SM
Shoemart owner Henry Sy continues to live up to his business tycoon name. From the first store opening in Manila in 1958, SMs are now found all over the country from Northern Luzon to Mindanao, in Davao. The SM Prime group continue to establish new SM shopping malls and departments stores for families to enjoy. They even continue to grow with their SM Hypermart locations along with their shopping malls.
The SM malls are an everyday sight and a part of the Filipino's life. Most evident of this is in the National Capital Region (NCR) where an SM now acts as a landmark for direction. Or as a place where one can get away and seek relief from the busy traffic even for just a short while.
As for the famous SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, it continues to be the five-floor walk-a-thon mall that it is known to be. The Megamall has recently undergone a brand-new makeover. However, it's not just about the Megamall anymore because each SM malls have something different and special about them, and each of them make for a different experience. They each have their own characters and identities.
The newer and most recent SMs are now highlighted with much more sophisticated architecture and design both inside and outside, while also boasting improved parking lots and traffic lanes. It's as if they've learned from the past SMs - those that were built during the time when the SM group had no idea what kind of success they were in for. The recent SM malls even show some Filipiniana elements or everyday Filipino aspects in their architecture and design.
Presently, a huge SM Mall of Asia (MOA) has shrugged off a few delays and has finally opened on May 21 at its 60-hectare property by the redeveloped Baywalk at Roxas Blvd. According to SM Prime, besides many shopping, gaming and dining establishments, it will feature the country's first ever Olympic-sized skating rink. |
