The big talk fest is over.
 
They have rolled down the curtains, cleared the banquet hall, turned off the lights and unplugged all the wires.
 
All key participants, delegates, diplomats, and the representatives of foreign countries and international organization have caught the last plane out of the country.
    
This year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit was a resounding success.
    
The global event put Manila on international focus amid global concern over a resurgent terrorism, regional armed conflict, a creeping climate crisis, and their adverse impact on the global economy as well as growth and development.
    
For Manila, it was a world-class performance.
    
We all deserve a pat on the back because the whole world is applauding.
    
No, it is on standing ovation.
    
Hosting global events like the APEC Summit is a big deal. It requires a national or collective effort involving government, private sector, and the people.
    
And we as a people are world-famous for our hospitality.
    
We treat our guests like royalty, and last week’s APEC hosting was such a royal extravaganza.
    
The VIPs were wined, dined, serenaded, gifted, and pampered throughout their week-long stay. And, yes, their spouses to.
    
But summitry is about symbols.
    
The global audience would remember the event’s landmarks long after it happened.
    
What would remain in memory of this years APEC?
    
Undoubtedly, the historic venue would long be remembered.
    
And this is no less than the iconic Mall of Asia complex. The vast commercial complex is not called as such for nothing.
    
It is not only a shopping center but also an entertainment and amusement hub a food and beverage paradise a techno park, an exhibition/exposition hall, a sports club as well as a residential and office address.
   
Its vastness, versatility, and vagueness make it truly the ultimate “it place “.
    
And this came to pass through the vision of one man—Henry Sy Sr. —the patriarch of the family who founded, owns, and runs the SM Group of Companies.
    
The SM Group owns and runs the vast MOA complex.
    
MOA, indeed, has become the defacto or unofficial contemporary national landmark.
    
And its record speaks for itself-the MOA Arena hosted the most powerful people in the world from Pope Francis to Katy Perry, President Obama, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
    
And, yes, Ariana Grande too. This makes it truly grand.
    
It is no longer just the Mall of Asia; it has become indeed the whole of the world.