SM Mall of Asia - Thread V
The Preopening Thread

SM Mall of Asia Thread I (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=248848) |SM Mall of Asia Thread II (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=289000) |SM Mall of Asia Thread III (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=315200) |SM Mall of Asia Thread IV (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=314173)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y261/michaelsinjin/Malls/SMMallofAsia.jpg

...SMPH will also open its biggest shopping mall next month. The Mall of Asia will hold its GRAND LAUNCH on May 19, 2006 with SM anchor tenants such as the SM Department Store, the SM Hypermarket, regular tenants and the country’s first I-MAX theater ready to welcome the public.

Wear Your Sneakers In May
By Carmela Fonbuena

You think you’ve seen it all. On weekends, you can negotiate Glorietta, Megamall, or Greenbelt with eyes closed. You can picture every corner in your mind—on which floor your favorite shoe shop is, where you can buy those inexpensive cheongsams, at which corner the gadgets store is. Why, you can even visit two giant malls in a day without a sweat.

The truth is, you haven’t seen all. You haven’t seen the Mall of Asia.

In February, we did an ocular visit of Henry Sy’s latest business venture and it took us two hours of brisk walking to see the entire mall. And to think that the shops were empty at the time! The Mall of Asia has a floor area of about 400,000 square meters, which hosts an Olympic size skating rink, the country’s first IMAX theater, and a fleet of restaurants, among others.

There’s been a lot of buzz about the mall by the Manila bay. After all, its opening has been delayed many times. Now, the mall will finally open on May 19, at the height of the summer break.

Sy seems to have exercised a lot of business prudence in his latest venture. The 1997 financial crisis scaled down what was to have become Asia’s biggest mall. Instead of a high-rise building, SM decided on a sprawling two-story mall. It was supposed to open last December. But SM said that bad weather delayed the delivery of construction materials. March this year was supposed to be the new opening date, but Sy wasn’t happy about opening his multibillion-peso project with only an occupancy rate of 52 percent.

Mall of Asia general manager Steven Tan said: Sy wants to open with a bang. So they moved their calendars again, this time to May. By that time, at least 80 percent of the tenants are expected to join the launch.

When Sy opened his first mall in North EDSA in 1985, he didn’t mind the brewing political unrest that led to the first People Power revolt a year later. He continued building Megamall while the country was beset by coups in the following years. At the height of the 1997 Asian financial crisis he opened two malls. So why the delays this time? “It’s different when you open a mall this size. It’s complicated compared to the regular malls,” said Millie Dizon, SM’s marketing executive.

A Complete Mall

SM promises to make up for the delays.

The mall follows the same box-type format of SM malls. Designed by Arquitectonica—the same designing firm that did the US Federal Courthouse and Podium—the Mall of Asia consists of four buildings interconnected by walkways: the Main Mall, Entertainment Mall, and the North and South Carpark Buildings. It is so big there will be a 20-seater tram to make it easier for shoppers to go around. The management’s priority is to make sure shoppers will not get lost inside the mall. There will be two concierge desks—one in the Main Mall and another in the Entertainment Mall. Maps will be given out, and there will be signs aplenty.

While new malls in China have eclipsed its record, the Mall of Asia remains one of Asia’s biggest malls. When the shops are ready in May and one tries to visit all 700 shops in the mall for just five minutes each, it will take almost two and half days to complete the rounds. That does not include checking out the cinemas, theaters, and the skating rink.

The property is positioning itself as a family mall and a complete mall. “Whenever you have anything to celebrate you go to the Mall of Asia,” Tan said. This comes from the understanding of the Filipino shopper. “In Singapore and Hong Kong, people go to malls to buy things immediately. Here in the Philippines, they go to the mall to hang out the whole day.”

A shopper will find the regular SM mall in the Main Mall, where brands like Our Home, ACE Hardware, SM Appliance Center, Bench, and French Baker shop will be found. Parallel to the Main Mall and along the bay is the Entertainment Mall where the cinemas, theaters, and restaurants are. Unlike in regular SM malls, the main dining place is not the Food Court. Restaurants like Tagaytay Highlands will be along the bay. There’s also a boardwalk where shoppers can enjoy the bay after meals or the weekly fireworks. The supermarket is in the North Carpark Building and the department store is in the South Carpark Building. On the third and fourth floors of the two Carpark buildings are 5,000 parking slots.

Grand Plan

The Mall of Asia is the 27th mall of taipan Henry Sy. He has 14 malls (including the Mall of Asia) in Metro Manila, seven in Luzon, four in Visayas and Mindanao, and two in China.

His is a rags-to-riches success story that started in a shoe store in Carriedo Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila, in the 1940s. Sy is a “very detailed person,” said Tan. “I’ve always worked with foreign companies before. Foreign companies are more lax in spending. SM is a bit too organized. But then at the end of the day, it really matters. The 10 cents that we’d be able to save, if we put it all together, becomes a big deal.”

Sy’s business acumen now puts his net worth at US$1.5 billion (approximately P77.1 billion), making him the world’s 512th richest man, according to the Forbes billionaires list. The SM group earns from rent income from leases in mall stores and food courts, cinema ticket sales, and amusement income from bowling, ice skating and others. Sy is also into banking and real estate.

The Mall of Asia is just an arm of the tycoon’s “grand plan” for the 60-hectare SM property in Pasay. Right now it’s just the mall. But in no time, there will be buildings around it.

A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held for a 10-story call center building beside the mall. SM is also planning to build a trade hall bigger than the World Trade Center in Makati City and a sports arena that will rival the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao. It’s a long term development plan, Dizon said. Henry Sy is also thinking about hotels, villages, and condominiums in the site.

http://www.newsbreak.com.ph/newsbreak/story.asp?ID=87

LATEST PHOTOS
SM Mall of Asia

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/bay%20area/moa/1ad7500e.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/817/mybuildings20168bm.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/1883/mybuildings20188me.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8775/mybuildings20193bz.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5552/mybuildings20202pq.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/6391/mybuildings20219pz.jpg

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/2360/mybuildings20221ex.jpg

SM MAITRADE CENTER and Convention Center

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/1229/mybuildings20246dc.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8629/mybuildings20261yd.jpg

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/799/mybuildings20270uz.jpg

*Credits: dudz and KiBeN

Another SM Mall of Asia thread. CAN'T WAIT FOR MAY 19!!!

