Welcome to the hottest debate of the week: Which mall in the Philippines has the most confusing layout? Initially, the viral post on social media gave everyone two options: SM City North EDSA + Annex versus Glorietta + Greenbelt. Both options are equally as confusing and netizens seem to have a lot of opinions on the matter. And because the discussion was so heated, names of a few other malls trended online with netizens airing out their frustration. Which malls in Metro Manila have the craziest layout according to netizens?
#1: Ayala Malls TriNoma
Trinoma. You’re just going to the restroom then suddenly you’re on the MRT platform already.
— NicoyDRchitect (@NicoyDR) June 20, 2022
A.k.a. the Bermuda Triangle, as one netizen referred to it. TriNoma is like an ancient labyrinth, a center area with hallways that branch out. One netizen helpfully stated that you should imagine it as a sun with the hallways as rays. Thanks. I’ll think about that the next time I get lost trying to look for a specific store. TriNoma is probably easy to navigate once you get the hang of it, but for a total newb, it’s deadly.
#2: SM North EDSA
Sanay na ako sa Glorietta pero SM North EDSA talaga, nakakaiyak maligaw, haha. https://t.co/nFSkntKUs7
— mj_aiyu (@uaenahanni) June 19, 2022
The fact that SM North EDSA never loses its crowd adds to the confusion of navigating the huge mall. Sure, many might argue that it’s just one straight corridor, but some netizens beg to differ. Netizens offer a tip though: Read the signage. Maybe you could do that the next time you’re nearly in tears trying to look for your mother when she “suddenly disappeared” while you were looking at the display at that one store. No, that did not happen to me.
#3: Glorietta
3. SM North
– need mo basahin mga signages
2. Trinoma
– need mo magtanong sa guard
1. Glorieta
– need mo magbaligtad ng t shirt at magpasintabi sa tikbalang— ludwigue benedict (@lookin4waldo5) June 19, 2022
The real beast in this list would be Glorietta. Netizens have pinpointed the mall as the banes of their existence. Many are asking that guards distribute maps at the entrances so customers know how to get out of the maze alive. Meanwhile, Makatizens gloat that they can navigate Glorietta’s five sections blindfolded. Edi kayo na. What makes this mall daunting is the fact that it’s integrated with Greenbelt, Landmark, Rustan’s Makati, and SM Makati. Enter a wrong wing and you won’t know what hit you.
#4: Greenbelt
My top 5 malls na halos naligaw na ako:
5. SM North Edsa
4. Trinoma
3. SM Megamall
2. MOA
1. Greenbelt 1, 2, 3, 4, V, VI: An Unexpected Journey, VII: Fated Retribution, VIII: Ayala Drift, IX: and the Chamber of Secrets and X: The Last Kingdom https://t.co/zgwSc4LchJ— Ben Demapitan (@jaydemaps) June 20, 2022
Makatizens probably already know Greenbelt like the back of their hand. Like Glorietta, this mall has a lot of sections — five to be exact. But unlike Glorietta, which is literally just a bridge away, Greenbelt mostly houses high-end boutiques and international brands normal people like you and me probably can’t afford. Maybe that’s why most don’t bother to memorize the mall’s layout, we don’t really need to go there.
#5: SM Mall of Asia
Some would say Trinoma,Rob Manila and Glorietta, but the hardest one to navigate is MOA. Been there several times because that’s our meeting point halfway between North and South.I felt like I’m walking through Daedalus’s Labyrinth, waiting for traps and sinister surprises. https://t.co/yELUuCiffT
— Jim RN|PH (@JimGumboc) June 20, 2022
Some people argue that SM Mall of Asia is easily navigable and the internet is here to say NOPE. It’s the third-largest mall in Asia and everyone knows you need to stretch your hamstrings first before attempting to go through it. Admittedly, SM MOA is just crazy because of its size. You have to map out where you’re going; otherwise, you risk entering through the wrong parking or entrance and ending up walking all the way to your destination.
#6: SM Megamall
It’s megamall for me. Kaya ko pa inavigate yang 2. Sa megamall, magkakamukha lahat ng floors. Ang hirap mag take ng mental marker for landmarks kasi same lang ng itsura. Yung gitna lang naiba. At least sa sm north at glorietta, may ibang itsura na pwede mong matandaan mentally
— jenifish✊ (@Diyeni) June 19, 2022
Here’s another behemoth of a mall that is confusing because of its sheer size. They don’t call it mega for nothing. SM Megamall has two buildings, an atrium, and one fashion hall, but even though it’s supposed to be just a straight layout, it’s confusing as heck. Have you ever tried walking from one end to the other? It’s so wide it almost spans two MRT stops (Shaw and Ortigas). Not to mention the fact that there are hundreds of stores and stalls. It’s enough to make anyone crazy should they get lost.
#7: Lucky Chinatown Mall
Lucky chinatown mall na kalat kalat escalators https://t.co/yeXWY2afUc
— jq (@jdqjdqjdq) June 20, 2022
TBH, if this ranking were personal, Lucky Chinatown Mall would be the first on the list. That Megaworld mall in the heart of Binondo is a literal maze. The escalators are placed far from each other so you’d have to hunt the next set just to get to the next floor. Sure, the design isn’t new. EDSA Shangri-La Mall has the same concept but you can see the next escalator not have it hiding along a maze of corridors. It’s a mercy that the mall isn’t too big; otherwise, you might wear your shoes out going around it.
#8: Robinsons Place Manila
Memorize ko Trinoma! And also glorietta/greenbelt. My answer: Robinsons Manila
— Aika Robredo (@aikarobredo) June 19, 2022
Manilenos will tell you that compared to other malls listed on this list, Rob Manila is easy. Although yes, it has undergone lots of renovations in the past decade and a half, it’s still easier to navigate than the mammoths that are MOA and SM Megamall. But it looks like many — including outgoing vice president Leni Robredo’s daughter, Aika Robredo — find the mall’s structure difficult.
Which Metro Manila mall is the most confusing for you? Share it with us in the comments!
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