940s. The New Bilibid Prison, as it is now called, or Munti, occupies an area of over 500 hectares and many parts are actually open to the public.
There’s the vast Sunken Garden with giant trees and well-manicured grass where people usually come to enjoy the greeneries. There’s also the Jamboree Lake, a beautiful lake near the entrance which is considered as the smallest lake in the Philippines. There are also several war memorials inside the compound: the Memorial Hill with a vintage Japanese cannon and a Lourdes Grotto, and a Japanese Memorial for Peace shrine.
The iconic Bilibid Prison façade which has been featured in many Filipino movies is restricted but can be viewed from the gate. Generally, the Bureau of Corrections compound provides a relaxing escape from the busy city life, as long as you don’t wear orange.
Places of worship
According to Vatican News, in 1863, the Archbishop of Manila, Most Reverend Gregorio Meliton Martinez, issued a decree establishing the first parish in El Pueblo de Muntinlupa. It was named Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish. Our Lady of the Abandoned was used to refer to Mary as a caring mother of abandoned children. As the devotion became widespread because of the many miracles and answered prayers, she became known as a mother to everyone who asks for her help.
This 160-year old church is located in Poblacion, and has become a popular place for people seeking intercession from Mama Mary.
Two other churches that can be visited in Muntinlupa: Ina ng Awa Parish Church inside the Bilibid compound, and the St. Jerome Emiliani and Sta. Susana Parish, built in the 1970s as the anchor structure for the Alabang Town Center.
Lifestyle malls
In 1982, a mall was built in Alabang, Muntinlupa with lots of open spaces in between specialty stores, department stores and supermarkets. Alabang Town Center or ATC has provided shoppers with the experience of shopping in traditional Filipino plaza.
On the south end is another mall, Festival Alabang, which sits on the old Alabang Stock Farm. Its new wing has the River Park and a Water Garden that dissects the old Alabang River. Festival Mall has also acquired the 1924 Art Deco Biological Production Services building that was restored and incorporated into the mall. In front of the building is the replica of Jose Rizal’s Triumph of Science of Death, a fitting symbol to how a small town has triumphed over complacency with good governance.