I didn't know we have another thread na. Hope to see opening pictures soon. :D

Yeah, we have a new thread but SM Prime still hasn't updated it's website. (Latest article is dated March 16, how pathetic... ) Anyway, I hope there'll be no more delays on the opening.

hala, sana di umabot sa 7 (swerte daw?) baka maging malas, gusto ko na kasi mag-open, final na ba ang May 19 ba?

the other pics arent working... anyways, some of those pics that ive seen is beautiful..

siguro tuloy na kahit 80% lang ang target occupancy sa opening date kasi pangit din naman kung bubuksan tapos halos walang laman.. may 19 should do it!

The opening would be the perfect belatedr birthday gift ehehehehehehehehe

i hope they are going to repaint the dull white paint..

^^ It's an aluminum clad! If they pain it, it won;t be that good. They used white clad because they are planning something.Just wait for the opening.

Yung website ng SM , may bago bang updates? March 16 pa kasi yung nakikita ko na latest

most of my new pics are not working, bakit kaya? :? :gaah: :lol:

i hope they are going to repaint the dull white paint..

Yes, like what Jamaicus said, it's cladding, and it's not really white, it's somewhat a metallic silver-white. Maganda siya pag nasisinagan ng araw.

^^ hehe.. ok... lets just hope for the best.. its our alternative to siam paragon... though siam is far better...

^^ hehe.. ok... lets just hope for the best.. its our alternative to siam paragon... though siam is far better...

HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT? SMOA IS NOT EVEN OPEN YET!Sorry, but it makes
me sad when we always like foreign before ours!And the SMOA is not yet open.

May I quote frome Rizal's prediction article, "A Century Hence":

Then began a new era for the Filipinos. They gradually lost their ancient traditions, their recollections, -- they forgot their writings, their songs, their poetry, their laws in order to learn by heart other doctrines, which they did not understand, other ethics, other tastes, different from those inspired in their race by their climate and their way of thinking. Then there was a falling-off, they were lowered in their own eyes, they became ashamed of what was distinctively their own, in order to admire and praise that was foreign and incomprehensible; their spirit was broken and they acquiesced.

Sorry for being an ultranationalist about this but I just needed to say this.

^^Perhaps we should take Siam Paragon as part of the ASEAN "rivalry", competitions are always good!

most of my new pics are not working, bakit kaya? :? :gaah: :lol:

They're now working.

i'm getting irritated when i hear that siam paragon mall in bangkok! they just wait for greenbelt 7 or moa!

well, in fact, siam paragon looks really nice and glitzy...but we do have greenbelt...and greenbelt 5 is on its way...and glorietta will soon have a facelift...

^^ We also have Ayala Center Cebu, the mall for Classes A to F :D

^^ sinjin, i don't think there's a class f or are they the ultra-indigent? :D

I dunno, I was just joking about that... What I meant is that, it's a mall for ALL.... :D

well, the point of comparison is Siam Paragon which seems to cater only to classes A,B and C+

well, the point of comparison is Siam Paragon which seems to cater only to classes A,B and C+

Yeah, I was adding ACC to your "soon" list (Greenbelt 5) because ACC will have a lot of international brands coming upon the establishment of the expansion building.... ;)

Basta ako ..... I'm for SM MALL OF ASIA and NOT FOR THAT OTHER ONE!

^^ Uy you called it "THE OTHER ONE"... Is it like Lord Voldemort, "HE WHO SHOULD NOT BE NAMED?":laugh: Siam Paragon, the other one, is undoubtedly beautiful and Chad's thousands of pics in the Thai Forum prove it but what I just can say is, Let's wait for the opening of the Mall of Asia before we judge it. Alright?

Yes, let us judge it after its opening. Yet I was saddened on Myx's reply.

Yes, like what Jamaicus said, it's cladding, and it's not really white, it's somewhat a metallic silver-white. Maganda siya pag nasisinagan ng araw.

kaso on pictures it looks so bland white... sana ginawa nilang shinier para lumabas sa camera... or siguro part of the marketing stategy un ng SM para you'd have to see it for yourself. :)

kaso on pictures it looks so bland white... sana ginawa nilang shinier para lumabas sa camera... or siguro part of the marketing stategy un ng SM para you'd have to see it for yourself. :)

Yeah, if it looks like that in cameras and videos, then no one will be lured to the mall once it gets broadcasted over national and international television. But then again, let's wait and see.

Simply put, they shouldve added something that would put the "WOW" factor to the mall. They might have placed that ridiculous off-axis, incorrectly projected globe infront but hey, it added more damage than complement! Anyone who disagrees is BLIND!

Oh yes! The pics of the new MALL are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited to see the Mall in Summer this year! I've heard it will open in the middle of MAY!!!!????
I hope you will post some new pics of the MALL for example also from inside!!! Thanks to all!

^^ May 19th to be exact.

sorry guys if i got you offended... but siam paragon is really better and classy IMHO..
MoA is good too..

^^ i also think so myx...but i hope the luxury area of MoA is something we all could be proud of...

IMHO, SM MALL OF ASIA IS STILL BETTER!!!

can someone post photos of the globe with the lights on at night!!! thanks in advance ssc peeps!

Simply put, they shouldve added something that would put the "WOW" factor to the mall. They might have placed that ridiculous off-axis, incorrectly projected globe infront but hey, it added more damage than complement! Anyone who disagrees is BLIND!


I like the "ridiculous off-axis, incorrectly projected globe" in front of the mall. Actually, if the billionaire wants a sphere in front of his mall there is nothing you can do to change that. :) Nice addition to a roundabout really! I have better ideas but hey I don't have the spending money, he does. :)

sorry guys if i got you offended... but siam paragon is really better and classy IMHO..
MoA is good too..

