Developer beats SM, bags Bay City project

By CECILLE S. VISTO, Sub-Editor
Businessman Mariano Nocom last week won the right to develop a nine-hectare commercial park at the Bay City along Roxas Boulevard, beating the only other bidder, tycoon Henry Sy, Sr.

Mr. Nocom's Salem Investment Corp. bidded P111.56 per square meter to spruce up the baywalk, besting SM Investment Corporation's offer of P101.



The lessor, state-run Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), had set the minimum lease at P83.33 per square meter.

With Salem operating the park -- to be called the Esplanade -- the government is guaranteed to get P1.9 million in monthly rentals as against P1.73 million had SM won.

PRA General Manager Teodorico C. Taguinod told BusinessWorld that SM Investment, which would list today at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), wanted to negotiate with Salem for a possible joint venture of the prime property.

"I'm not sure if they have reached an agreement," he said.

SM is keen on developing the Esplanade as it is located at the Promenade area at the back of the SM Mall of Asia. Of the 8.57-hectare park, only 1.71 hectares is leasable. However, Salem is required to develop the remainder without cost to government.

Aside from Salem, Mr. Nocom also reportedly controls Dearborn Realty Corp., which built the Fiesta Shopping Center of state-run Duty Free Philippines near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. He likewise owns Columbia Airfreight Complex Corp. and a shopping center in Quiapo.

As the winning bidder, Salem will operate the baywalk park for 10 years, with the lease contract renewable for another 10 years.

Mr. Taguinod said a seven-kilometer restaurant row would be put up at the baywalk, similar to the Roxas Boulevard project of Manila Mayor Jose Atienza. Spaces will be leased to concessionaires, with Salem directly supervising baywalk operations.

Development of the park will start next month. It is set to open in December. The baywalk is expected to attract more people to the reclamation area.

Last year, the Department of Finance (DoF) ordered PEA to come up with a five-year development plan for the Manila Bay Reclamation area.

The directive to put together a master plan for the 1,500-hectare Roxas Boulevard reclamation area was the first official order that Finance handed down since it took over PRA.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 329 on July 19, 2004 transferring control over PRA to Finance, from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

PRA is the government agency responsible for integrating, directing, and coordinating all reclamation projects for and on behalf of the government.

Based on PRA's recommendation, the Bay City, its main project, will be divided into various zones: residential, commercial and office, and even entertainment.

Meanwhile, Mr. Taguinod said SM and PRA were looking into a possible partnership to develop a middle-income condominium within Bay City.

PRA will offer its land as capital. As part of the deal, SM will build PRA's building. The project is expected to be finished in eight years.

woot woot.. more developments.

that is a good news. Another Baywalk will going to develop along the bay. In this case it is more spacious and longer compare to baywalk in Malate Manila.

I am definitely coming back January of next year. Manila will definitely be enhanced with this development. Its getting better year after year. Keep it up!

7 kilometer stretch of bars and restaurants, oh yeah something to look forward to.

Jon

they should really make good plans before doing anything else... it's being developed in one of the best locations in the metro, so screwing things up is not an option... otherwise, this is something we have to look forward to! :)

they should really make good plans before doing anything else... it's being developed in one of the best locations in the metro, so screwing things up is not an option... otherwise, this is something we have to look forward to! :)


exactly!

Wow an Esplanade on Manila Bay... very nice... I hope it will be as beautiful as Singapore's Esplanade or the Opera House of Sydney or something much better... :D

great news...! seems like SM's development of the MOA is finally perking up interest in the area. seven kilometers of restaurants is crazy...! I hope this'll be nice. too bad it won't be done in time for the SEAG or something. hehe.. when will part of the SM-MOA open...?

More good news:okay:

SM sets talks with Bay City developer

The SM Group will work with the firm that won the right to develop a nine-hectare commercial park at the Bay City along Roxas Boulevard after being beaten in the bidding for the property.

SM Investment Corp. Vice-Chairman Henry Sy, Jr. said in the sidelines of his firm's listing at the Philippine Stock Exchange yesterday that talks about a possible joint venture with Salem Investment Corp. are about to start.

Businessman Mariano Nocom, which owns Salem, last week won the right to develop the property after offering P111.56 per square meter, besting SMIC's bid of P101. With Salem operating the park -- to be called the Esplanade -- the government is guaranteed P1.9 million in monthly rentals compared to P1.73 million had SM won.

"We'll still have a discussion. They're good friends," Mr. Sy said.

He noted that the developer of the park will really have to talk with SM since the property is located at the back of Mall of Asia which SM is developing.

He also said SM had wanted to develop the park into a "classier" version of the Roxas Boulevard project of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

"We will improve on that to make it classier. That was a good concept of Lito Atienza. But because now that we see what are the things we could improve, we will improve on it," he said.

The property was bid out by state-run Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) for a minimum of P83.33 per square meter. As the winning bidder, Salem will operate the park for 10 years, renewable for another 10 years. Development of the park will start next month and it is set to open in December.

PRA General Manager Teodorico C. Taguinod earlier said a seven-kilometer restaurant row will be put up at the baywalk. Spaces will be leased to concessionaires, with Salem directly supervising baywalk operations.

He also said SM Investment wanted to negotiate with Salem for a possible joint venture involving the property.

SM is keen on developing the Esplanade as it is located at the Promenade area at the back of the Mall of

Asia. Of the 8.57-hectare park, only 1.71 hectares is leasable.

Last year, the Department of Finance (DoF) ordered the Public Estates Authority (now named the PRA) to come up with a five-year development plan for the Manila Bay Reclamation area. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Executive Order 329 on July 19, 2004 transferring control over the PRA to the Finance department from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The PRA is the government agency responsible for integrating, directing, and coordinating all reclamation projects for and on behalf of the government.

Based on the PRA's recommendation, the Bay City, its main project, will be divided into various zones: residential, commercial and office, and even entertainment. -- Jennee Grace U. Rubrico

We need a president with an ambitous vision for the country like Fidel Ramos and Imelda Marcos!!!!
GMA is good but she should aim high, and create amazing legacy projects like Ramos!! GMA only has the MRT 7, LRT to Cavite, North Rail (started by Ramos, and was high speed rail during his administration), South Rail and RO-RO ferry system, and her intergrated top logistics center in the region (which will be a half-assed attempt by her based on the progress right now).

Even Imelda had an ambitous vision for the country when she built her legacy projects, although she should have carried out her dream of a State of the Art Megalopolis extending from Manila to the Pacific Ocean. (I'm obssesed with Imelda :) ,I've read every book about her in the Library, and I want to buy her movie :) )

I remember JDV created a 7 point wealth creation agenda which included expanded reclamation of Manila bay, Subic, Cebu, North Luzon (Ilocos, I think), and mindanao. But, there has been no news on the progress of his plans, so his plans might just be on GMA's desk collecting dust
:sleepy::sleepy:

And what about JDV's plans for a 2000 km mindanao railway???
This will probably never happen too.

Now, this is what I want GMA's legacy project to be, fill in Manila bay and create a superior city designed by the best engineers the Philippines has to offer, only after she reforms the constitution (which she promised to do) and scraps that nationalistic pride rule which restricts foreigners from owning land.
(if the masses oppose then just make this area the exception)
http://img14.imgspot.com/u/05/81/00/reclamation.JPG
I also want her to build a maglev system in the country from Ilocos to General Santos, when we rake in the cash from mining and oil after we take over Sabah and the Spratleys Islands

Gee.. I wouldn't wanna rain on your parade (cough cough government is near broke cough cough), but it sure is ambitious:)

However, I resent any plans to cover Manila Bay with land, soil and rocks and ruin some of them fishing industries in Cavite.

What is the latest with the new commercial center in the CCP area? The one with the big plazas. We used to have renderings of it...but lately, we have been silent about the project.

Now, this is what I want GMA's legacy project to be, fill in Manila bay and create a superior city designed by the best engineers the Philippines has to offer, only after she reforms the constitution (which she promised to do) and scraps that nationalistic pride rule which restricts foreigners from owning land.



I wouldnt want this to happen...too much environmental impact. The area you pointed out is huge. First, it would be too costly. Second, it wouldnt be practical. Third, as renell said, it would just ruin the fishing industries there. And lastly, it would interrupt with coastal processes and ecosystems. Bay City itself is already pretty massive. And look how small it is compared to your proposal.

Maglev in Mindanao is too ambitious. Actually Maglev anywhere in the country is too ambious. We cant even start with Northrail, much more with a maglev.

You mean the Harbour View Square?

Still u/c but the first phase I think will be opening this year.

