If Manhattan has SoHo (South of Houston) known for its art galleries and trendy upscale boutiques, Makati has NoMa (North of Makati), a burgeoning art, music, design, and culinary district.
Located north of Ayala Avenue, NoMa houses a unique mix of galleries, delicatessens, indie music venues, and trendy retail outlets, one of which is the recently opened Assembly Grounds at The Rise.
The two-story boutique mall that’s integrated into The Rise combines world-class architecture and interior design with Shang Properties’ thumbprint on residential and commercial development.
NoMa’s newest stomping ground along Malugay Street has a good mix of restaurants, cafés, services, and essential stores—all carefully curated for young professionals leading an urban lifestyle.
Some of the stores and outlets in the “community” include coffee shop Starbucks Reserve, Asian restaurants Yuki Café and Tong Yang Shabu-Shabu Express, Filipino restos Recipes and Zubuchon, as well Fiery Style Southwestern Flaming Grill for fajitas and mojitos, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things for chicken and beer, and 7-Eleven and BreadTalk for quick bites.
More dining establishments are currently on soft opening or are opening soon, according to Assembly Grounds. There will be Chatto Bites offering Americanized Japanese and Asian fast food, Ramen Daisho for ramen, Mey Lin Express serving hand-pulled noodles and dumplings, Vinatrang Cuisine for healthy Vietnamese food, and Kuya’s local comfort food. Also catering to mall-goers are Premier the Samgyupsal, Pepper Lunch, Salad Bowl, Casa Mia, and Raging Bull + Burgers.
Errands are a breeze with the opening of BPI, True Value, and Daiso. And like a true one-stop community hub, residents in the area can also enjoy a much-needed me-time at Nisce Skin Medispa, BOHO by Nail Tropics, Pink Parlour, and /nook/ Salon.
Assembly Grounds is beefing up its offering of services with Lomi Imua Relaxation Hawaiian Spa, Sanbry Men’s Grooming House, Acero Dental Clinic, Besa’s Footwear and Bag Restoration, and Security Bank.
It is also welcoming Tapout Fitness with its unique martial arts-infused fitness program, and multi-brand lifestyle concept store, CURATE.