Just came from my BKK trip over the holy week....when myx told us that siam paragon is very good...he/she is really telling the truth...you should personally be there to be able to experience its GRANDNESS..siam paragon is really impressive...they even called it "the pride of bangkok"...maganda talaga siya at classy....sosyal talaga ang dating...walang sinabi ang berjaya times square sa KL....i hope MOA will be as impressive as siam paragon...maski hindi na mahigitan ang siam paragon....basta at par lang ayos na sa akin...i couldn't even see any shopping mall like that here in singapore...

Moa will build a ferry terminal by the bay. Nothing can upstage a giant mall that communes with nature's beauty, like the view of Manila's colorful sunset....ahhhhh!!!!!

The location itself of MOA is one reason not to miss this much talked about mall. The promenade which I have mentioned in the past is a great addition to MOA. Appreciate it instead of puro reklamo na lang.

^^The only abnormality is the lackluster design, but this is SM MoA, something Filipinos should be really happy about, perhaps when it opens, people, self included, will fully appreciate all of its cutting-edge features, if it has them...

It will surely do. It's supposed to be the grandest and the best in Asia since it can't be the largest anymore. That's the least SM can and should do.

Wait a minute, I know SM MAll of Asia is the largest mall in terms of gross floor size.

is the SM Mall of Asia still the biggest up to now? or may nakatalo na?

In terms of overall size, Siam Paragon of Bankok has beaten SM yet in terms of gross floor size, I think SM Mall of Asia gots it because SMOA occupies 19.5 hectares and Siam Paragon occupies 8.3 hectares. Yet, if SMOA expands upwards(which is possible), I think we can beat them an over all size.

Siam Paragon was never the biggest in Asia nor will the MoA. Beijing's Great Mall of China is the world's largest in floor area, followed by Canada's West Edmonton. Numerous malls that are U/C all around China and the Middle East are poised to grab the world's largest mall title. MoA will still be SEA's biggest and one of the world's five largest.

^^ OOps, I made a research flaw. Wikipedia can sometimes really be misguiding.

ayaw kasi ipakita ni henry sy yung loob ng mall niya tsktsktsk..gusto niya talaga SURPRISE with matching nanlalaking mata :eek2: hehe..

oo nga... mukhang talagang surprise ang gusto ng sm... :) kaya never sila nag-preview sa loob ng mall. :)

ayaw kasi ipakita ni henry sy yung loob ng mall niya tsktsktsk..gusto niya talaga SURPRISE with matching nanlalaking mata :eek2: hehe..

Maybe gusto nila na magdagsa-an ang mga tao sa opening, lalo na yung mga uziceros (kagaya ko) at agad pakukunan ng video sa media... Di ba? :lol:

^^May concert pa nyan kapag opening, sana lang walang stampede.

^^May concert pa nyan kapag opening, sana lang walang stampede.

As of their latest article, they said they will have weekly fireworks displays

Sana mala-Disneyland ang dating with matching lights and lasers!

dapat sa mismong bay, yung mababawa na part lang, mag-lagay ng dancing fountain just like the ones in bellagio in Las Vegas. hahaha. and the people will watch at the (promenade?)... hahaha, oonga pala, terminal pala yung gagawin dun.

MoA should be a grand one because Sy envisions it to become a major tourist destination...

pwede pa naman i-expand eh, marami pa namang bakanteng lote sa harap ng Moa.

na excite naman ako kasi ayaw pakita yung loob.. pero on the other side, baka parehas lang din yung interior sa mga sm malls.. pero sana classy yung dating parang sm makati..

I know someone from the US who came here for a business trip. The group his with got to tour inside MOA and he told me maganda daw sa loob, talo pa daw mga malls sa US. I asked him to describe kung panu itsura, tinamad na sumagot :laugh:

^^Haha. Sana may pictures.

Di pa nga nagbubukas pero may planned annex na pala ang MoA..

I know someone from the US who came here for a business trip. The group his with got to tour inside MOA and he told me maganda daw sa loob, talo pa daw mga malls sa US. I asked him to describe kung panu itsura, tinamad na sumagot :laugh:

eh diba karamihan naman ng malls sa Pinas eh mas magaganda kaysa sa mga malls sa US? hehehe pero kung talagang maganda nga eh wag na sana magreklamo ang ibang mga tao dito. :cheers:

uhm, naalala ko ngah, konti lang ang magagandang malls sa States, kasi ang parang mall nila ata yung streets, kasi malamig na, parang eastwood type, you know the stores in Hollywood, parang ganun.

yung mga malls sa state ndi gano congested.. pati wala ganong designs.. talagang plain shopping lang...

tsaka amoy pintura, lalo na ang mga suburban malls. wala ring design...box din parang SM

I know someone from the US who came here for a business trip. The group his with got to tour inside MOA and he told me maganda daw sa loob, talo pa daw mga malls sa US. I asked him to describe kung panu itsura, tinamad na sumagot :laugh:

May kasama ba silang Filipino nung nag-tour sa loob ng MoA?
Yun na lang yung tanungin mo kasi iba rin naman ang standards natin pagdating sa mga malls.

BTW, magpost ka rin sa FITNESS CLUB (Gym) thread, baka matulungan mo kami dun sa iba naming mga tanong. :D

FITNESS CLUB (Gym) thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=246814)

yung mga malls sa state ndi gano congested.. pati wala ganong designs.. talagang plain shopping lang...

hindi naman mahilig mag-mall ang mga Kano...that's why when we brought our Texan visitors to Megamall last time.. they commented that 'It's insane that everyone is in the malls' and the malls are very big...

hindi naman mahilig mag-mall ang mga Kano...that's why when we brought our Texan visitors to Megamall last time.. they commented that 'It's insane that everyone is in the malls' and the malls are very big...

True. West Edmonton Mall in Canada, one of the largest malls in the world, gets 22 million visits annually which is just achievable by the Ayala Center in less than a month (Ayala Center gets a million visits daily)

I think Filipinos are the only ones who enjoy going to a mall. We consider it as a hobby, ung parang wala lang...