Yeah...i think thats it. How big is it?

they should really make good plans before doing anything else... it's being developed in one of the best locations in the metro, so screwing things up is not an option... otherwise, this is something we have to look forward to! :)

Dont worry SM is not spending a considerable amount of money so Mr Peanuts can mess up their long term plans. Part of the reason why they want to co-develop Bay city is to protect their investments in the area namely Mall of Asia and their main corporate office among other things. :)

Jon

yeah... I wouldn't like to see most of Manila Bay being reclaimed.. specially that wide.... imagine how many mountains will be be demolished for this and yes the fishing industry will be affected, plus there isn't enough demand to fill up those spaces.... and I would rather reclaim lands for Cebu or other key cities of the country... Metro Manila is too congested and too crowded already....

and I wouldn't want foreigners to own lands as well... land is very scarce in this country and I wouldn't want to lease or rent on a land owned by a foreigner who can charge me a higher fee.... the Philippine soil is for Filipinos only..... foreigners can just lease or rent on them....

and I wouldn't want foreigners to own lands as well... land is very scarce in this country and I wouldn't want to lease or rent on a land owned by a foreigner who can charge me a higher fee.... the Philippine soil is for Filipinos only..... foreigners can just lease or rent on them....

I agree. Some Filipinos don't even own lands in their own country, tapos bibigay pa natin sa foreigners...

So..... you guys don't like my idea....o.k. :sleepy:

People fish in Manila bay?? When I took the Super Ferry from Manila to GenSan it was black and stinky, and I saved a picture from the Vancouver Sun with a caption saying that people use it as their toilet and personal garbage landfill but they still bathe in it, it showed black water with garbage floating around with a rusted sinking ship and a handfull of people swimming in it. Are Manila clams really from Manila bay or is it just a name like Manila envelops?
http://www.deh.gov.au/heritage/programs/rnhp/images/coastal-pollution.jpg
(not the picture from the Vancouver Sun)

Did anybody see that movie Yamashita where they found the yamashita gold treasure and the Philippines became a rich country?? What if that happens in real life, but with oil, and natural gas!!

The Imelda books I've read all say that the Yamashita treasure has already been found and that Marcos led the search for the gold, but like all presidents and government officials, he mismanaged the treasure and it ended up in American and crony hands.

I don't see anything wrong with foreigners owning land!! Yeah, I guess their should be some restrictions but not a total ban.

I'm a Canadian citizen born in Canada but I can't own land in the Philippines, they should allow foreigners of Philippine decent to own land!! (my mom owns a coconut plantation, and a mountain top mansion in Dauin, Negros, overlooking APO island but I don't know how I'am going to inherit it if I'm not legallly allowed to own land)

They should make exceptions for millionaires who want to create mega-projects to own land and let only reclamied lands to be owned by foreigners.

LOL.

LOL.

http://img14.imgspot.com/u/05/81/00/reclamation.JPG

ako naman i wish major philippine corporations like JG, Metrobank, PLDT, San Miguel, LUcio Tan, Tan Yu, megaworld etc would build their headquarters at these reclamation area..........same as SM's headquarters...........low rise............ang ganda siguro pag naka-align silang lahat no..........

it's very unlikely that ayala would transfer here cause they already owned makati and global; same with filinvest

@ a00556425 - Wow, rich kid.

yeah... I wouldn't like to see most of Manila Bay being reclaimed.. specially that wide.... imagine how many mountains will be be demolished for this and yes the fishing industry will be affected, plus there isn't enough demand to fill up those spaces.... and I would rather reclaim lands for Cebu or other key cities of the country... Metro Manila is too congested and too crowded already....

and I wouldn't want foreigners to own lands as well... land is very scarce in this country and I wouldn't want to lease or rent on a land owned by a foreigner who can charge me a higher fee.... the Philippine soil is for Filipinos only..... foreigners can just lease or rent on them....

Foreigners should be allowed to own land to a certain degree especially if its meant for business venture and even for residential use. I see nothing wrong with it especially if its an idle land. I d rather have a foreign investor buy land and have it develop for business where it can help local communities and at the same time contribute to the economy than an idle land with no takers from the locals.

Jon

I'm a Canadian citizen born in Canada but I can't own land in the Philippines, they should allow foreigners of Philippine decent to own land!! (my mom owns a coconut plantation, and a mountain top mansion in Dauin, Negros, overlooking APO island but I don't know how I'am going to inherit it if I'm not legallly allowed to own land)

They should make exceptions for millionaires who want to create mega-projects to own land and let only reclamied lands to be owned by foreigners.

so your point is somehow inspired with personal reasons.... hmmm... It is just sad that a lot of Filipinos dont even own land. Those "idle lands" that we are talking about should be allotted to those poor homeless "kababayans", with a reasonable price and period of payment. I think it is logical for every pinoys to have their own land first before giving away the extra to "foreigners". But if you are really eager to inherit your mother's property then why don't you apply for a dual-citizenship?

I don't even see why we idolize Marcos so much, even though we know that his 20 yrs of rule may be one of the worst nightmares of our fathers and mothers ever had. Yes, we have seen the physical aspects of their so-called "legacy" but the moral damage they inflicted to filipinos can't ever be reverted. If the end justify the means, I don't wanna see the end at all.

Take dual citizenship then, man.

And yes Manila Bay does go further than the mess of Metro Manila. There's even beaches in Manila Bay, believe it or not....:D

yeah.. if you really want to own a land here.. take dual citizenship..... land is a very precious thing to own in this overcrowded country... I wouldn't like to see foreigners and even ex-Filipinos who neglected their citizenship to take a percentage of what should have been owned by the Filipinos....

about the Yamashita treasure... it is merely a legend.... there are no hard proof that exists.... and I don't the Marcoses or any people has gotten it... maybe if Major Yamashita did bury something here.. it may not be that as big an amount.....

but then again... if there is that kind of treasure... I'd like to see it used to pay our international debts.. like the $365M which were granted by the Swiss government from the Marcos accounts.... I'd rather see the money be paid to the World Bank and IMF that to compensate the damage claimants....

Oh well my relatives on the paternal side living in New Jersey had a 5 bedroom house built in Tagaytay and will be vacationing in April 2005 for the house blessing. :) I'll definitely check this one out on my vacation next year. :) I bet you those people who were hired to build the house from the architect to the laborers were very appreciative that some "foreigner" decided to have a house built in the Philippines. :)

Jon

Well, about the Yamashita treasure thing....I dunno but there have been claims of landowners in some provinces who have dug up some gold (not that big amount) that dated back from Japanese times. My family also owns plantations in Panay and they also found some WWII hidden gold (not that big amount) under the ground. I dunno, maybe they're scattered all over the country? And those found of my family were even investigated and they really dated back in Japanese occupation times.

going back to topic...

Belle to sell Manila Bay property

By ROULEE JANE F. CALAYAG, Reporter
Belle Corp., a listed firm involved in hotel, recreation and other services, plans to sell its property in the Manila Bay reclamation area as it focuses on its core business.

In a statement to the exchange, Assistant Corporate Secretary Jason C. Nalupta said the company's board of directors authorized management "to explore possibilities for selling" the undeveloped property so it could also raise money to pay off some debts.

Mr. Nalupta said the decision was also in line with Belle's thrust, which was to focus on residential and leisure property development, tourism, and retirement and wellness center development.

No further details of the planned sale were disclosed.

Meanwhile, Belle said its additional paid-in capital of P3.27 billion as of Dec. 31, 2004 would be applied against its retained deficit of P5.40 billion. As a result, the deficit will be cut to P2.13 billion.

Mr. Nalupta said the adjustment would not affect the par value of Belle's common shares.

Belle is a developer of upmarket leisure properties and one of the private sector participants in the rapidly developing gaming industry. It was formerly Belle Mining and Oil Exploration, Inc. Together with AIA Capital Corp., a regional investment and advisory subsidiary of the American International Group (AIG), it formed in 1989 a joint-venture company called the Tagaytay Highlands Corporation, which developed a golf course and resort in Tagaytay City.

Five years later, the company changed its principal activity as it entered the gaming business by acquiring an initial 15% stake in Pacific Online Systems Corp.

In 1996, Belle also merged with its 21%-owned affiliate, Dominion Asian Equities, Inc. , also a partner in its gaming activities and selected property ventures. The merger resulted in the consolidation of the gaming and property development activities of Belle and Dominion.

So where exactly in the reclaimed area is it?

No idea...i'm just the messenger:D hehehe

http://www.philskies.net/library/RPLL/mnlreal39.jpg

I want to live in those skyscrapers located in AsiaWold city.

This picture is pretty old, so are there other skyscrapers other than the ones in Asia Wolrd?

I think there are a couple more planned, those by Burgundy, and Bay Gardens.... I think isn't there yet.

Check out the pre T3 days:D

Even if Bay Gardens is already there, it still won't be visible because it is located further at the right of the pic, at the next island (not visible in the pic) where SM-MOA is located.

