Topping up your EV at an establishment’s charging station can take anywhere from a couple of minutes to a couple of hours, depending on your car’s battery percentage. In this series, we’ll be checking out the different charging hubs around the metro and seeing what you can do with your time while you wait for your precious ride to power up.
Today, we’ll be looking at Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa. The mall, which started as ‘Alabang Twin Cinemas’ in the ’80s, has grown into a buzzing shopping center and hangout spot for residents south of the metro. With a recent acquisition by Rockwell, ATC (or simply ‘Town’ for some) continues to offer a place for southies to dine, tackle errands, and, of course, plug in their EVs. So without further ado, here are five things you can do while waiting for your EV to charge at ATC.
1) Have a cup of coffee
If you’re only waiting for around 30 minutes, you can’t go wrong with a cup of coffee to pass the time. ATC has a variety of coffee shops to choose from, so whether you’re a coffee enthusiast looking at Harlan + Holden or want to enjoy an outdoor cup at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Corte de las Palmas, there’s sure to be a coffee spot for you. Here are some cafes in ATC to get your caffeine fix.
- Harlan + Holden
- Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
- Katherine’s Cafe
- Mary Grace
- Starbucks
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2) Grab a bite to eat
If you want something more filling, ATC has a variety of restaurants to choose from. From budget options to fine dining, there’s something that’s bound to satisfy your cravings. Some notable crowd favorites are Din Tai Fung, Kiwami, and Mamou. Here are some of the options if you’re looking to grab a full or a light snack.
- Din Tai Fung
- Kiwami
- Mamou
- Tiong Bahru
- Chili’s
- Pink Berry
- Italianni’s
- Food Choices
3) Check off your groceries and hardware needs
If you want to feel extra productive while charging your EV, there’s no better way than tackling some errands. ATC has two supermarkets and some hardware stores to start ticking boxes on your shopping list. Plus, it’s an awesome feeling coming back to a fully charged car with groceries and supplies in hand. Here are some of the places you can visit to accomplish your errands.
- Makati Supermart Alabang
- Metro Supermarket
- True Value
- Blade
- Mr. DIY
4) Check out the clothes and sports apparel
If window shopping is your thing, ATC has some stores worth checking out while you pass the time. Whether polo shirts, shoes, or sports apparel, there are lots of shops you can walk into. Who knows, if you find a good deal, you might walk out with a new budol. These are some of the shops you can check out while your car is plugged in.
- Bershka
- Bench Edited
- Olympic World
- REV*
- Skoop
- Zara and Zara Man
5) Catch a movie
If you’re expecting to charge your EV for more than an hour and a half, there’s a good chance you can catch a movie. While the mall’s cinemas might not have as many theaters as before (possibly a temporary situation while the establishment undergoes renovation), there are still four active movie houses in the mall, with the last screening typically extending past mall hours—perfect for unwinding after a long day while your car’s battery charges up.
- Alabang Town Center - Cinemas
Charging your EV doesn’t have to be a boring experience; the key is knowing what you can do while your car is plugged in. What place should we go to next? Let us know in the comments.