I think Filipinos are the only ones who enjoy going to a mall. We consider it as a hobby, ung parang wala lang...

If you consider it as a a hobby, I consider it as a chore. :laugh:

I think Filipinos are the only ones who enjoy going to a mall. We consider it as a hobby, ung parang wala lang...

In my opinion, kaya lang naman pumupunta sa mall ang mga pinoy to see the latest gadgets and fashions, window shopping, hindi naman bumibili, most pinoys go to the malls kasi "aircon" in our case, mainit kasi sa Pinas, that's why we love malls, we go eat there and have some fun, that will result na parang hobby na rin nila... :) hahaha

^^ i don't think pinoys don't actually shop...they do...matagal na sana nagsara ang mga malls if they don't actually buy...and by the way, i have seen the income statement ng Stores Specialist (the company which brought luxury brands here) for last year and it was like over 130 million pesos in sales...it just means that people do shop...

^^ i don't think pinoys don't actually shop...they do...matagal na sana nagsara ang mga malls if they don't actually buy...and by the way, i have seen the income statement ng Stores Specialist (the company which brought luxury brands here) for last year and it was like over 130 million pesos in sales...it just means that people do shop...

Correct! Majority go to the malls to stay away from the humid outdoors BUT no one ever goes out of the mall without purchasing anything... Pwede namang magpapalamig ka lang sa mall pero hindi mo mapipigilang bumili ng kahit konting makakain. ;)
----
OT: Coke, what's with the sig? :naughty:

sabagay, you have a point there, minsan kasi, when we go to the mall, akala ko bibilan nila ako, pero hindi pala, tama nga, food sa restaurant, parang ganun. Minsan naman kasi, naiiwan ko yung pera ko sa bahay, hahaha. kaya panay window shopping lang ako. Yun ngah ata purpose nila sa mall, pag-labas, may dalang pinangshopping.

well, mostly rin ung ibang rason pag nag mall, eh magpapalamig lng daw...

ako minsan sa mall nakikipag meet sa mga friends tapos sabay kain na rin..

gusto ko magmall dahil sa gimmick and timezone na rin... hehe

hahaha! timezone, I remember when nag-gimmik kami sa timezone sa Gateway, wala kasing magawa eh, hahaha!!! kaka-aliw, Para kaming batang first time mag-lao dun (actually first time ko dun) and astig yung drums ba yun... bastah, galing! Nakakabaliw pag-masdan.

yeah... one thing rin yang time zone!!! kase addict rin kame sa arcade lalo na sa house of the dead... :D

I think the mall culture in the Philippines was propelled by SM once they started these super malls where almost everything you need can be found inside. And what's more convenient for Filipinos (who are naturally lazy :jk: ) to have everything under one roof, at aircon pa? Kaya people departed from the traditional "outdoor" shopping places like the Araneta Center and moved towards bigger and more comfortable malls.

nakausap ko yung franchise director ng ________. sabi niya may inooffer na pwesto sa kanila sa MOA. nakita na daw niya yung loob. papadescribe ko sa kanya pag nagkita kami sa contract signing namin sa thursday. okaya try ko sumama sa kanya pag nagsite inspection sila uli. share ko nalang dito kung ano man nakita niya.

Oh, please and thank you. And tell me it's better than Paragon.

nakausap ko yung franchise director ng ________. sabi niya may inooffer na pwesto sa kanila sa MOA. nakita na daw niya yung loob. papadescribe ko sa kanya pag nagkita kami sa contract signing namin sa thursday. okaya try ko sumama sa kanya pag nagsite inspection sila uli. share ko nalang dito kung ano man nakita niya.

kaka-inggit naman. :)

opening is may 19 right? then, its less than a month away!!! :) yipeeeeeeee! :colgate:

convenient ba tlaga sa MoA? i mean, ang hirap ng transpo papuntang MoA pag galing sa ka comm.ave, qc...

^^Sakay ka ng bus papuntang Baclaran.

are there buses or jeepneys na that pass through MoA? commute din kasi ako pupunta dun kung sakali... galing ako sa sta mesa... sabi kasi meron daw jeep yata na umiikot ng globe ng MoA? ewan ko lang kung anong route...

pag-baba ko ng lrt bahala na... kung di ko mahanap eh di lalakarin ko hanggang MoA... hehehe... good luck sakin. hehehe... :)

bus? wla bang iba? ayoko ng bus eh... filthy masyado... LRT2? MRT3? tapos ano next sasakyan dun??

in my case, sa Commonwealth din kami, kaso, yung transpo ko, kotse namin, 100 pesos lang ang gasolina, ganun kami every other day. Pero, kung papayagan ako mag-commute, edi taxi na lang, kung weekdays naman, i-dro-drop ako sa Q.ave Station and bahala na ako...

Mas gaganda ang buhay ko kung nagawa na ang MRT sa Commonwealth, dere-deretso na, kaysarap ng buhay kapag ganun.

My cousin told me na he will be opening a Timezone branch diyan sa Mall of Asia. This will be in time for the opening this coming May.

One of the new surprises that will be unveiled will be the implementation of the "Rainbow Swiper", in which if you swipe at the right time (depende sa color glow), you can either win a special prize or you can get a free game.

It will be the newest Timezone branch to date (panalaban sa Quantum at sa "Q Power Station" branch na itatayo nila sa Mall of Asia as well)

Sorry to say though that despite it being in the biggest mall in the country, it won't be the biggest Timezone branch in the country. Sabi niya na G4 will still be bigger than the MOA branch.

He says that the biggest Timezone branch would be built in the Ayala-operated Tri Noma Mall for next year. It will be twice (or even 3 times) the size of their Glorietta 4 branch.

