SM Land remains bullish on BPO, to open P2.7-B building in 2012

MANILA, Philippines –  SM Land, the commercial property development and management arm of SM Investments Corp., is hoping to ride the next business process outsourcing wave with the opening of its P2.7-billion TwoE-comCenter by the first quarter of 2012.

In a statement, SM Land said this will be the second in a series of four office buildings to rise within the 67-hectare Mall of Asia complex along a reclaimed portion of the Manila Bay.

Designed by world-renowned architectural firm Arquitectonica, TwoE-comCenter is a twin-tower project that will provide approximately 68,000 square meters of office and retail space.

The iconic building will be connected to the SM Mall of Asia. The structure features a four-level podium that provides a landscaped garden, al fresco dining and retail areas, along with additional office spaces.

The OneE-comCenter, launched in 2007, is now 98 percent occupied by anchor tenants such as BPO firms Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), EXL, and Legispro; shipping lines Maersk and American President Lines (APL); and maritime staffing firms MOF Company and OSTE Crewing.

David Rafael, senior vice-president of the Commercial Properties Group, said SM Land is in a good position to make Pasay City the next BPO hub in the country.

“What we offer within Mall of Asia complex is a one-stop location for BPO employees, one that is safe and highly convenient, where transport, commercial establishments, and residential options are available and affordable. We are creating an environment that will ultimately help BPOs grow their business by making their employees happy,” Rafael said.

Developed by SM Prime Holdings Inc., the SM Mall of Asia is the world’s fourth largest mall and hosts a number of pioneering recreational facilities in the country such as the first IMAX 3D theater and the largest indoor skating rink.

Hospitality establishments include the 15-story, 150-room Microtel Inns & Suites. Not too far away is Sea Residences, a mid-rise condominium development by SM Land subsidiary, SM Development Corp.