^ MM is very green as shown in the above pic, contrary to what most people think :)

^ geez, the Food terminal complex is so huge!!! yet the compound has been idle for so long now :(

:)

http://img65.exs.cx/img65/6394/roxasblvd7li.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

Why did manila ban reclamation in their boundary? They say its to protect the view of the sunset, but it won't block the view it will just move the baywalk furthur towards the sunset.

They should clean up Manila bay and reclaim a portion of Manila bay in Manila and put up a park and white sand beach. That would be great.

Why did manila ban reclamation in their boundary? They say its to protect the view of the sunset, but it won't block the view it will just move the baywalk furthur towards the sunset.

They should clean up Manila bay and reclaim a portion of Manila bay in Manila and put up a park and white sand beach. That would be great.

US embassy is a reclaimed land. If they will continue to reclaime the portion of Manila from CCP complex to US embassy there will be no baywalk in roxas boulevard.

If you just notice from CCP complex there is Philippine Navy, then Open sea (baywalk), then US embassy, then Luneta, there is no room for reclamation. Roxas boulevard will look like Taft Avenue or Edsa if you reclaimed the remaining bodies of water beside it.

yeah... the Bay's view will move farther out to the see if that is done... plus Luneta and that stretch of Roxas Blvd is itself reclaimed also.....

also.. I don't think its possible to put up a white sand beach on that area since naturally Manila's sand is blackish just like some beaches in Cavite... plus that area at the Baywalk is very deep......

I like how Manila's Bay view as it is right now.... I feel sad for Condo's along Roxas Blvd in the Paranaque side like Bayview and Chataue de Baie... its because they no longer have a bay infront of them but the reclaimed land..... also reclaimng that part of Manila would probably in the future block the sea wind going to Luneta... :D

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And there ain't nothing broke with Manila's insistence on keeping it's coastlines the way it is.

:crazy2:

i agree with pau...the roxas blvd strip is beautiful and the buildings lined up is just perfect. i agree with manila banning reclaimation in their area.

yeah, leave it the way it is. Roxas blvd. has been known to be the premiere blvd right beside the bay. I don't want it to lose its bayfront.

What I like about Roxas Blvd are the coconut trees. It gives the city a tropical look. I've heard they planted even more trees just for the IPU meeting.

Jon

Developer Beats SM, Wins Bay City Project
Business World - 03/22/05

Businessman Mariano Nocom won the
right to develop a nine-ha. commercial park
at the Bay City in Roxas Boulevard, beating
the only other bidder, Henry Sy, Sr....

...Meanwhile, SM and PRA are looking
into a possible partnership to develop a
middle-income condominium within Bay
City. PRA will over its land as capital. As
part of the deal, SM will build PRA’s building.
The project is expected to be finished
in eight years.

---------------------------------------------

Any news or updates about the said condo in Bay City?
Could it be one of these towers?

http://www.geocities.com/aaron_ofngol/moa_aerial.jpg

Damn. That would look massive. Though with the massive amount of space in the reclaimed land, I don't see why they make good use of it, like in BGC.

At least they could make use of the bare land right now by hosting concerts and other events like what has been done in BGC Open Field holding concerts even for international artists. That way they generate income and the people also get to know the places in the reclaimed area.

wow. they should also make use of land by making a huge park, like an extension of Rizal Park/Luneta for people to go to (citizens, tourists) and a sports park with football fields complete with goals, basketball courts, badminton, tennis and a nice playground for the kiddies. And make use of the tropical plants the phils has and blend in old colonial philippine looks to it. Manila will really be happening now.

Here's some constuction photos from Yahoo news.

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20050321/i/r3355083431.jpg

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20050321/i/r1290218313.jpg

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20050321/i/r2350726891.jpg

Filipino construction workers are seen at the construction site of the Philippines' biggest shopping centre, called Mall of Asia, owned by SM Investments Corp. near Manila Bay March 21, 2005. Shares in SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) are expected to rise five to 10 percent when they debut on Tuesday following the Philippines' largest IPO, driven by strong demand and confidence in its prospects. REUTERS/Erik de Castro

Oh, thanks Skyblade, I saw those pictures when SSC was under maintenance. :)
And I totally forgot to post them when SSC went back.

There's five of them actually, heres the other two.

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20050321/i/r2181019615.jpg
Construction work goes on at the site of the Philippines' largest shopping centre, Mall of Asia, owned by SM Investments Corp (SMIC), near Manila Bay March 21, 2005. Shares in SMIC are expected to rise five to 10 percent when they debut on Tuesday following the Philippines' largest IPO, driven by strong foreign demand and confidence in its prospects. REUTERS/Erik de Castro

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20050321/i/r3766204854.jpg
Manila's skyline is seen at the construction site of the Philippines' largest shopping centre, Mall of Asia, owned by SM Investments Corp (SMIC), near Manila Bay March 21, 2005. Shares in SMIC are expected to rise five to 10 percent when they debut on Tuesday following the Philippines' largest IPO, driven by strong foreign demand and confidence in its prospects. REUTERS/Erik de Castro

--

Will there be a light-rail passing through the mall? If so, where exactly? It's looking good so far!
http://www.philskies.net/library/Jaime%20U./RP-C1513/IMG_1009_11.jpg

/\ That church looks out-of-place, or maybe because it's the only structure built there so far. :D

I didn't know there was two other pics in the series. Thanks for adding on, thomasian! :)

--

The church, The Shrine of Jesus, the way, the truth and the life (whew... haba ng pangalan.) is part of the masterplan for the mall or at least for the 60-ha. SM-CBP.

--

http://www.philskies.net/library/Jaime%20U./RP-C1513/IMG_1014_1.jpg

i wonder why they left a canal in between reclamation lands....hope metrobank also develop it's headquarters there same as SM

purpose of that canal could be for flood control. actually that canal looks romantic. aside from baywalk, ganda rin gawing promenade ang riverbanks or "canalbanks".

Tapos lagyan din nila ng mga gondola yung canal saka mga foot bridges na kamukha nung mga nandun sa venice.

Yeah, since its reclaimed land they need some kind of flood control.

Great u/c photos. Are those towers in the renderings, residential? One can clearly see that there is lots of space for them as seen from those aerials.

jst asking regading envoronmental issues dont u think that tha sm mall of asia and all these constructions in the reclaimed area have any effect on manila bay, like it will pollute manila bay more i mean jst imagine the tons of waste water that will go there once the mall becomes operational, im sure thats already been factored in when the plan the mall i.e. waste water treatment, garbage collection and control etc

of course, all reclamation project would destroy natural habitat of fishes and marine life as a whole. but since that area is considered highly-urbanized with commercial and industrial zoning, i believe its given environmental clearance, however, with some provisions... like proper waste disposal... well, depending on how the city officials and denr spell proper waste disposal and how obedient or compliant are the mall operators & other investors.

--

a lot of potential

Yeah, since its reclaimed land they need some kind of flood control.
.

They need flood control with someting by the sea?! Wow, lol, the trademark of the Phils is really bad drainage systems! Lol

They need flood control with someting by the sea?

maybe yes. not for the reclaimed area tho but siguro para sa likurang parte.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/sleepwalker_uno/dc/baycity2.jpg

of course, all reclamation project would destroy natural habitat of fishes and marine life as a whole. but since that area is considered highly-urbanized with commercial and industrial zoning, i believe its given environmental clearance, however, with some provisions... like proper waste disposal... well, depending on how the city officials and denr spell proper waste disposal and how obedient or compliant are the mall operators & other investors.

Yes, exactly. Thats why i'm opposed to larger reclamation projects as pinpointed by someone earlier.

@ lotrfan - Of course they need drainage systems for reclaimed land. That land is not natural, so the natural processes of infiltration to ground water wont occur like it would normally. The canals are very important. Venice (which is reclaimed) and Singapore's reclaimed land has canals, so its standard procedure.

guys how do you attach an edited photo in this forum

on posting pics, tyronne is good teacher.

anyway, heres the basic. u need an image-hosting site such as photobucket.com, upload a pic there. then, u copy the img below the pic and paste it on ur post.

@greyx: yeah, tama pala. every piece of land need proper drainage system... even reclaimed areas.

ako sa geocities ko ina-upload pics ko. tapos copy the link here ;)

this could be the most beautiful sm mall ever i envision there will be lots of trees, they could probably build a park and of course theres already a church, so i beleive sm is making the mall something like more of a shopping, dining and entertianment experience

guys how do you attach an edited photo in this forum
you can check "Paano Magpost Ng Pix?" Thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=200800) for simple instructions in posting photos.

sleepie, prinomote mo pa ako ha hehe :D

thanks.

nice construction pictures... I didn't see them til now. haha...