^^Kewl...I love Timezone

@myx: Kung ayaw mo bus, FX/Taxi ka to Q Ave MRT Station. Take the train up to Taft Ave. (last station, Roxas Blvd.-bound). From there, maraming FX/Taxi/Jeep that may bring you to MoA. It's just a few kms.

wow! great, more timezones in QC, hahaha. And it would be great kung sa trinoma yung biggest timezone, hahaha

^^Kewl...I love Timezone

@myx: Kung ayaw mo bus, FX/Taxi ka to Q Ave MRT Station. Take the train up to Taft Ave. (last station, Roxas Blvd.-bound). From there, maraming FX/Taxi/Jeep that may bring you to MoA. It's just a few kms.

mas mabilis nga. hahaha. :) mabilis lang and MRT.

^^Kewl...I love Timezone

@myx: Kung ayaw mo bus, FX/Taxi ka to Q Ave MRT Station. Take the train up to Taft Ave. (last station, Roxas Blvd.-bound). From there, maraming FX/Taxi/Jeep that may bring you to MoA. It's just a few kms.

oh... okie... i'll be riding lrt2 kasi from my school then to lrt1... baba ako ng edsa station then un pala... thanx! :) magtatanong nalang ako.

btw... hindi ba tayo magkaka MoA meet? tutal naman eh plano ng lahat dito na pumunta sa MoA ng opening or the next day... eh bakit hindi nalang gawing meet? wla lang... just a suggestion. para happy. maraming game diyan. :)

btw... hindi ba tayo magkaka MoA meet? tutal naman eh plano ng lahat dito na pumunta sa MoA ng opening or the next day... eh bakit hindi nalang gawing meet? wla lang... just a suggestion. para happy. maraming game diyan. :)

Why not make a thread for it?

He says that the biggest Timezone branch would be built in the Ayala-operated Tri Noma Mall for next year. It will be twice (or even 3 times) the size of their Glorietta 4 branch.

Maka-Ayala kasi ang Timezone. :laugh:

wow biggest timezone in Trinoma! great! meron ng malapit na stig' na tambayan sa bahay ko lol

wow biggest timezone in Trinoma! great! meron ng malapit na stig' na tambayan sa bahay ko lol

oongah, lapit, 5-7 mins away from my house! hahaha, excited na ako! :) hahaha.

^^Kewl...I love Timezone

@myx: Kung ayaw mo bus, FX/Taxi ka to Q Ave MRT Station. Take the train up to Taft Ave. (last station, Roxas Blvd.-bound). From there, maraming FX/Taxi/Jeep that may bring you to MoA. It's just a few kms.


thanks... kaso daming sakay... haha.. good luck sakin at sa mga friends ko... :D

I think Filipinos are the only ones who enjoy going to a mall. We consider it as a hobby, ung parang wala lang...

If you consider it as a a hobby, I consider it as a chore. :laugh:

I consider it a therapy. :D

It's also an exercise because of those hour-long walks inside. :yes:

^^ i don't think pinoys don't actually shop...they do...matagal na sana nagsara ang mga malls if they don't actually buy...and by the way, i have seen the income statement ng Stores Specialist (the company which brought luxury brands here) for last year and it was like over 130 million pesos in sales...it just means that people do shop...

So SSI better make their area in MoA really swanky with all of those money that they raked-in last year.

Correct! Majority go to the malls to stay away from the humid outdoors BUT no one ever goes out of the mall without purchasing anything... Pwede namang magpapalamig ka lang sa mall pero hindi mo mapipigilang bumili ng kahit konting makakain. ;)
----
OT: Coke, what's with the sig? :naughty:

Coke's sig? There's nothing wrong with it cause it's true, really. :D

baka siguro kasing laki lang ng timezone gateway yung sa MoA... sayang.. kala ko pa nman sa MoA na yung biggest timezone.. hehe.. pero sana bago yung mga games and stuff..

siguro by next year, sa trinoma nalang ako tatambay.. pero gano ba kalabi yung trinoma? it looks massive eh.. it seems bigger than megamall...

^^ I think it's about the size of SM North Edsa (all the annexes included) lol

oongah, sa Trinoma na lang ako, it's very near to us and masyadong malayo yung Moa eh, siguro mga once a month lang sa Moa, and parati kami nasa Trinoma...

^^ natatakot din ako baka lumubog ang MOA since it sits on reclaimed land lol

Oh! I was surprised to see a lot of discussions here comparing Siam Paragon to SM Mall of Asia.

As a Thai, I know I should not say anything, but you guys make me curious about “What is SM mall of Asia?” All I heard about SM Mall of Asia is that it’s the biggest one in SEA (or Asia, please correct me) :dunno:

I have some questions to ask you guys:

1. When will it be opened?? It’s been constructed since when??
2. What is total investment of SM Mall of Asia?? (It’s about 15,000 million baht or $400 million for Siam Paragon.)
3. It’s a bit far from the city, right?? Any public transport available? (Siam Paragon is right in the heart of BKK and is connected to the sky train station)
4. Which class of customers is it target?? How many famous brand names it will have??
5. Are there any wow attractions other than shopping?? (For example, Siam Paragon has SEA’s biggest aquarium, 600-seat IMAX, 5500-seat cinemas, 52-lane bowling, 1800-seat Opera house, 12000-sqm convention center, etc.
6. Any other interesting info of SM Mall of Asia??

Thanks, guys

:cheers1:

^^ I think it's about the size of SM North Edsa (all the annexes included) lol

Tri Noma is only roughly 2/3 of the size of SM North EDSA.

^^ oh really, it seemed it's about the same size everytime I pass by it lol, dahil siguro medyo circularish yun shape nya

1. When will it be opened?? It’s been constructed since when??
May 19, 2006. It's been U/C since 2002, I think.

2. What is total investment of SM Mall of Asia?? (It’s about 15,000 million baht or $400 million for Siam Paragon.)
Dunno...they're pretty secretive...but someone here might know

3. It’s a bit far from the city, right?? Any public transport available? (Siam Paragon is right in the heart of BKK and is connected to the sky train station)
If you mean the city centre, it's not that far. Anyway, the MoA will have transport terminals for taxis, etc. There will also be a ferry terminal within the mall's complex for incoming visitors from Manila Bay and the surrounding areas. And the mall is about a five-minute drive away from the airport.

