PHILIPPINECONGLOMERATE SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) has embarked on a multibillion-peso development project for the construction of a 60~hectaremixed-usecomplexenvisioned to become a premier business and tourism destination in the Philippines. 
 

Dubbed the ‘Mall of Asia Complex,’ the project is located along the coast of Manila Bay and will consist of technologically-advanced infrastructure integrated with office, retail, institutional, residential, and leisure components. The complex is now home to the country’s largest shopping mall, the SM Mall of Asia, and will sOon boast of a state-of-the-art. business and information and technology (IT) hub, the country’s largest convention center, a 16,000-seat sports and entertainment arena, and a wide range of facilitieswith recreational, tourism, and residential uses.

‘We envision the Mall of Asia Complex to be a prime business and tourism district in the country and in the region,’ SM Investments Corporation Executive Vice-President for Real Property Josefino Lucas said in a statement. ‘With its unique location by the side of the famous Manila Bay, the Mall of Asia complex, which features an excellent mix of business and leisure elements, is expected to boost Philippine tourism as well as redefine Manila’s place among the new and exciting urban centers of Asia.’

The Mall of Asia will give rise to world-class business facilities such as the OneE-Com Center, a 10-storey building designed for ecommerce, contact centers, business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, and specialized office uses which are targeted for completion by yearend.

Recently, SMIC also formalized a deal with the leading global fitness company Fitness First Philippines, Ine. to house the club’s 16th branch in the country. Set to open by last quarter, the fitness center will cater to the health and fitness needs of people specially those who work 24/7 in call centers.

Also set to rise within the Mall of Asia Complex is the SMX Convention Center, which is envisioned to be the country’s premier destination for both local and international trade and cultural events.

Another major development project is the SM Arena, a sprawling indoor facility for big-time sports and entertainment events that can seat over 16,000 spectators. This expansive arena is expected to be the venue of choice of major gigs of well-known international artists in the music and entertainment industries.

Also in construction are the SM Ferry, which will feature a modern ferry terminal to service guests and tourists who wish to travel to Cavite City and Bataan, or to SMIC’s eco-tourism development estate, the Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas; the SM Land Showroom, which will showcase the resort and residential features of the Hamilo estate; and a leisure strip area which is set to soft-open this October, where people can converge and unwind after a hard day’s work and look forward to fresh and hip themed -happenings everymonth with their choice drinks and spirits.

The Mall of Asia Complex will also give rise to real property investments such as deluxe hotels, upscale offices and full-serviced apartments.