I hope SM will, for once, make the MOA something truly innovative - apart from size - like Ayala did with Greenbelt a couple years ago! and yeah... it would also be nice to develop the baywalk behind it, but I believe that is the one they lost the bidding for. I guess SM has something good planned for it, which is why they are trying to strike a deal with the winning bidders...

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y132/ronnaveth/IMG_1014_1.jpg
too bad a squatter colony has already encroched the opposite lot of S&R

what, that whole big structure has squatters in it?:?:D

anyways i'm sure they can be easily relocated...maybe in the reclaimed land itself.

theyre lucky to be relocated in that area

relocating them could bring about both political and religious challenges... they already built a mosque down there...

Paalisin sila!

Paalisin sila!
that won't that easy....remember it's not just an ordinary squatters colony....it's a muslim squatters colony....meaning they'll say it's religious discrimination if we demolish their mosque

but i guess it could be done since they're standing in the part owned by metrobank...cause a bank would be very determine in getting the value of their assets

How about if the bank sells it to them? :?

Di na kailangan paalisin kasi nasunog na mga bahay nila..ang dapat lang ay mabantayan ang lugar at ng di na sila makabalik...irelocate na lang sila..

Bad News but this is the answer to all your question about the squatters colony in Bay city

Fire gutted 200 houses at a reclamation area in front of Baclaran Redemptorist Church in Parañaque City early Tuesday.

Firefighters said they are verifying reports that a toppled candle sparked the fire at the house of a certain Tessie Berto at 5 a.m.

Authorities said about 2,000 families lost their homes in the fire, which was put out at 5:30 a.m.

Damage was estimated at P4 million.

I saw that yesterday too... is that the squatter colony circled in the picture in the last page?

I saw that yesterday too... is that the squatter colony circled in the picture in the last page?

yes thats them...

How about their mosque? That was damaged too?

Yeah I hope they get properly resettled. Thing is, the government only really acts when they want to use that lands e.g. Northrail. It's like a kid with a bib, waiting for his mum to open his mouth for him and feed him....:D

How about their mosque? That was damaged too?

Yeah I hope they get properly resettled. Thing is, the government only really acts when they want to use that lands e.g. Northrail. It's like a kid with a bib, waiting for his mum to open his mouth for him and feed him....:D

haha!!

umm, I think the mosque was damaged too... I'm not entirely sure though. I know heard something about the mosque on the report on TV Patrol...

I also think the mosque was damaged, but I saw on TV the top part with the crescent moon on it so probably only some parts were damaged because the dome with the moon still stands.

I really have nothing against the muslims because they're good people anyway, it's just that some of them chose to be terrorists. I'm really saddened by the fire that razed their community but I also want them out of that area not because they're muslims but because they are squatters. I hope they get properly resettled.

How about if the bank sells it to them? :?
malabo to kasi....mahal siguro ginastos nila sa reclamation

I also think the mosque was damaged, but I saw on TV the top part with the crescent moon on it so probably only some parts were damaged because the dome with the moon still stands.

I really have nothing against the muslims because they're good people anyway, it's just that some of them chose to be terrorists. I'm really saddened by the fire that razed their community but I also want them out of that area not because they're muslims but because they are squatters. I hope they get properly resettled.


That's well said. There's a difference between being a community and a squatter.

That's well said. There's a difference between being a community and a squatter.

just a note:

the use of the word "sqatters" is not allowed on governement documents and such. kase daw ang the word squatters is so demeaning that it actually means an unwelcomed, oucasted individual residing illegaly. ang panget naman daw pag filipino squatter sa sariling bayan... so the term "informal settlers"

demolishing informal settlers is not an easy job. they are protected by the "lina law" passed in 1992, it stated na hindi puwedeng mag demolish ng structure ng informal settlers until may siguradong malilipatang lugar. so until the time the government produces a relocation site para sa kanila... di sila puwedeng paalisin. (ano ba yan! sobrang pasanin sa budget naten..)

so it seems like they are there to stay... don't worry... may shanty area din namang malapit sa makati at ortigas... nakikiuso lang ung reclamation area :)

but isnt it that squatting on a land not theirs is illegal or tolerated

well yes it is illegal but kicking them out with force only makes things worse.

that reclamation area is not a charitable project and squatting is illegal. i suppose they are "professional" squatters... making squatting as their profession. here it goes... babayaran sila or they will be relocated. after a couple of weeks, ibebenta ang rights ng relocation nila... then squat na naman... a vicious cycle.

that reclamation area is not a charitable project and squatting is illegal. i suppose they are "professional" squatters... making squatting as their profession. here it goes... babayaran sila or they will be relocated. after a couple of weeks, ibebenta ang rights ng relocation nila... then squat na naman... a vicious cycle.

Thats their profession wala tayong magagawa dyan...Mas malaki kasi ang boto na nakukuha pag eleksyon sa mga squatter kaya inaalagaan sila ng mga mayors :D

i beleive urban poor are protected by our laws in their particualar case ileal suatters against eviction without relocation, politicians realized how big their clout is during elections

Thats their profession wala tayong magagawa dyan...Mas malaki kasi ang boto na nakukuha pag eleksyon sa mga squatter kaya inaalagaan sila ng mga mayors :D

Meron tayong magagawa...actualy marami... per your Phil Democracy thread...

i beleive urban poor are protected by our laws in their particualar case ileal suatters against eviction without relocation, politicians realized how big their clout is during elections

that is why mas napalala ang sitwasyon. its like "oh, lets squat... a new relocation site await us", then on a huge billboard: "this project is though the initiative of congressman or mayor ". our politicians never realized the effects of giving fish to its constituents.

that won't that easy....remember it's not just an ordinary squatters colony....it's a muslim squatters colony....meaning they'll say it's religious discrimination if we demolish their mosque

i guess that mosque is part of their strategy...

but i guess it could be done since they're standing in the part owned by metrobank...cause a bank would be very determine in getting the value of their assets

another non-performing asset by metrobank? was it acquired through dacion en pago or foreclosure?

i guess that mosque is part of their strategy...

another non-performing asset by metrobank? was it acquired through dacion en pago or foreclosure?
ganun naman palagi ang move ng mga muslim groups....i remember in one telecast bout the faith of christianity after the pope's death by CNN, they mentioned: when a muslim community goes to a christian country, they demand to have equal rights...equal status....say they want a mosque establish in the capital of a european country; but when a chrsitain community goes to a muslim country, they ban it...like in saudi arabia...you could be imprisoned just by having a bible......i believe it's their overall strategy to take over the world.....

.i believe it's their overall strategy to take over the world.....

Thats really ignorant...

There ARE Churches in SA, UAE, Iran, etc....

But in backwards uber-conservative countries that our country somehow came to be, some people belive Muslims are trying to "take over the world".(Christian propaganda?) Actually I think Catholics are trying to take over the world... in the bible it says were supposed to throw our religion down people's throughts.

Sorry for the little outburst here.

... i prayed for world peace... actually, Christians or Muslims have equal rights on constructing whatever they wish provided it is within their legal property.

so, what about SM?

Thats really ignorant...

There ARE Churches in SA, UAE, Iran, etc....

But in backwards uber-conservative countries that our country somehow came to be, some people belive Muslims are trying to "take over the world".(Christian propaganda?) Actually I think Catholics are trying to take over the world... in the bible it says were supposed to throw our religion down people's throughts.

Sorry for the little outburst here.
ok...so there's churches there....big deal.....you know what i'm pointing....it's that there's an inequality of standards by a muslim country when a christian sect tries to establish at thier country than when a mosque is being built in a christian country......that's just my point.....with that inequality....it's ineviatble that islam would gain an advantage.....that's all....all i'm pointing out is that there's inequality

Thats really ignorant...

There ARE Churches in SA, UAE, Iran, etc....

Have u been to Saudi? I have, and I was subjected to physical check all the way to openning my bags and luggage for them to find the typical things Christians have, bible, rosary, etc. I didnt bring those coz I was already forewarned. But Some of the pinoys who were there with me, all their things that relate to Christian faith were sequestered. Yes there are churches in Saudi...BUT (big but) they are underground coz if u practice ur faith there other than Islam. Kalaboso ka. And mind u pinoys who practice Faith there are not Catholics...Mostly are of Christian (Non-Catholic) denomination. Roman Catholicism faith is based on 'convenience' not in 'Faith'. So most RC's like I was once are afraid to practice their faith there.

So it's true that they have a biased look at the practice of faith specially in Saudi. Other Mid-east countries are ok. In Christian Countries they are welcome to come and build their Mosque...and most Christians didnt until they started bombing the world in the name of their Quran....hmmm....Have u heard of Christian Spreading Terror in the name of 'Jesus'....