4. Which class of customers is it target?? How many famous brand names it will have??
SM is known for targeting all kinds of market. Though most of their malls target the middle class. SSI, the Philippines' largest operator of luxury-brand shops said they will be showing off new shops in MoA. Overall, I think the mall will cater to all social classes.

5. Are there any wow attractions other than shopping?? (For example, Siam Paragon has SEA’s biggest aquarium, 600-seat IMAX, 5500-seat cinemas, 52-lane bowling, 1800-seat Opera house, 12000-sqm convention center, etc.
It will have an olympic-size ice skating rink, a 650-seat IMAX Theatre with an eight-story high screen, a bayside esplanade, several trams for in-mall transportation, 4200-seat cinemas, Director's Club cinema, 3 1000-seat performing arts theatres, SM Bowling, a 43000-sqm trade hall and convention centre, a sports arena, and soon, a hotel within the complex.

6. Any other interesting info of SM Mall of Asia??
It is SEA's biggest mall and I think, Asia's second largest and the world's third largest. It's designed by Arquitectonica. An annex's planning is on the works. It may end up as Asia;s largest in the future.

^^ natatakot din ako baka lumubog ang MOA since it sits on reclaimed land lol

Pareho tayo ng paniniwala. But SM Cebu sits on reclaimed land, nothing wrong happened ever, magcoconstruct pa nga ng 5 level annex..


2. What is total investment of SM Mall of Asia?? (It’s about 15,000 million baht or $400 million for Siam Paragon.)[/B]
Dunno...they're pretty secretive...but someone here might know



I read that it spent $120 million for FINISHING TOUCHES ONLY

what?!? for the finishing touches only, exaj naman yun!!! hahaha, pero ako, di ako natatakot sa pag-lubog ng Moa, (slightly medyo hahaha) san ba nag-simula yung mga Chizmax about sa pag-lubog ng Moa... hahahaha

^^ Yeah, $120 million for the finishing touches... ;)

by Thomasian: Why delete the article posted here?!?!?

the article was already posted by sinjin on the first page lol didn't realize it until I re-browsed this thread

^^ Yeah, $120 million for the finishing touches... ;)

over naman hehehe. I saw an aarticle for siam paragon on yesterday's newspaper, the facade is nice, so I guess the money is well worth it lol.

^^ Yeah, baka binuhos yun para sa interiors. :cool:

or both ;)

OT: To those who are confused / curious about what SIAM PARAGON is... Visit their thread..
Siam Paragon VI (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=324433)
There are more photos on the previous threads (see the links on the first page of that thread) if you insist. ;)

Sm mall ofAsia : 7 billion pesos.

^^ So that's about $135 million.

^^hirap i convert to dollars lol

^^ 7 billion pesos divided by the Peso-dollar exchange rate (P51.69)

I don't think its just 7 billion pesos. At the article I read, it said that SM Prime spends 6 Billion pesos TO FINISH the MALL of ASIA...

Wait, I'm rereading this article.That was the first estimates. Please standby

According to PCIJ, the main building is worth 7 billion pesos yet beautiful multi-billion amenities like the scating rink and Imax theatre etc.... is not included in the 7 billion estimates. Yet, it also said that billions more would be needed for the completion according to this 2002 PCIJ EDITION

billions more would be needed for the completion according to this 2002 PCIJ EDITION

And according to the article I read, P6 billion was set aside to finish the MoA.

So, P7 Billion (Main Building) + P6 Billion (to finish the MoA) + P"n" Billion (amenities such as Skating rink, IMAX, etc.) = P13 Billion ++

mahal pala mag-patayo ng mall... SUPER daming gagastusin, kapag maganda naman yung itsura ng mall, kaylangan ng maintenace etc... just like yung RCBC plaza, tuwing pumupunta kami sa ayala ave, parati nilang nililinis yung windows.

How True Na May Cracks sa Mall Of Asia,Kung Totoo Man Yun,Ktakot Naman Magshopping Dun.

kung prionoproblema nyo transpo, may nakita na akong projct ata ng city of pasay na mga orange vans na prng sa ccp na may nakasulat na PASAY BAY AREA RAPIDS sa may Gil Puyat Ave near LRT stn.

SM says ferry project on track

The SM Group of retail king Henry Sy, Sr. sees some government participation in a ferry terminal it is planning to open by the second half.
Harley T. Sy, president of SM Investments Corp., the holding firm of the SM Group, told BusinessWorld the plan to build a ferry terminal within the vicinity of a the group�s Mall of Asia is on track. �We are now working on the operator and which areas will be serviced. There are a number of areas that we are looking at as we finalize the plan for the ferry terminal. We expect dome government participation, aside form the granting of licenses (to boat operators),� Mr. Sy said.
He said that the terminal will be opened within the year. �Part of the ferry terminal will service Hamilo Cove (a sports and leisure beach community venture that SM Development Corp., will launch in Batangas),� he said.
In December, the company said the proposed terminal will provide easy and fast access to tourists visiting Corregidor, an island west of Manila, Looc in Batangas, and Subic in Olongapo. Mr. Sy did not say how much the company will spend for the terminal.

Jane F. Calayag

Business World

http://www.sminvestments.com/news_detail.php?&newsID=263

A recent article yes but this article proves that SM Mall of Asia will expand in the future.


Sy Group set to expand Mall of Asia complex
Date Posted: 2006-01-13

SM Investments Corp. (SMIC), the listed investment holding company of retail tycoon Henry Sy, will put up two new buildings worth around P2.4 billion within its 60-hectare Mall of Asia complex.

SMIC said the two projects involve the first private-run exhibition and convention center in the country, estimated to cost P900 million, and a 10-story courtyard-oriented e-commerce building, which will cost the company some P1.5 billion. Both projects are slated for completion by the middle of 2007.

