SM City Cebu turns 20

December 22nd, 2013– Celebrating 20 years of existence was SM City Cebu, spearheaded by Marissa Fernan with the thrust of helping rebuild communities. This has been underscored by SM’s efforts to help victims of the recent earthquake in Bohol and Yolanda, which devastated various provinces in Eastern and Central Visayas.

A simple though meaningful program was presented at SM’s Northwing Atrium featuring excellent renditions of Broadway hits and popular songs by a powerfully wondrous trip of top-quality performers such as Jenine Desiderio, Cris Villonco and Robert Seña.

Cebu City Councilor Margot Osmeña was present. She recalled how 20 years ago she had cut the SM inaugural ribbon as the city’s then first lady. “Seems like yesterday,” she said, to which Teresin Mendezona and Nonie Uy countered, “and we’re still here.”

They sat with Marissa at the main table together with Amparito Lhuillier whose jewelry store at SM Cebu also opened 20 years ago. Ditto Winglip Chang with his Majestic outlet, and Philip Rodriguez, Cebu’s premier couturier, always ready to assist SM in its fundraising projects.

Rica Rellon, communications manager at the nearby Radisson Blu Hotel, came by with Neil Rumbaca in tow. He is now vice president for marketing of SM Hotels and Conventions. He used to be with the Shangri-La in Mactan.

The Marco Polo Plaza Hotel lit up its Tree of Hope at the lobby to the sound of Christmas carols from the Celestial Voices Chorale, and amid prancing fairies from the Cebu Center for Dance ballet school.

General manager Hans Hauri presided the ceremony together with Msgr. Roberto Alesna of the Cebu Cathedral, and GMA station manager Ann Marie Tan. Maricris Garcia performed to great applause.

There were cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus when they descended, not through any chimney, but down the hotel’s grand staircase.

The Marco Polo’s Tree of Hope is raising funds for the Kapuso Foundation’s relief operations for those affected by the recent calamities.

For P200 you put your name on a Christmas ball and hang it on the tree. The response has been terrific. Though the décor seem tight, they can still make space for any kindhearted donor all the way up to Jan. 5.