Anyway we are discussin Mall of Asia here...Y dont they build a mosque in the mall of asia grounds...rather that just RC chhurch...They can also build a Taoist Temple, Bhuddist temple, Anyway its 'Mall of Asia' isnt asia comprised of different religions....

GO BACK TO THE TOPIC - SM MALL OF ASIA

or i will close the thread...

Will SM MOA have a theme park, like Berjaya Times Square?

GO BACK TO THE TOPIC - SM MALL OF ASIA

or i will close the thread...

Will SM MOA have a theme park, like Berjaya Times Square?
ok ok....relax k lang

yeah berjaya times square in kuala lumpur i think they have the biggest indoor roller coaster there???, i beleive its also in the planning of smoa

Well, MoA also has a planned Coliseum supposedly bigger, better and more modern than the current one in Araneta Center. Other proposals like a theme park is also possible since the SM CBP is 60 ha. big so there's a lot of space for all of those.

my brother who goes to the SM head offices said that they are planning to finish the Mall of Asia by the end of the year.. to rake in ther money from the christmas season i guess.. kaya 24 hours na raw ang shifts on the construction site

Cool, another indoor stadium eh? I don't know who will use it though, there's quite a lot going around in MM. Isn't there one nearby in Pasay or near Rizal Memorial?

Looks like SM is set to build a city for itself:D

a self contained with shopping l, entertainment, sports??? amusement???, leisurely parks, church, we got it all for you

Was it here that someone was saying they're putting an IMAX in Mall of Asia? Any confirmation if this is correct that would be real neat for the city.

a self contained with shopping l, entertainment, sports??? amusement???, leisurely parks, church, we got it all for you

Retailers like to entrap the unassuming consumer by providing everything in a "one-stop" place to rake in the profits. Disney World here in Orlando is like that. :)

Was it here that someone was saying they're putting an IMAX in Mall of Asia? Any confirmation if this is correct that would be real neat for the city.

At first, we heard it would be in Gateway Mall. But obviously, they didnt install one. Then, we heard it would be in SM-Mall of Asia. I havent heard if it is confirmed or not.

Glad to hear that SM is speeding up the project:)

very recent photo from boardwalk. just a bit hazy

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/bay%20area/IMG_0567c.jpg

looks almost complete from the outside. really huge

Grabe, ang laki na talaga!

wow, thats huge, is that the parking lot?

Looks like it, but it'd be ridiculous if the whole thing was parking only. Perhaps the upper floors are parking (the levels with the strip lines) and the lower levels the proper mall. And there's more to come :eek: :master:

holy freaking crap...!! Mall of Asia is huge!! that is just absolutely jaw-dropping...! haha!! the long side on that angle is the back side, right? wow... and it's going amazingly fast too!

SM should really put up a cool new mini-city there with the hotels and convention centers and stuff.

btw, thanks for posting, dudz!

can't wait to see SM Mall of Asia once it starts operating .... thanks for the pix!

x mas shopping will be awhole lot of fun this year

x mas shopping will be awhole lot of fun this year

ahahahaha!!! lucky for you guys in the Philippines! the main mall here is probably barely even the size of one MOA parking level...!

and where is that

and where is that

oh... haha! in Richmond... it's like another city right beside Vancouver in BC in Canada. mini-HK/Asia, if you will... haha!

All they have in Richmond are strip malls that are only 1-2 stories high. Asian malls are much better than North American ones, imo:)

Lance, you live in Richmond? I might live there in a year's time. First, we will get a house in Vancouver before buying a house either in Richmond, Coquitlam or Burnaby. sorry for going off-topic, maybe absent can reply thru pm:D

Looks like it, but it'd be ridiculous if the whole thing was parking only. Perhaps the upper floors are parking (the levels with the strip lines) and the lower levels the proper mall. And there's more to come :eek: :master:

The side buildings will have 4 levels of parking, three levels plus the rooftop level.

The two lower floors will be for the mall. It could even be three stories if there's an underground level.

The Mall of Asia was featured in a TM (Touch Mobile) advertisement.
I don't know if was recent or was it the mall of asia? Please confirm :)

All they have in Richmond are strip malls that are only 1-2 stories high. Asian malls are much better than North American ones, imo:)

Lance, you live in Richmond? I might live there in a year's time. First, we will get a house in Vancouver before buying a house either in Richmond, Coquitlam or Burnaby. sorry for going off-topic, maybe absent can reply thru pm:D


I agree. Well not counting the world famous West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta here in Canada, it is true, Asian malls like the Philippines malls are just much better than the ones in both Canada and USA. Much more character, better goods and a joy to be in.

The Mall of Asia was featured in a TM (Touch Mobile) advertisement.
I don't know if was recent or was it the mall of asia? Please confirm :)

The "piso" commercial of TM is indeed the MoA.
And it shows a lot, and I mean a lot of construction workers.

BTW, passed by roxas blvd yesterday and I noticed that the MoA area is full of lights so construction could indeed be 24 hrs.

When is ther MoA scheduled to open?

December '05

so fast

oh ... ty po

December '05

seriously? wow, that is very fast. If only govt projects were as productive as SM projects:lol:

I guess that's why they're also working even at night.
The MoA site is so lighted at night.

Time is money , specially if you're over 80 , you want to see this last megastructure of yours built!

theyre working round the clock, so its pretty fast indeed, jst remind me guys of an article today in one newspaper of how they are fast building the burg in dubai, soon to be the tallest structure on earth (but they still keep secret the exact ht), they building the it at the rate of one floor per week its humored to be 190 floors

Time is money

Something some government officials either dont understand or understand too well:lol:

theyre working round the clock, so its pretty fast indeed, jst remind me guys of an article today in one newspaper of how they are fast building the burg in dubai, soon to be the tallest structure on earth (but they still keep secret the exact ht), they building the it at the rate of one floor per week its humored to be 190 floors

Wow thats amazing Sky, that will for sure beat Taipie 101. In regards to MoA any independent retail tenants that will kind of stand out, than the usual garden variety of retail chains?

Yeah, and will MoA have big upscale signiture brands like Gucci, Prada, LV, YSL, etc?

Why did they scale it down to 360, 907 square meters? That would not be a very big difference from SM Megamall then! Tama ba itong sinasabi ng website or will it be abut 500,ooo sqm?

^That means it is considerably smaller than West Edmonton Mall which is 493, 000 square meters. Too bad:(

that was the original plan at 500T sq m but scaled it down to around 360T sq m but who knows they might jst decide to expand in the future and make it a whopping half a million sq meters originally or even more

actually it is only 30,000sqm bigger than megamall. A bit disapointing....I guess it still looks massive coz its spread thru...rather than vertical development. It was actually meant to be a few more floors Higher right?...they scraped off the upper floors...so they ended up with 360k sqm...sigh... :runaway:

Yeah, and will MoA have big upscale signiture brands like Gucci, Prada, LV, YSL, etc?

Haha. That's a maybe: With this picture. Lol :D

http://www.smprime.com.ph/uploads/images/mall%20of%20asia.jpg

Yeah, and will MoA have big upscale signiture brands like Gucci, Prada, LV, YSL, etc?
Lol, well I am looking more original Filipino retail store like perhaps a store name Bakya Ni Neneng that will compete with Prada Shoes. You know hehehe, or Cafe Barako to compete with Starbucks, just a thought.

Lol, well I am looking more original Filipino retail store like perhaps a store name Bakya Ni Neneng that will compete with Prada Shoes. You know hehehe, or Cafe Barako to compete with Starbucks, just a thought.

I agree. I guess its time to have some sense of pride among us Filipinos like SM did as well as brands like Bench, Penshoppe, Figaro... I really hope someday more Pinoy companies will conquer global market.

I agree. I guess its time to have some sense of pride among us Filipinos like SM did as well as brands like Bench, Penshoppe, Figaro... I really hope someday more Pinoy companies will conquer global market.
Right now, I think San Miguel is the biggest Pinoy brand abroad. Like you, I can't wait to see more. ;)

I was around Manila today and I just had to see MOA. :) With my trustee digicam, I took some pictures of the area around the mall. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/cdude/moa_1.jpg
This one is just farther away from the right side of the mall. I just knew today that it was the mall was around a 'rotonda'.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/cdude/moa_2.jpg
This one is even farther.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/cdude/moa_3.jpg
These are the SM offices.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/cdude/moa_4.jpg
This is the left side of the mall.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/cdude/moa_5.jpg
The details of the mall.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/cdude/moa_6.jpg
The right side of the mall.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/cdude/moa_7.jpg
Picture of the mall in the middle.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/cdude/moa_8.jpg
Around the middle once again.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/cdude/moa_9.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/cdude/moa_10.jpg

These last pictures are on the left side (9) and right side (10).

Hope you enjoyed =D

WoW now its really taking shape....Nice effort there kapatid....
I just thought I could help out in increasing the brightness abit so we can see more details of the construction....

