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| Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion |
“Stupendous!”
This was how the huge crowd described the P1.5 billion SM City Bacolod expanded north wing at its inauguration last week. The affair was attended by top local officials as well as Hans Sy, president of SM Prime Holdings, who came with top Manila executives of the company.
It was certainly an awesome experience to walk around the gleaming edifice that spelled opulence and luxury at every corner. The new section is almost double the size of the original mall. It features 200 more retail stores for global and national brands. Our eyes were mesmerized by the grand atrium and amazing cyberzone.
Being a hopeless foodie, I quickly checked out the new Food Court that is bigger and grander than ever. I was told that this area was designed by a famous Australian designer, that spells “world class”. Smiling faces and delicious aroma greeted me at each turn. I even got a most scrumptious serving of “to-die-for” Italian pasta given away by a famous Italian food concessionaire. Yummy!
The next day, I was again at SM for the opening of the new 4,000-seater SMX Convention Center. It was fantabulous! Really something to rave about, with its humongous size and ultra-modern accoutrements. The place was overflowing with VIPs, guests and program performers for the opening of the First Bacolod Trade, Expo and Conferences.
Special guests were Mark Lapid, chief operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure & Enterprise Zone Authority, who impressed the audience with his movie star good looks, and Senator Cynthia Villar, who couldn't help raving at the new addition to the attractions of Bacolod City.
One of the booths opened was the Orola Group of Companies and VMA Global College that presented its accomplishments in education, maritime industry, overseas employment, and promotion of southern Bacolod for eco-tourism.*
