Villar Group opens community mall in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The Villar Group kicked off its move to penetrate the Cebu market with the opening of the 8th Starmall in Cebu yesterday in Lawaan I, Talisay City.

The two-story community shopping mall marks the start of the company’s plan to expand in Cebu. Another Starmall will also rise in Mactan next year, said Villar Group chairman Manny Villar.

Villar said the company aims to open 100 shopping malls in the next few years, both the Starmall and Vistamall brands.

To date, there are already 25 commercial center projects under the Villar Group of Companies. The Starmall is the company's community mall brand.

Simultaneously, upon the grand opening yesterday which was graced by Villar himself, 13 tenants opened their businesses within the mall.

Rustan’s Group owned supermarket brand--Wellcome Supermarket also opened yesterday together with 12 other tenants including Bo’s Coffee, All Shopped Department Store, and All Home Furniture and Appliance Center, among others.

In an earlier interview, Villar said the company will now zoom in its attention to Cebu in both commercial and residential project investments.

Villar said that although the company has been here with its several projects, like Camella Homes, Crown Asia, and other brands, these are not enough to make its strong presence in Cebu.

The former Senate President added that as Cebu provides conducive environment for more real estate projects, he is going to be hands-on on this move.

"We are beefing up our presence in Cebu. I will be coming here more often, " he said.

At present, Villar's company has more or less 50-hectare landbank located in different areas in Cebu. However, he emphasized that the company is actively looking for more properties for acquisition. (FREEMAN)