Malling in the City

The Manila String Machine Quartet at SM Lanang Premier

People in Davao City have various options when it comes to spending their leisure time. They can spend it close to nature such as the beach, at inland resorts with swimming pools or they can go malling.

Malling is one of the top leisure activities of Filipinos. It is for this reason that almost every city in the country has a number of malls.

Here in Davao, new and more modern malls have sprouted in the recent years. Back in 1997 when I first settled here, I only knew of Victoria Plaza, Gaisano Ilustre and Gaisano Mall which just opened at that time. Of the three, Gaisano Mall was the most modern and the biggest then.

Eventually, SM city also came in. It was then followed by the construction of the NCCC Mall in addition to its main department store along Uyanguren.

A year ago in May, Abreeza of the Ayala Malls became the biggest and world class shopping mall in the city. This complex is a collaboration between the Floirendos of Davao and Ayalas of Manila. The mall's opening gave Davaoenos an opportunity to experience a shopping center in the same level as that of those in Metro Manila. And it made the locals here truly happy.

But that's not all there is to it. The management of SM Supermalls decided to set up a second mall this time in the Lanang area called SM Lanang Premier. This complex competes closely with Abreeza in terms of size but boasts of more advanced features such as its IMAX Cinema. Also, this SM mall has an SMX Convention Center considered the second in the country after Metro Manila. And unlike its SM City buildings that normally have the same architectural design, this one is different as it features a sky garden and dancing fountains.

SM Lanang Premier opened last September 28 and now, Davaoenos have a new mall where they can spend their time strolling and shopping. And as this is very near my place, I have been there many times already since it opened. I actually do most of my financial transactions (pay bills and bank transactions via BDO) there too. I'm sharing a photo I took during the opening day featuring the Manila String Machine Quartet.

Malling doesn't have to be an expensive activity. You can just go window shopping and be entertained there by visiting artists and the new movies at the cinemas. As long as you don't let yourself go hungry, malling can be a fun experience for people of all ages.  

Excited for the Opening of SM Lanang Premier

Just like everybody else here in Davao City, I am so excited for the opening of our new SM Lanang Premier this Friday, September 28. This is the second SM mall in the city but is definitely a high-end and world-class one unlike the first SM City Davao situated along Quimpo Boulevard in Matina.

There's so much to look forward to this major mall that stands on a 10-hectare lot that used to be the Lanang golf course. The architectural design alone is different from the usual SM City malls and I learned this is a green building having utilized eco-friendly materials and construction procedures.

Secondly, it has a Sky Garden that will feature a concert area and dancing fountain. It is also here where some fine dining restaurants will be located.

Thirdly, SM Lanang Premier will have an SMX Convention Center which is the second in the country. The first is in Pasay City, Metro Manila.

The IMAX Cinema is another thing Davaoenos are excited to experience. IMAX boasts of the world's most powerful film experience, a far cry from what people are used to in the past.

What I'm most happy about is the fact that this new major mall is very near my home. It's just one tricycle ride away, a 5-minute drive by car and can actually be reached by foot if you're not in a hurry.

And what I'm sure about is that I'll be there on the opening day and in the coming days to experience this new SM Premier shopping complex. I also look forward to watching entertainment shows with my kids there.

Life is good and truly, life is here in Davao City! I couldn't ask for more.