LOOK: This Up-and-Coming Mandaluyong Spot Is the Metro’s Newest Hangout

(SPOT.ph) Third spaces are popping up all over the Metro—much to the delight of those looking for a place to simply be. Even malls are carving out common areas where people can take a breather. But some of the best spots require a little more exploring—and, if you ask us, stumbling upon a hidden gem makes the discovery all the more satisfying.

Take NBS Park, for example. Tucked along Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong, this former National Book Store warehouse has been transformed into a community space for all things lifestyle. Here's what you'll find at the Metro's newest weekendmaxxing hotspot.

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If you've been along Pioneer Street, you'd know the neighborhood is dotted with residential condos, offices, and yes, warehouses—lots of them. And last year, one of those depositories—National Book Store's, to be exact—was opened to the public as a community space where people can slow down: find a good read, sit and relax without any pressure, eat good food, drink until 2 a.m., play indoor golf, shop for furniture pieces, or all of the above. What was a stuffy storage facility now brings tenants from different industries together in one place, giving you plenty of reasons to drop by.

When you arrive at NBS Park, you'll be greeted by an open area with communal tables and chairs. Although there's no air conditioning, big fans help keep the shared space breezy. This is a great place to meet up, hang out, and just sit around to chat. You can find a snack vending machine and a photo booth around this area, too.

But NBS Park isn’t just for sitting back and chilling. Several establishments have already set up shop in the space, offering plenty to see, do, and explore. Here’s a rundown of spots to check out on your next visit.

Location: Ground floor, NBS Park

First on the list of things to see at NBS Park: their first-in-the-PH 24/7 book vending machine, The Book Drop. It's basically a vending machine that dispenses great reads by theme. The selection refreshes every two months, so make sure to check back every so often for a new set of books.

Pro tip: if you're unsure if a title is right for you, you can skim and scan through them first. An open shelf right beside the vending machine carries the same titles (and more) from The Book Drop for a trial read. Feel free to browse and read the books in the common space or carry them around NBS Park as long as you return them. Once you're sure this is the book for you, purchase a copy at the vending machine to take home.

Location: Ground floor, NBS Park

Once a Sheridan neighborhood staple and crowd favorite, Type A moved into a bigger space on a corner of NBS Park. It's now more spacious, with an outdoor seating area surrounded by pockets of greenery. You can definitely get your fix of their refillable cold brew concentrates, pour-overs, espressos, and more. Bottles and beans are available for grabs here, too.

They are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Location: Ground floor, NBS Park

If you're in the mood for a good glass of craft beer—not just any craft beer, but a globally award-winning beer with distinctly Filipino flavors—Engkanto Taps is right across from Type A and the book vending machine. They also serve cocktails and your favorite comfort-yet-elevated pub fare.

They are open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Location: Ground floor, NBS Park

ParTeeGolf is an interactive indoor mini-golf and lounge where you can enjoy the sport—plus beer and grub—solo or with friends, family, or a special someone. Their golf simulators let you practice your swing, whether you're a beginner or a pro, with over 100 courses and various modes to choose from.

They're open Thursday to Saturday from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday to Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Location: Ground floor, NBS Park

The DNa (Design Narrative) showroom in Pioneer showcases modular and timeless furniture for your home and spaces. They house pieces from brands such as USM, String, Brionvega, Lange Production, and Grythyttan Stalmobler in this space.

Location: Ground floor, NBS Park

Looking for good roast chicken? Just off NBS Park, right before you enter the compound, Pluck's unassuming facade stands out. If you're visiting while the sun is still out, the only sign you'll see is the orange sign on the far left of the building—at night, though, the inside comes alive with vivid, electric orange lighting. They are known for their house-made, koji-marinated rotisserie chicken and natural and orange wine selection.

They are open on Mondays from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to midnight; Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Location: Ground floor, NBS Park

Founded in 1996, Gajah Gallery sets the stage for Southeast Asian artists—from household names to emerging talents—to represent, promote, and showcase their art. This space in NBS Park is the first in the country, following those in Singapore, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta.

They are open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Location: Second floor, NBS Park

Another home and furniture showroom in NBS Park is Porcelanosa, a leading name in luxury architecture and interior design. Their space is on the warehouse's second floor and features a wide selection of fine tile, bathroom, and kitchen pieces for your home.

Location: Ground floor, NBS Park

Experimental and contemporary art from Filipino (as well as talents in the Asia Pacific region) artists is the highlight of 125 Projects. Aside from being an avenue for art and its community to thrive, they also offer art advisory, archiving, collections management, publication production, and even conservation, according to their website.

They are open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Ground floor, NBS Park

Still in its soft opening, Astro is shaping up to be your next neighborhood fave. The diner serves dishes made with house-made creams, butters, yogurts, and cheeses, all crafted using local milk. Its menu, which changes between lunch and dinner, keeps things simple yet well-balanced, with comforting, familiar flavors that will have you coming back for seconds.

They are open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

These spots are just the beginning. More stores, restaurants, and attractions are coming to NBS Park. The park's management will revamp the space over the coming months, adding more greenery, benches, and other cozy amenities while keeping the industrial roots of its OG structure. Don't worry, Spotters. We'll keep an eye out for what's in store and this list will be updated as more board-ups and spots open up.

For more information and updates, check out National Book Store's Facebook and Instagram pages. NBS Park also has Facebook and Instagram.

Also read: New Mandaluyong Gem Pluck Raises the Bar for Rotisserie Chicken