The Shang is changing how we ‘mall’
MANILA, Philippines - The age of shrinking spaces is of no concern for Shangri-La Plaza, which, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary, keeps its high and grand spaces fully intact, even enhancing them for this generation of Shang shoppers to enjoy.
When it opened East Wing in 2014, Shangri-La Plaza introduced a new kind of shopping experience, spinning off from what it had always been offering since 1991 — that is, rendering the mall with a hotel vibe. High ceilings, elegantly-lit (read: flattering) hallways, comfortable and pretty comfort rooms, and an endless selection of restaurants, many of which can only be found at the Shang, to choose from.
This year, the mall completed the redevelopment of the Main Wing, which now complements the look of the East Wing. New features include a more spacious Sky Garden, a new Grand Atrium (no more blue and yellow details), and the revamped and brighter Food Forum with food islands and lounge chairs at the lower ground level.
The addition of The Chapel of St. Padre Pio, I think, makes the mall complete. With a lot of people now practically “living” in malls — often busy spaces with lots of activity — a place of quiet is of great importance. The chapel is in line with the Main Wing’s new “family look,” which differentiates it from the East Wing. According to Shangri-La Plaza EVP and general manager Lala Fojas, the chapel is “a work of love.” It is a sub-parish of St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church in Shaw Boulevard. The space, formerly a parking area, can accommodate from 600 to 1,000 people and holds regular Masses on Saturdays, Sundays, first Fridays and holy days of obligation.
The Shang also claims one of its trademark features — the revolving door — and makes use of it in all entrances. Little quirks make it all the more charming: Shang is the only mall with a satellite movie ticketing booth at the ground floor, and the longest and shortest escalators.
Shang celebrates its 25th anniversary with year-round activities, which will continue through November and December. The mall’s lineup of concerts started last Nov. 13 with A Night of Ballads with Jed Madela. Last weekend saw the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, followed by Yuletide Melodies by Jose Mari Chan. Last Sunday, international artist Mig Ayesa and schizoprano Nicole Asensio showed off their Vocal Synergy at the Grand Atrium.
The Shang Anniversary Concert will be held today at 7 p.m., with Joanna Ampil, Martin Nievera, and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. The Angono Chamber Orchestra will be playing holiday tunes in Music and Melody on Nov. 27.
Starting Dec. 3 until the end of the year, performers will be serenading mall guests at the Main Wing and East Wing with Christmas tunes.
They will also be launching Shang’s Gift of 25 Holiday Raffle Promo, which gives shoppers the chance to win 25 prizes this Christmas. Every single-receipt purchase of P2,500 gives Shang mall guests a chance to win a 2017 Volvo V60 D4 Cross Country Sports Wagon, a P500,000 worth shopping spree, or to be one of three winners of a P250,000 worth of shopping spree plus gadgets such as drones and tablets. If you use your Mastercard, you increase your chances of winning.
Shangri-La Plaza is a mall with a distinct look, a distinct smell, even a distinct temperature. How it has remained consistent as it improved and evolved over the years keeps customers coming back, for 25 years and beyond.
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For inquiries, call 370-2597 or 98 or visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial. Follow the Shang on Instagram: @shangrilaplazaofficial. #Shang25yearsandbeyond.
