When SM City Cebu, once one of the biggest malls in Asia, opened its doors at the North Reclamation Area sometime in November 1993, we Cebuanos thought we had it all.

Recently, movers and shakers of the property proudly announced yet another expansion, thus creating the SM City Cebu Northwing , scheduled to be inaugurated next month. This development certainly surpassed all of our expectations.

In celebration, Hans Sy, the youthful-in-looks but rich-in-experience president of SM Prime Holdings, the largest mall operator that owns and runs world-class malls providing a fully integrated shopping, dining and entertainment experience, recently hosted a well-attended cocktail reception that gave guests a sneak preview of what to expect. And we were surely not disappointed.

During her welcome message, Marissa Fernan the dedicated, energetic and enthusiastic vice president of SM Malls, declared,�?SM City Cebu Northwing is the fruit of new knowledge and a new attitude, and that is why it is unique. We have a whole new building worthy of its own name: north, because that is were it is facing, and also because the north is the primary direction that is used to define all other directions; and wing, because we expect it to fly.�?

Hans Sy in his all important brief remarks reiterated his commitment to and confidence in the development of Cebu assuring the tenants continued cooperation and guaranteeing its discerning customers excellent service. Bearing accessibility and shopping convenience in mind, this soon-to-open extension will be a fitting complement to the current SM City Cebu. The entire façade of this new wing will have a balanced mix of concrete and metal while the common areas, designed by an Australian firm, will carry a wellness-inspired theme making use of wood finished in earth colors. Full-grown trees and lush greenery will engulf the surroundings giving the entire area a refreshing and homely ambience.

With Mother Nature serving as the inspiration, the SM City Cebu Northwing will employ a number of natural elements to give its interior a more organic, yet very urban, ultra modern-feel with the seamless play of glass, dark wood and concrete.

Taking shopping luxury to a higher level, the new SM City Cebu Northwing will feature a concierge desk to assist shoppers and visitors. There will be no second-guessing as to where a particular shop is located or what time a movie will screened. The concierge officer-on-duty will gladly oblige and answer all concerns. And for those who feel they need to take a break and relax, a comfort lounge will be made available. Talk about pampering.

The extension, which will be connected to the upper ground and second levels of the main mall, will offer new and exciting options for everyone. Trendsetters will be delighted to find local and international brands. Homebodies and ladies who entertain will surely be delighted with the opening of Our Home, where fabulous home fixtures and furnishings at affordable prices can be had. Ace Hardware, the one-stop-store will also expand to feature a Builder’s Center, offering a more room and materials for much needed and deserve home makeovers.

Eagerly anticipated is the chic and elegant shop Kultura that will showcase high-quality Philippine products for visitors and tourists from other islands and abroad who continue to flood Cebu City seeking souvenirs.

Food enthusiasts will enjoy the al fresco dining with an elevated view from the second level. The number of new restaurants and cafes will soon add to the electric mix of taste and fusion.

It will feature three levels of covered parking area at the roof deck. Combined, the elevated parking will have close to 2000 slots for cars, accommodating more shoppers than ever.

With the new SM City Cebu Northwing forthcoming shopping, ding and entertainment in Cebu will take on a new dimension and exciting experience.