The 40,000-square meter SM Exhibition and Convention Center, is envisioned as a favored venue for major conferences and trade exhibits, as well as for other international and local events. The building will have two floors, a mezzanine and basement parking with a total leasable area of 17,800 square meters featuring large exhibition areas and function rooms. The 94,000-square meter SM eCOMCenter, on the other hand, will have a total leasable area of 67,900 square meters with seven floors allotted for office space, two and a half floors for parking, and the ground floor for commercial uses. Dell Inc., the world�s largest computer maker, has already inked a deal with the SM Group to lease an office space within the e-commerce building.

Other developments being planned at the SM central business park include corporate headquarters for one or two conglomerates, hotels, office and residential clusters, a coliseum for sporting events and entertainment shows, as well as a ferry terminal.

The Mall of Asia, the property�s centerpiece, is set to open by the first quarter of 2006. The 381,000-square meter complex consists of four buildings that will feature the widest array of stores and venues for entertainment, sports, arts and culture, and the country�s first IMAX theater.

Over the long term, the SM central business park with its strategic location, will emerge as the foremost and the only central business district in the country by the bay, integrating business park facilities with entertainment, recreational, tourism, and residential land uses.

Located at the heart of the Philippine capital against the backdrop of the famous Manila Bay sunset and near the international airport, the business park is seen to put the city on the world map among the new and exciting developing urban centers of Asia.

Zinnia B. Dela Pe�a

The Philippine Star

http://www.sminvestments.com/news_detail.php?&newsID=237

kelan kaya matatapos yung coliseum?

1. When will it be opened?? It’s been constructed since when??
May 19, 2006. It's been U/C since 2002, I think.

2. What is total investment of SM Mall of Asia?? (It’s about 15,000 million baht or $400 million for Siam Paragon.)
Dunno...they're pretty secretive...but someone here might know

3. It’s a bit far from the city, right?? Any public transport available? (Siam Paragon is right in the heart of BKK and is connected to the sky train station)
If you mean the city centre, it's not that far. Anyway, the MoA will have transport terminals for taxis, etc. There will also be a ferry terminal within the mall's complex for incoming visitors from Manila Bay and the surrounding areas. And the mall is about a five-minute drive away from the airport.

4. Which class of customers is it target?? How many famous brand names it will have??
SM is known for targeting all kinds of market. Though most of their malls target the middle class. SSI, the Philippines' largest operator of luxury-brand shops said they will be showing off new shops in MoA. Overall, I think the mall will cater to all social classes.

5. Are there any wow attractions other than shopping?? (For example, Siam Paragon has SEA’s biggest aquarium, 600-seat IMAX, 5500-seat cinemas, 52-lane bowling, 1800-seat Opera house, 12000-sqm convention center, etc.
It will have an olympic-size ice skating rink, a 650-seat IMAX Theatre with an eight-story high screen, a bayside esplanade, several trams for in-mall transportation, 4200-seat cinemas, Director's Club cinema, 3 1000-seat performing arts theatres, SM Bowling, a 43000-sqm trade hall and convention centre, a sports arena, and soon, a hotel within the complex.

6. Any other interesting info of SM Mall of Asia??
It is SEA's biggest mall and I think, Asia's second largest and the world's third largest. It's designed by Arquitectonica. An annex's planning is on the works. It may end up as Asia;s largest in the future.

Thank you all for the answers. :)

So SM Mall of Asia is one of the most promising projects in the Philippines, isn't it? Is it supposed to be the most luxurious one (the luxurious part of it)? if not, which one?

How do you people feel about this project?

:)

Thanks for all those answers, Cosmo. Even i learned a little:D

@ chemon - SM Mall of Asia isnt really specifically targetted at the upper class market. As Cosmo said, it caters to all groups. So we shouldnt expect to see a lot of luxurious services and brands. If you want luxurious, Greenbelt, future retail shops in BGC and possibly Tri Noma are the places to go.:)

Thank you all for the answers. :)

So SM Mall of Asia is one of the most promising projects in the Philippines, isn't it? Is it supposed to be the most luxurious one (the luxurious part of it)? if not, which one?

How do you people feel about this project?

:)

no...i don't think it's going to be the most luxurious...the most luxurious shopping centers under construction right now imo are

1. Greenbelt 5 in Makati
2. TriNoMa in Quezon City
3. Ayala lagoon area in Cebu...

but SM MoA will have an area for luxury brands, of course, and according to my friend, Marlon (an area manager of SSI, the company which brought luxury brands to the Philippines), they are opening new luxury brands in SM MoA...what they are, we have no idea yet...

OMG, they have trams inside the mall??? is it the first mall in the world with trams??

^^ Yes, there is a tram.

...It is so big there will be a 20-seater tram to make it easier for shoppers to go around. The management’s priority is to make sure shoppers will not get lost inside the mall...

http://www.newsbreak.com.ph/newsbreak/story.asp?ID=87

what is trams btw? :D

^^ Sort of a slow mini train. You know, like in San Fransisco.

^^ do they have railroad inside? lol

^^ probably, baka elevated yung tracks.

im sure the tram would be fully loaded because its one of a kind in a mall...

What?! there will be a trian inside the mall? hahaha! that so Cool!!! astig naman... hahaha... baka naman kiddie train. LOL :horse: :jk:

^^ No, it's not a train. It's a TRAM. If it is a train, may masasagasaan sigurado.

ah ok, hahaha, what does a tram looks like, cause i've been to san fransisco and i see many trams in the streets. Is there any pic of the tram that will look like tha tram in Moa? Or surprise na din yun? Anyways... Ilan days na lang! hahaha, onting tiis na lang... I hope yun na yung final date of its opening.

26 DAYS TO GO!!!

Less than a month to go!

yahoo!!! I'm so excited, is the next ssc meet in sm mall of asia grand opening? hahaha

^^ There are plans but still I don't know

We designed a couple of shops and boutiques in Mall of Asia. The most striking feature inside are the 25meter wide hallways and the extra large skylights. I'll try to pictures as soon as I figure out how to paste them here.

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/archivince/IMG_1460.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/archivince/MOAIntcourt2.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/archivince/MOAint2.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/archivince/MOAint1.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

The first picture was taken fairly recently. That is near the ground floor entrance. The next 3 pictures where taken about 5 weeks ago. The 2nd picture (sorry for the poor shot) shows the al fresco dining areas. The last 2 are pictures of the second floor hallways.