So here it goes....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/Mall%20of%20Asia/moa_10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/Mall%20of%20Asia/moa_9.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/Mall%20of%20Asia/moa_8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/Mall%20of%20Asia/moa_7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/Mall%20of%20Asia/moa_6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/Mall%20of%20Asia/moa_5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/Mall%20of%20Asia/moa_4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/Mall%20of%20Asia/moa_3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/Mall%20of%20Asia/moa_2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/Mall%20of%20Asia/moa_1.jpg

hope it helped.....(Complements again to Kiel)
Thanks for the Pics man.... :okay: :okay: :okay: :bow: :bow: :bow:

Cool! Indeed, the mall is taking shape. Thanks for taking them, Kiel and thanks for making them brighter, olineil

Right now, I think San Miguel is the biggest Pinoy brand abroad. Like you, I can't wait to see more. ;)

There are actually quite a number of Filipino brands abroad -- particularly in China and Southeast Asia

1. Jack N Jill Potato Chips, Cream-O's and other Universal Robina snack foods can be found all over Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and China. They are going into Indonesia soon.

2. Leslie Snacks, the makers of Clover Chips, etc. can also be found everywhere around the region.

3. Unilab Pharmaceuticals is the largest pharma company in Southeast Asia -- and you can see its familiar home-grown brands such as Ceelin, Solmux in drugstores all around the region.

4. Oishi is the largest snack food in China, outpacing even US brands such as Dorito's and Pringles in the world's largest market.

5. Jollibee has branches worldwide -- but these mainly cater to Filipino expats and OFWs.

Other Filipino companies going global are: Zuellig Pharma, ICTSI, Penshoppe, Bench, Splash (papaya soaps and skin-whitening creams are booming industries)

There's San Miguel beer in Spain. Though I'm not sure if it's a coincidence, or if it's Cojuangco beer. Speaking of him he just bought National Foods here in Australia.

smc bought national foods not danding

4. Oishi is the largest snack food in China, outpacing even US brands such as Dorito's and Pringles in the world's largest market.
I hope they export this Oishi to Japan. That would be funny considering Oishi is a Japanese word meaning delicious. :)

There's San Miguel beer in Spain. Though I'm not sure if it's a coincidence, or if it's Cojuangco beer. Speaking of him he just bought National Foods here in Australia.


Yes, Philippines' own San Miguel beer is found in Spain, because the beer company was started during the time of the Spanish rule (they put it together), and it should be there because of the big part of history. San Miguel beer is now officially international because I've already heard confirmation that it's in the lines of beers being offered in different countries and continents. It's the quailty of the product and the history that has brought it forward. You could buy it here in Canada.
And there are many Filipino brands out there especially in foreign lands where there is diversity, immigration and filipino populations. It's always like that towards any ethnic group. There are international sections in the main grocery stores now as well as the popular ethnic grocery stores.

Yes, Philippines' own San Miguel beer is found in Spain, because the beer company was started during the time of the Spanish rule (they put it together), and it should be there because of the big part of history. San Miguel beer is now officially international because I've already heard confirmation that it's in the lines of beers being offered in different countries and continents. It's the quailty of the product and the history that has brought it forward. You could buy it here in Canada.
And there are many Filipino brands out there especially in foreign lands where there is diversity, immigration and filipino populations. It's always like that towards any ethnic group. There are international sections in the main grocery stores now as well as the popular ethnic grocery stores.

The Spanish version of San Miguel beer is not owned by the Philippine-based San Miguel Corporation. Yes, it is true that San Miguel started brewing its beer in the Philippines in 1890 during the Spanish period. It is named after the district in Manila where the original brewery was located.

However, the Spanish version of San Miguel was set up only in the 1950s by the Soriano family that owned the San Miguel Corporation at that time. However, during the Marcos period, when the ownership of San Miguel was being usurped by Danding Cojuanco, the Sorianos decided to spin off San Miguel Spain as a separate entity.

At present, the two companies are distinct. (Hence, the beers don't taste the same.) However, they still do have a contractual agreement on the ownership of the brand worldwide. San Miguel Philippines owns the rights to the brand in Asia and the Americas, while San Miguel Espana owns it in Europe.

In essence, you could still say that San Miguel is indeed a Filipino brand. Even if San Miguel Spain is a Spanish company (it is now owned by another brewer called Grupo Mahou), its roots are undoubtedly Filipino -- something it proudly admits to in its website -- http://www.mahou-sanmiguel.com/

I am unsure why the San Miguel Corporation has not taken steps in purchasing San Miguel Espana, particularly now that they are in a buying binge Asia-wide. It makes so much more sense for a brewing company like SMC to buy this highly popular beer brand than to buy dairy farms in Australia.

i believe smc's strategy is more focus on the asia pacific market and they want to be the leading food and beverage company in asia and they have laready allocated and utilized a large aprt of their capital outays to expand and invest on to neigbouring countires (indonesia, china, vietnam, malaysia, australia, thailand etc. ) they want to become one of the largest in asia

The Spanish version of San Miguel beer is not owned by the Philippine-based San Miguel Corporation. Yes, it is true that San Miguel started brewing its beer in the Philippines in 1890 during the Spanish period. It is named after the district in Manila where the original brewery was located.

However, the Spanish version of San Miguel was set up only in the 1950s by the Soriano family that owned the San Miguel Corporation at that time. However, during the Marcos period, when the ownership of San Miguel was being usurped by Danding Cojuanco, the Sorianos decided to spin off San Miguel Spain as a separate entity.

At present, the two companies are distinct. (Hence, the beers don't taste the same.) However, they still do have a contractual agreement on the ownership of the brand worldwide. San Miguel Philippines owns the rights to the brand in Asia and the Americas, while San Miguel Espana owns it in Europe.

In essence, you could still say that San Miguel is indeed a Filipino brand. Even if San Miguel Spain is a Spanish company (it is now owned by another brewer called Grupo Mahou), its roots are undoubtedly Filipino -- something it proudly admits to in its website -- http://www.mahou-sanmiguel.com/

I am unsure why the San Miguel Corporation has not taken steps in purchasing San Miguel Espana, particularly now that they are in a buying binge Asia-wide. It makes so much more sense for a brewing company like SMC to buy this highly popular beer brand than to buy dairy farms in Australia.

So in other words, there is.

Ok, going back to the topic.

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5.15.05
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http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0017xx.jpg

Left building
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0020xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0019xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0018xx.jpg

Count the cranes...
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0015xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0010xx.jpg

:eek: 11 cranes...Awesome, its quite rare you see u/cs with that many cranes.

Its width is massive...but the length of the mall doesnt seem that great.

You'll notice that the exterior is being finished not by paint but with those cladding thingies.

Yeah, yeah...imo cladding is better than paint.:)

Shrine of Jesus, The Way, The Truth and The Life
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0022x.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0023x.jpg

I had those pictures of MoA because we attended the afternoon mass there. Having been built by SM, the church is supposedly a part of MoA so I think it's okay to post it in the MoA thread.

:eek: 11 cranes...Awesome, its quite rare you see u/cs with that many cranes.

Its width is massive...but the length of the mall doesnt seem that great.

MoA is longer than you think because it extends even way beyond the back of the boxy side wings (the left and right buildings) up to the coastline, although the extended part is just two stories high so it's not visible in the pics.

thomasian
tahnks for the updates, looks a lot better than the rendering posted here. i heard that arquitectonica is doing the design for this mall, it it's their design it will be very cool.

i noticed the street lights by the mall of asia, it's the typical street light, i hope they would change those to niser looking ones like BGC or bay city....

wow aaron! im impressed with your hardworking attitude. keep it up. keep them coming.

Wow, MoA is really coming alone now. Nice pictures!

I took some pictures while flying over it, but unfortunatley the haze obscured most of the view.

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05.15.05
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Blue Wave:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0014xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0013xx.jpg

The new Manila Doctors College:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0012xx.jpg

Golden Bay Condominiums:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0016xx.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0026xx.jpg

Bay Gardens:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0011xx.jpg

Wow...nice pictures! Blue Wave's mediterranean architecture is quite pleasing. I also like Manila Doctor's red brick design:) Also, thanks for including the Honda NSX in your first Blue Wave picture...can i repost that in a car forum?

Bay Gardens is impressive...short but its simple design and nice paint scheme combined with green windows is elegant.

Wow...nice pictures! Blue Wave's mediterranean architecture is quite pleasing. I also like Manila Doctor's red brick design:)

Also, thanks for including the Honda NSX in your first Blue Wave picture...can i repost that in a car forum?


Sure, no prob. :okay:

Wow...nice pictures! Blue Wave's mediterranean architecture is quite pleasing.
I like the way the Philippines is getting more and more strip/small malls like this Blue Wave place. These malls are more cozy and are generally more pleasant for me.

