They've got it all - even in Cebu

Successful establishments around the world are often spotted and recognized by their innovative and catchy logos.

The world’s largest chain of fast food restaurants, McDonald’s, is known for its towering letter “M” depicted as a yellow arch. A smiling red bee is behind the phenomenal business success story of the quick-service Filipino-owned restaurant Jollibee. An intricately embroidered green and black crocodile on men’s and ladies shirts can only mean Lacoste, while the world’s most famous handbags and luggage carry two simple letters — “LV” for Louis Vuitton.

In Cebu, a massive complex located close to the city port in the reclamation area stands majestically with two predominantly blue letters. Immediately, what comes to mind is the country’s largest shopping center development, also the fourth largest shopping mall. It is popularly called SM City Cebu.

SM first opened here in November 1993. Fourteen years later, it has evolved into becoming the city’s prime shopping, leisure and lifestyle center. 

Owned and operated by SM Prime Holdings, SM today holds the distinction of being the 11th largest mall in the entire world.

I distinctly remember that, in its first few years of operations, Manila-based movie and television stars and entertainers were brought in to perform free concerts to initially attract shoppers. The mall even offered free jeepney rides to meet the lack of available public transportation. But that was many moons ago.

In the midst of unprecedented economic growth driven by flourishing commercial and tourism developments on the island, SM City Cebu expanded in 2007 with the addition of its newest annex simply called Northwing.

Built on the parking lot to the north of the existing building, it has spacious hallways catering to the leisure market and upper-class customers while the previously existing mall, redubbed the Southwing, is targeted for those who love to hustle and bustle.

The Northwing features two floors of restaurants and cafes and houses more than 100 premium shops with its top-of-the-line international brands and concept stores that surely add a whole new world of lifestyle choices to Cebu’s retail experience.

Just recently, it became home to the only mall-based Duty Free Shop in the country, offering the finest choices that a sophisticated shopper could ever want. 

Its modern architecture and sleek interiors offer a world-class haven for die-hard shopaholics, topped with soothing live musical performances and seasonal events and shows at the Atrium. The al fresco strip also serves as a cozy gastronomic refuge for the weary and hungry shopper with its chic dining services and cafés nestled amid relaxing indoor water features.

The Northwing truly delivers the ultimate shopping experience, not only because of its wide range of luxurious choices, but also because of the understated, elegant ambience it provides. It offers a variety of venues to flash those handy credit cards. 

But this is just the beginning of bigger and better things to come. Adding distinction to this grand complex is the forthcoming 400-room five-star Radisson Hotel scheduled to open in March 2009 and a multi-function convention facility will soon be built to cater to international events, conferences and meetings.

All these developments and more truly continue to elevate and expand the development of SM City Cebu as the ultimate shopping, lifestyle and event destination in the southern part of the Philippines.