November 27, 1993: The Cebuanos truly felt they had it all — an encompassing department store, a row of cinemas, well-stocked supermarket, a splendid food court, bowling center, a trade hall, and a gamezone.
But that was to change after 15 years. Due to the city’s position as the transhipment center of the many islands of the Visayas and Mindanao and following its unprecedented success with over a 100,000 people visiting on an average day, an expansion was necessary, if not imperative.
Construction on SM City Cebu’s expansion building simply dubbed The Northwing began in March 2006 and it finally opened a little over a year later, featuring two floors of retail stores, restaurants, and cafes. It houses more than 200 tenants and caters to a more upscale clientele. It also added three levels of covered parking plus one level on the roof deck
In celebration, SM Prime Holdings president Hans Sy graced the grand launch which was highlighted by an exhibit of classic cars that featured the rare collections of the Performance and Classic Car Enthusiasts of Cebu and a designers’ show courtesy of the Fashion Council of Cebu.
The display showcased a 1957 Corvette Roadster, 1952 Triumph TR2, 1955 Porsche 550 Syder, 1966 Pontiac GTO, 1961 Jaguan E-Type Roadster, 1965 Kougar Jaguar, 1978 Porsche 911 SC, 1959 Porsche 356A and a 1965 Corvette Stingray. The proud car owners included Bobby Aboitiz, Kenneth Cobonpue, Jay Aldeguer, Grand Benedicto, Darren Deen, Chris Tio, and Glenn Soco,.
Experienced and accomplished designers such as Arcy Gayatin, Cary Santiago, Ditas Rodriguez, Felix Yu, Jun Escario, Oj Hofer, Philip Rodriguez, and Vania Romoff likewise presented their original, elegant designs which were inspired by the classic car collections. SM vice president Marissa Fernan, the lady who continuously surprises everyone with her relentless innovative ideas, was all smiles as once again SM City Cebu undoubtedly proved itself to be the island’s ultimate lifestyle destination.