A lifestyle hub in the south

“A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all.” - Michael LeBoeuf

There’s a lifestyle hub that sits on top of Alabang Hills in Muntinlupa City.

Madison Galeríes, a one-stop shop for all things beauty, leisure, events, food and relaxation, has been a favorite for southern Manileños for two years now.

Owned by dynamic power couple and entrepreneurs extraordinaire Joel and Joy Rustia, Madison Galeríes has proven that a shopping or lifestyle center need not be lackluster or ordinary. Joel and Joy have been visible in high society events all over the metro, but they are businessmen at heart. Together, they spoke to your columnist about their community mall, the unique services being offered, and their advice to young entrepreneurs.

Congratulations for the success of Madison Galeríes. How and why did you venture into the shopping mall industry?

Joel Rustia: We live in the south and the closest establishment or commercial complex to buy your basic necessities is at least half an hour away especially with the never-ending traffic. Given the 10 villages surrounding Madison Galeríes, we were able to serve its main purpose, which is to serve the community and provide the convenience of shopping and dining just a few minutes away.

How did you come up with the concept of the mall?

  Madison Galeríes is an upscale lifestyle hub and one-stop shop for food, leisure, beauty, banking, shopping and other activities.

Joy Rustia: The clamor for a community and lifestyle mall within the Alabang Hills area has been our inspiration. We wanted to create a one-stop shop that will offer convenience to the many residents surrounding the mall. We also live in the south, which is fairly close to Madison Galeríes — and I am one of the many people who experienced the difficulty of simply getting everyday essentials. It would take me an hour or two driving back and forth to the usual commercial complex.

Why this location in particular? What makes southern Manila special?

Joel: The mall is strategically located at the center of many surrounding villages and right in front of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, an Italian-inspired church that many consider as one of the most beautiful in the country. At the fourth level of the mall, you can sip a glass of wine while witnessing the breathtaking sunset and the amazing view of this wonderful church. The south in general is a very quaint and relaxing place that we feel just enhances the mall’s unique quality of taking you away from the fast-paced and busy city.

What are the stand-out qualities of the mall?

Joy: It’s quieter and a bit more upscale. You can ask people or residents in the area and they will tell you how much they love the mall. It has offered so much convenience to the neighborhood and is just a great place where many gather to meet friends and neighbors any time of the day. It has become a community and a family mall. There are also specialty shops that many people from other cities would drive down to visit. Some of these services include Permanent Makeup Manila and Korean Beauty, which are loved by many celebrities. We have also incorporated The Madison Events Place where residents can hold their memorable celebrations like birthdays, weddings, conferences, bazaars, concerts and many more activities. Couples to be wed would definitely keep The Madison Events place as a top-of-mind venue since it’s only a few steps away from the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. There’s even a school for toddlers here!

What are some activities that shoppers can enjoy in your mall?

Joy: The mall has created many loyal customers from the many services and activities offered in the mall. Moms can have their nails done at Isabella or Coco Nails and dads can get their home improvement products at True Value. We have gyms — Village Fitness, Bruce Kim Martial Arts and a soon-to-open 24-hour Anytime Fitness — to provide your daily fix for workouts. We also have various unique restaurants like Aburi, Relish, Mann Hann, 81 Place, Café Miel and many more choices for a great dining experience that the whole family can enjoy.

  Joel Rustia is a successful businessman and a man about town, but he is first and foremost a husband and father.

After two years, what do you think makes this community keep on going back to Madison?

Joel: It’s the convenience, new concepts, services and events venue that we offer. La Vie En Rose, the newest ballroom dancing place, has just opened. It will be a destination for those who love to dance — and the only one in the south that offers this type of entertainment that many will soon enjoy. We’re all about establishing relationships with the community and creating activities for them.

What are the major highlights during your first two years?

Joel: The major highlights of our first two years are the opening of our beautifully designed food hall, The South District, and the opening of our very own events venue, The Madison Events Place. We also had major activities that most of Madison Galeríes’ loyal customers looked forward to like a pet fashion show, concerts, and the yearly bazaars, which some of the proceeds were donated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Christmas Tree of Joy in partnership with the church.

What new services are being offered?

Joel: The mall now offers free shuttle services to and from companies within the immediate neighborhood, the three-kilometer radius to be exact. This project was launched last June in partnership with Alabang Corporate Center and now caters to multiple companies. We want to provide convenience, imbibe brand recall and eventually widen our reach.

What is your business philosophy?

Joel: We run several companies, which include import, retail and real estate. Our philosophy is simple: Work hard, value your employees and share with the community.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?

Joy: There’s no shortcut to success. Work hard and pray for guidance. As my mentor would always say, we should always focus and open our eyes as great opportunities are just around the corner.

And lastly, how are you celebrating the mall’s second anniversary?

Joel: We are currently holding a promo called “Madison Galeríes Snap & Win!,” a social media competition that gives our loyal customers an opportunity to win two round-trip tickets to Hong Kong. They simply need to snap a creative photo with a friend or a family member anywhere inside Madison Galeríes, and whoever has the most number of likes on social media wins. They can visit www.facebook.com/MadisonGaleries for the mechanics. It will run until Sept. 30. It is our way of giving back to the community for their support throughout the two years that we have been running, and we’re very excited to see the pictures they’ve come up with.

 (Madison Galeríes is located along Don Jesus Boulevard, Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City. For inquiries, call 877-0704, visit www.facebook.com/MadisonGaleries or @madisongaleries on Instagram.)

 Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Liza Bengzon, Wopsy Zamora and Allure’s Jeannie Javelosa.

Advance birthday greetings to Ernie Pantangco, restaurateur Emma Lagoc, Leslie Moncupa Severino, and Ditos Alcain, Sept. 24; Cedie Lopez Vargas and former senator Bong Revilla, Sept. 25; Danny Dolor, Liza Nakpil, Marieliese Evaristo, Pilie Barrenechea, and Henry Atayde, Sept. 26; Henann Group of Resorts chairman Henry Chusuey, former ambassador to the Vatican Mercy Tuason and Mai Mai Cojuangco, Sept. 27; Wilcon senior executive vice president and chief operating officer Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, Vicky Cuisia, Mari Caballero and Mina Paras, Sept. 28.

Happy wedding anniversary to Michael and Veronica Litton, Sept. 24. May you share many, many more cherished years together.

So, how was your week?

(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at [email protected].)