East of The Shang, west of the moon

Some malls were made for shopping. Some malls were made for shopping and for something else entirely — watching the sublime Departures at the Eiga Sai Japanese Film Festival, or just listening to guitar-slinger Noli Aurillo and his band of merry pranksters playing along to one of the classics at the International Silent Film Festival (—I believe it was The Oyster Princess [Die Austernprinzessin] from Germany). By the way, this year’s silent film fest takes place on Aug. 23 (7:30 p.m.), Aug. 24 (5 and 8 p.m.) and Aug. 25 (2, 5 and 8 p.m.) at the Shang Cineplex featuring bands such as Pulso, Sinosikat?, Composers’ Lab, Razorback, Earthmover and Spy — what a lineup!

In my best Andrew Wood impersonation, I’d say this is Shangri-La.

Shangri-La Plaza Corp. EVP and GM Lala Fojas explains it thusly: “First of all, what makes Shangri-La Plaza different is that we’re offering an experience — for malling and entertainment in a very comfortable environment. We go beyond the shopping aspect. We also bring in culture — such as film festivals, musical performance and art.” (Note: there are diorama and Japanese origami exhibits during our interview.) “Over and above malling, we offer a lot of other things. Shangri-La Plaza is food for the senses and feast for the soul.”

True, true. Mall visitors are able to watch a lot of good gigs at The Shang. Not just singing-contest rejects caterwauling for their supper, but world-class performers. Especially more so during Christmas when you can jingle all the way to the shops to the tune of, yup, Jingle Bell Rock. 

Fojas says, “Our Grand Atrium and our East Atrium were acoustically designed for performances. There was a time we would have symphony orchestras performing for the shoppers. You can actually watch the concert from the different floors.” Who says Mozart and malling make strange bedfellows? (Thinking anachronistically, the Amadeus dude would probably check out Lyric on the basement of The Shang and go ape-shit on those cool electric keys.)

We are in the mall’s new East Wing as Shangri-La Plaza executives take us on a tour of the shops and restaurants.

“We recognize the need to constantly bring in new concepts that are in keeping with the mall guests’ evolving needs,” says Fojas.

Let the mall tell the tale. Revolving doors, check. Express elevators, double-check. The longest and shortest elevators, to allow mall-goers to move effortlessly like Jamiroquai from floor to shiny floor. Satellite movie ticket stations spell convenience for would-be moviegoers who have some urgent shopping to do before watching, say, Logan go ultra-adamantium on some super-villains or, in the future, the Man of Steel spar against the Dark Knight.  Now, there are island shops — cool standalone shops right smack in the middle of the mall — which you can easily see from levels one to five.

The East Wing boasts some great restaurants as well.

Mall guests can expect new concepts that highlight various cuisines and experiences to suit different tastes and preferences. There is Akira, the Art of Sushi and Teppanyaki, a brainchild of known restaurateurs Marvin Agustin (yes, the actor) and Ricky Laudico. It offers a true-blue teppanyaki grill experience featuring premium US wagyu, US rib-eye, US tenderloin, Japanese wagyu, and Kobe beef, among others.

Also from the same group is Balboa, which boasts delectable Italian-American pizza, pasta, and steak choices. Named after Rocky (played by Sly Stallone in those classic boxing flicks… “Adriannnnnn!”), this first-class, casual dining restaurant also features a sophisticated and stylish interior design with statement décor that diners will find cozy and inviting.

Filipino-Hispano restaurant Corazon, by renowned chef Florabel Co (who you can always spot with her art-collector husband and good-natured foodie Chris Yatco), features a smorgasbord of sumptuous dishes with a delicious Filipino-Spanish twist. Ciudad Real, a serving of lechon kawali with laing; Torres, fried boneless tilapia stuffed with Spanish ensalada; and the famous paella Valenciana, are among its specialties. With colorful interiors and spacious al fresco dining areas, Corazon offers a gastronomic adventure set against a warm and welcoming backdrop. If you can chat with Chris about Francis Bacon and Damien Hirst, even better.

Lombardi’s by chef Davide Lombardi offers authentic and sumptuous Italian classics using nothing less than the best and freshest ingredients. With a goal of bringing the real taste of Italy to the country, diners can expect rustic and traditional dishes prepared exactingly and true to their origins. Echoing the fantastic fare, the resto’s interiors give off a charming, comfortable feel — featuring light wood, bright hues and simple, modern lines, as well as decorative pieces and display items you can usually find at home.     

The Shang executive is quite excited about what’s cooking at the East Wing as well as the goings-on outside the mall.

 Fojas concludes, “I’m in my 13th year at The Shang. The East Wing is our latest baby. We’re still renovating our Main Wing, and we have a lot more to do. In the mall exterior, we’ve already undertaken a lot of changes. We’ve improved the streetscape, we have a fountain, and we’re putting up canopies. We always go the extra mile.”

Shall we sail East then, bub?

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The Shangri-La Plaza Mall is at Shaw Blvd. corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City. For information, call 370-2500 local 579 or visit www.shangrila-plaza.com.