I hope they build more. :)

Isn't the construction of "outdoor malls" the trend these days? :dunno:

thanks for the photos thomasian
bay graden looks really nice!

outdoor malls? there's quite a few mushrooming all over MM. would you consider A-Venue an outdoor mall? what about that one in Ortigas? near MC home depot? is that an outdoor mall too?

thanks for the photos...Aaron. been wordering what was that u/c you could clearly see from the domestic airport. now i figured its golden bay condo.

i hear Metrobank will also build a low rise office there. right beside Bay Gardens which is also a metrobank property.

outdoor malls are nice and all, but even greenbelt is not a nice place to be when the rain starts to pour :D

thanks for the photos thomasian
bay graden looks really nice!

Bay Gardens is impressive...short but its simple design and nice paint scheme combined with green windows is elegant.

Yeah the overall design looks so classy albeit a little short in height.
Oh, and don't forget that another condo will be rising beside it, on the fenced lot with a crane.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0011xx.jpg

Oh my God, did I say with fences and a crane? :D
Could it be u/c, anyone confirm?

Bay Condo Renderings courtesy of Edmund :)
http://edmundtanso.smugmug.com/photos/10569304-L.jpg
http://edmundtanso.smugmug.com/photos/10569305-L.jpg
http://edmundtanso.smugmug.com/photos/10569307-L.jpg

wow!! very cool pix there aaron. :)

wow!! very cool pix there aaron. :)

Thanks a lot. :)

outdoor malls? there's quite a few mushrooming all over MM. would you consider A-Venue an outdoor mall? what about that one in Ortigas? near MC home depot? is that an outdoor mall too?

i hear Metrobank will also build a low rise office there. right beside Bay Gardens which is also a metrobank property.

I'm not sure about the A.Venue's Boardwalk mall, but I think Metrowalk (Ortigas, near MC Home Depot) could be considered an outdoor mall although almost all of it's tenants are bars and restos.

About the Metrobank offices, I guess it will be built on the other side of Bay Gardens (not visible in the pic) because another condo will supposedly be built on that side of Bay Gardens.

bay condo looks like essensa. really nice!

Amazing how a small change from a flat roof to a wavy roof makes a lot of difference. More buildings should have wavy roofs:D

Federal Land makes really good condominiums.
Just look at Oriental Gardens, Valencia Hills, Bay Gardens etc.

woah...! Bay Condo really does look pretty awesome!! haha! sweet!! I love the curved roof and the color scheme... I hope it turns out as good as the renderings... it's also by FederalLand?

btw, are all these condos built on reclaimed land? is there like a height limit that the reclaimed land can support? cause all the new buildings seem to be pretty short. hehe... I was just wondering, cause here (Richmond, near Vancouver) high rise buildings can only be built aroud 20+ storeys cuz they say the island is sinking and can't support anything taller... i was wondering if there is such a thing with reclaimed land.

w-o-w..... the MOA is huge! thanks for going out to get those shots, aaron! so up close too! really shows you how big the thing is! nice work!!

the MOA kinda looks like a big ship from one of those pictures from the left side. haha! can't wait to see it colored and finished up... surely will be impressive! nice to see it's gonna be finished with the cladding stuff.

I checked out Arquitectonica - the one edmund mentioned - and they're the ones that did Pacific Plaza in BGC and SM's The Podium. this should be pretty high end then!! they didn't have MOA on their project list yet though...

It's also by Federal Land. :)

Thanks, everyone. It does kinda look like a ship with all the curves superimposed on the box.

My cousin once asked me "kuya ano yan, airport?"

when will mall of asia be completed. according to sm it will be finish by december and its 454,000 square metres of retails space. is it on track to be finish by december and open.

I checked out Arquitectonica - the one edmund mentioned - and they're the ones that did Pacific Plaza in BGC and SM's The Podium. this should be pretty high end then!! they didn't have MOA on their project list yet though...

i beleive another local architect did the design before then later on SM realized that it lust looks ugly so they had arquitectonica re do design, mostly the facade and interior. sam thing with andrea north in new manila (idle building for a while) arquitectonica redesign the facade also.

Yeah, that Skyline Tower of Andrea North Condominiums had been redesigned by them.
I also tried visiting their website but Skyline Tower is not there, just like SM MoA.

MoA - 05.22.05

There's a lot of cladding progress and height progress (the center part) as compared to last week's update.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0879xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0880xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0881xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0882xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0883xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0884xx.jpg

There's still more and better MoA pics, this time the seafront view. I'll post later. ;)

:applause: Neat update. I'd like to see SM landscape the surrounding area similar to Market Market.

MoA - 05.23.05

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0899xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0900xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0901xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0906xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0916xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0935xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0936xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0946xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0947xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0949xx.jpg

This one's not exactly MoA, but it shows the MoA construction workers mostly standing on the seawall.
The construction workers even have a full sized basketball court near their quarters.
What else could their ameninities be? Parang gusto ko ring mag-apply. :D

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0938xx.jpg

Wow! I'm so impressed with the pictures. Nice one Thomasian!

The back of MoA looks really nice. Nothing like I was expecting! I can just imagine that place during new years when MoA opens, teaming with people. I wonder if SM will hold a major new year/opening celebration?

:master: Superb, construction updates aaron!:) That area doesnt look like the Philippines hehehe.

The seafront is very spacious, but it would have been better if they planted more palm or coconut trees. That area will surely become packed once MOA is completed. It also offers great views of the Manila bay skyline.

wow....lots of people in the boardwalk, the boardwalk looks nice, saw a dead palm tree though, hope they would replant another one.

im going to philippines in december will mall of asia be finish so i can shop there

Great pic Thomasian. Can't wait for it to be done this year. The board walk is spacious and nice city skyline. Once again your the man Thomasian!

Another great set of Thomasian photos. Thank you again for sharing these and taking your personal time to go out there to show us how everything is doing and the beauty we are longing for. Thank you.

New pics.

---------
05.22.05
---------

Manila Bay Sunset as seen from the PRA Esplanade:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0944xx.jpg

PRA Esplanade with Binondo Skyline in the background, taken from the center island of Seaside blvd:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0905xx.jpg

That road is being used for legal drag racing events.

------------------------------------

Golden Bay Condominiums:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0937xx.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0937xxx.jpg

thanks for sharing them ^^

wat shops will be at sm mall of asia?when its official opening?

It's nice to see the tradition of watching the sun sets below the horizon is still gathering crowds by Manila Bay. :okay:

Here's my humble MoA pic, taken from the Blue Wave parking lot. It's no comparison to Thomasians', but I hope you guys appreciate it anyway. :)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid170/pca50ea4b18a0453f557d8d0cec77581c/f3ff364b.jpg

it seems so peaceful there... :)

Wow!

The PRA Esplanade looks like a new emerging spot where families can go and enjoy a nice, quiet weekend by the glorious Manila Bay.

awhh... beautiful! :)



http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/SSC/cebu-sample02.jpg

is sm moa the biggest shopping centre in asia

rusty... is the cebu banner part of your signature?.... that looks nice!.... it would fit to be a banner here in SSC... :D

thewreckoning88, SM MoA will be one of the biggest shopping centres in Asia. I don't know if it will be open by December. International and local retail outlets will be at SM MoA.

My compliments to thomasian for the great pics!

sweet!! so many updates! thanks a whole lot to thomasian and jude...!! galing! thank you!

the baywalk thing there is pretty impressive indeed! I remember we saw pics of that place a couple months ago. it looked quite different back then. I didn't notice the nice lights before. the size of this baywalk sorta reminds me of HK or China. I wonder how SM is doing negotiating with the winning bidders who bought this out. it really is a nice venue and would be a great outdoor addition to the huge MOA building...

oh yeah, wla pa ata ung MOA nun... when we saw those pics back then. they really are putting it up unbelievably fast!

@thewreckoning88 - I believe the Mall of Asia should be the largest in Asia and at least in the top 10 around the world. I think the original plans were to make it the largest worldwide, and if things go well, they could very well push through with the rest of it in the near future...

Wow I think this is my biggest thread!

Here's my humble MoA pic, taken from the Blue Wave parking lot. It's no comparison to Thomasians', but I hope you guys appreciate it anyway. :)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid170/pca50ea4b18a0453f557d8d0cec77581c/f3ff364b.jpg

Don't worry, you have awesome Manila shots in the other thread anyway. :)
I love how Makati skyline is seen behind the Manila skyline in your pics there.

Wow I think this is my biggest thread!

Congrats then!!! :drunk:

its taking shape jst like n the rendering

Another installment of my Bay City pics:

---------
05.22.05
---------

On the PRA Esplanade, Manila and Binondo Skyline on the background:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0920xx.jpg

On the PRA Esplanade, Manila and Binondo Skyline on the background, SM MoA u/c on the right:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0908xx.jpg

Center island of Seaside blvd, Manila and Binondo Skyline on the background, SM MoA u/c on the right:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0904xx.jpg

Makati Skyline seen from Bay City:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0895xx.jpg

Close-up
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0895xxx.jpg

Mactan Tower (and twin) of Bay Gardens u/c beside the other three Bay Gardens Tower:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0877xx.jpg

there's the SM corporate offices at the second to the last pictures

very nice aaron:okay: it's like being there...that part of the bay city...haven't been there so thank you. punta rin ako dyan minsan :D ...ganda!!!

have to add this...in your photos parang ang lapit lang ng south harbor at binondo when they are actually miles away...nice camera work :okay:

beautiful pictures and hopefully the making of a true, consistent, clean and safe hangout site

i cant wait to go to sm moa when i get there hopefully it open before i leave in last week of january.

i cant wait to go to sm moa when i get there hopefully it open before i leave in last week of january.

I'm planning to stay in PI until the end of December, hopefully it's open by then. I'll take lots of pics.

weeds are growing on the pavers already =(

Damn, that esplanade is massive. If you only had people doing something there, or have people at all:D Perhaps a rollerskating rink, I remember only seeing one in the Phils and that was in Baguio... I'd love to go biking there.

Well, I fly my kite there. So there's still some activity.

I really want to go biking there, but there's no way I can take my bike there, in won't fit in the car.

Anyone care to lend me a pickup truck? :jk: just kidding, but jokes are half meant you know :D

Well, I fly my kite there. So there's still some activity.

I really want to go biking there, but there's no way I can take my bike there, in won't fit in the car.

Anyone care to lend me a pickup truck? :jk: just kidding, but jokes are half meant you know :D

Here's a thought....why not get on your bike and bike yourself all the way there! ;) :jk:

thomasian, nice pics... but dun sa unang batch ng photos... are those panabongs?! ano un may isang shanty area malapit sa MoA?

anyways ang huge talaga ng MoA, if your from coming from edsa going towards roxas boulevard, from your view you'll see its structure almost eclipsing the width of edsa from as far as where the MRT ends.

i wonder anong gagawin nila sa 2 hollow cylindrical columns... lalagyan kaya nila ng glass?! and the stucture does look like a cruise ship...

What? That's too far from our house.
Imagine biking from Sta Mesa all the way to Bay City.
Actually, that's possible but when I get there, I don't think I will have enough energy to get back to our house.
And besides, it's to dangerous for a bike to cruise through our highways, there's practically no bicycle lanes here, although I think they have it in Marikina.

Siguro alaga lang yun nung isa sa mga construction workers para pag wala na silang makain, eh di may manok na maluluto. :jk:

Yung Shanty area? Loko, tulugan nung mga workers yun, marami pang ganun sa paligid ng MoA, meron pa ngang part na may basketball court sila eh.

Mahilig yung mga construction workers dun na tumambay sa seawall nung esplanade sa likod ng MoA, lalo na pag sunset na... Sarap pagmasdan.

But really something should be there, not just people who live nearby (possible informal settlers those people? not too sure) but it'll be perfect once a row of medium-rise apartments settle in Bay City. You know, Mall of Asia behind you, Manila Bay and that giant boardwalk in front of you, it's good living.

I came up with: free concerts, rollerblading rink, skate park, restaurants (every pinoy has got to eat or drink whatever they're doing), basketball courts, ferry terminal.

I missed quite a lot while i didnt log on since my grad day:D Superb pics, once again Thomasian!!:okay: Bay city is a great place to hangout, chill and relax:)

Sta. Mesa to Bay City is far...but it is possible to get there with a bike. But true, as you said there are no bike lanes in Manila. And many drivers couldnt care less of you cycling.

I was thinking of something like this, it would be nice to have a restaurant row like that infront of the Esplanade, on the areas unoccupied by MoA,
and then the mid-rise residences would be behind that, followed by the other planned dev'ts like a theme park, coliseum, etc.

SM Pampanga Fiesta Strip:
http://www.smprime.com/uploads/images/Img5_pampanga-fiesta-strip.jpg

Siguro alaga lang yun nung isa sa mga construction workers para pag wala na silang makain, eh di may manok na maluluto. :jk:

Yung Shanty area? Loko, tulugan nung mga workers yun, marami pang ganun sa paligid ng MoA, meron pa ngang part na may basketball court sila eh.

Mahilig yung mga construction workers dun na tumambay sa seawall nung esplanade sa likod ng MoA, lalo na pag sunset na... Sarap pagmasdan.

ay oo nga no... pero na-puzzle ako sa pic na to:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0018xx.jpg

(it looks like a sleeping quarter pero notice may tirahan ng manok na panabong) ang cute nila ha! may cockfighting din pala sila. :)

but that road seems to wide you can put the restos and the apartments side by side:D

cool... SM Pampanga looks nice!!

I was thinking something more like a long strip or a sorta T-shaped "extension" sticking out of the middle of the MOA or something. haha! so essentially it would still be a part of the MOA. but that was before I realized there was a road in between the baywalk and the mall. haha and yeah... aside from the restaurants they should laso have some other stuff that people can just go out to at night or on the weekends... that'd be awesome.

I missed quite a lot while i didnt log on since my grad day:D

congrats on your graduation...!! haha!

i wish by december all the slots in this mall will be filled so there will be no hastle walking around...

I also hope that new brands would be introduced to the Phils. via MoA, like Gap, Old Navy, etc. or perhaps a Macy's/Nordstrom dept store inside.

GAP and Old Navy are already in the country. You just have to know where to look;) Plus i think they have them in Glorietta.

They should have a Hollister store too! :okay:

GROSS! Not Old Navy and Gap!!!!!

I like Old Navy...and the best place to get them is in Indonesia (more specifically, Bandung). You can get them really cheap at export quality.

Anyways, back to MOA. I wonder if SM will put a hypermarket instead of a supermarket.

GAP and Old Navy are already in the country. You just have to know where to look;) Plus i think they have them in Glorietta.

They do have those brands (GAP, Old Navy, and Banana Republic) all combined at this store called InStyle... Although, the stuff that they're selling are a bit too old and expensive at the same time.

The best place to look for export quality brands is still Greenhills :D Haha. :)

MoA will be the next glorietta...

They do have those brands (GAP, Old Navy, and Banana Republic) all combined at this store called InStyle... Although, the stuff that they're selling are a bit too old and expensive at the same time.

The best place to look for export quality brands is still Greenhills :D Haha. :)

Yup, InStyle has those brands.
There are branches in Glorietta 3 and at The 5th @ Shangri-La Plaza

SM May Still Get Crack at Esplanade
BusinessWorld - 05/06/05

SM Investments may still develop the Esplanade,
the nine-ha. commercial park at
the Bay City in Roxas Boulevard, if winning
bidder Salem Investment Corp. fails
to sign the contract with state-run Philippine
Reclamation Authority by May 25. The
state body, however, expects winning bidder
Salem to start construction in the 1.2-
km. area in Oct. as officials expressed
optimism the area would be a viable commercial
area. But if Salem fails to seal the
P1.9-million monthly lease contract, the
state reclamation authority may award
the contract to SM Investments, the second
highest bidder.

Finally Bay City is starting up their projects.

The May 25 deadline has passed.
Anyone know if Salem has signed the contract or had they failed and the contract was automatically given to SM?

A bigger rendering so you guys can check on the details :), I took a picture of the billboard there.

Other updates coming soon...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/MoA_billboard.jpg

Here they are.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/MoA12.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/MoA11.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/MoA10.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/MoA09.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/MoA08.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/MoA07.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/MoA06.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/MoA05.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/MoA04.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/MoA03.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/MoA02.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/MoA01.jpg

superb! :okay: thanks aaron.

Anytime ;)

thanks for the updates thomasian. such a big project with a very cheaply rendered billboard, could'nt sm pay for a better rendering???

Whoah man. Heaps of photos. But the size :eek2:

They could put a whole rollercoaster around the whole thing:D

Thanks thomasian.

That's good effort guys! I am new here but I guess I have something to share... Actually the offices in front of the construction site are the head offices of SM group of companies...They are from A to E... I cannot tell about who occupies and what are the details inside...but it is really awesome, as in you entered an office which is more like a mall...They really created an oasis in that area...galing talaga... About the mall of Asia... it will be Sy's crowing glory...it will house Asia's first Imax theater (daw) about eight stories high ang screen and it will cost you around 250 bucks to enter...It will have some sort of a commuter train inside...considering its size...
This is only true for their project in the Philippines..wait till you'll know what are their plans for China...

welcome to SSC Philippines, Van1975 :wave: enjoy your stay :)