OMFG!!!! :eek2: SM MoA looks freaking awesome!!!!!!!!! thanks a lot for the pics!!!!

I can't believe it's an SM! Now I'm very very excited!!!

wow naman

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THAT FIRST PIC!!!LOOKS MODERN!!!!!!!!

finally! pictures! :)

holy s***! i wanna go there! you guys may change my mind about going to an SSC meet if MOA is our location!

kamusta! im new here eh. i have questions. are there any facts about the arena going to be made in the sm business park? ung name, size, features, etc.

nice pics!

^^Amazing! Parang Gateway.

That second pic gives us that Eastwood-posh open area ambience but better.

whoa!!! :eek2:

parang nakakaligaw sa laki...pero ang galing ng design... nakakaexcite talaga!

ang sarap sigurong maglaro ng hide and seek dyan no? :jk:

sa mga MOA bashers, ano ang masasabi nyo? hehehe :)

wow!!!! OMG!!! may pictures na din!!!! ang ganda!!!! super! hahaha... akala ko nasa ibang thread ako, pero grabe na ang moa --> can't wait for the opening!!!!!! :cheers:

at di ko na kaylangan pang kumuha ng pictures pag-nag-open na toh, kasi for sure, marami ang kukuha ng pic sa ssc. :)

That's so f*cking modern and beautiful. :colgate:
I likey!!! Now that's something the Philippines can be proud of. :okay:

Hindi naman kaya huntingin ni Henry Sy si Area51 kasi na-expose na ang interiors ng MoA pre-opening? :D
Di bale Area51, ipapasok ka namin sa 'SSC Forumer Protection Program', just in case the SM peeps run after you. :hilarious

Actually the guards were giving me some bad looks when I took the second picture, so I had to take the photo using my phone, haha. But here's a clearer photo of the outdoor dining areas. The ground floor is mostly for Restaurants while the second floor is reserved for Beauty Treatment Shops such as parlors, skin clinics, some optical shops and the like.

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/archivince/MOAintcourt.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

Thanks for sharing Area51!

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/archivince/IMG_1460.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>



looks like a US mall...

Jumping Jupiters, Area51! Awesome pics! Can't wait till that mall opens!!!!! Wow... Really, that made up for the not-so-wow exteriors! Arquitectonica is really doing its job. Wow!!!!
Go SM!!!! Go MoA!!!!

Finally pics of the interior! I'm really impressed:eek: The clean, modern and simple interior design really makes up for its rather disappointing exterior. I love the skylights...it will make Mike (Boybaha) very happy:D

Thanks, Area51. Much appreciated:)

parang airport ang hitsura

looks like a US mall...

^^ agrees. I'm really impressed with the interior too. :P I hope they could still do something about the exterior to make it look more unique and special for people to go to. hehe.

thanks for the pictures!

We designed a couple of shops and boutiques in Mall of Asia. The most striking feature inside are the 25meter wide hallways and the extra large skylights. I'll try to pictures as soon as I figure out how to paste them here.

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/archivince/IMG_1460.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/archivince/MOAIntcourt2.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/archivince/MOAint2.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/archivince/MOAint1.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

wow... :eek2: MoA looks impressive than i thought...
i hope MoA wouldnt be as crowded as megamall does..

OMG!! I cannot wait until i go home in July.. this is soo much better than most of the malls here in Florida.. :eek2:

the extra high ceilings are unbelievable!

i hope there wouldnt be any mini stalls in the hallways in the near future..

^^Yeah, they should avoid that. Mawawala yung dating ng mall eh. It will take up space pa kahit siguradong puno palagi ang MoA.

the extra high ceilings are unbelievable!

I agree...makes it feel so open:)

wow! that' great.
I like the fist pic. It looks modern.

:okay:

the extra high ceilings are unbelievable!


From the third pic, I think the ceiling seems quite low for me lah.
:dunno:

From the third pic, I think the ceiling seems quite low for me lah.
:dunno:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/MoASmall.jpg

but based on this photo, if you noticed the guy standing, the ceiling is indeed high :D

I think cHemon meant this one
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/archivince/MOAint2.jpg

This is the first ever impressive mall I've seen in our country besides Greenbelt, the oval-shape skylight and ceiling treatment was very modern and futuristic, but as to compliment the modern look, they must focus on some lighting effect like in cladded round columns, if this with hidden strip lighting with acrylic cover or upward lighting gives more good impression on this part. Secondly, I think later, on backrop walls, they have to put some accent colors because if all plain white, or grey or beige, it's look to cool and sleepy inside the mall but with the skylight, I think can help also. The only problem with much skylight is maintenance wise, if the joints was not properly sealed, leaks would run along the edge beam of the oval skylight unless the overlap of installation is that big or with drain. Another suggestions, maybe I don't know the wall of evry shops, it is nice you have some upward lighting effect and I'm not sure whether there is some light trough on ceiling design. Flooring< I can't see much yet, but with much pattern if is granite is much better most especially when you are on the upper level, another whether they have water feature inside, tree planting, becayse I can see is the tree in a planter box, is this temporary or fixed already. That's a;; folks, Ilike it so much but later when I can see all your pictures, I can do some suggestions. TQ

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/jafhoy3/MoASmall.jpg

but based on this photo, if you noticed the guy standing, the ceiling is indeed high :D


isnt that a kid? i can see his mom bending over at the cart.. :lol:

^^ do you thinks kids are allowed to roam inside a construction site?

^^ with their moms maybe..

^^ LOL you must be kidding...that's no kid...it's a construction guy ;)

Lol, yeah, certainly no kids.. It's a hard hat area.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c367/tayonglahat/MoASmallcopy.jpg

but based on this photo, if you noticed the guy standing, the ceiling is indeed high :D


imo think nagbibigay ng illusion yung laki ng space kaya parang mababa lang yung ceiling.. pero kung titignan mo yung height ng railings which is around 90-100cm or maybe 120cm, halos 4 times or more yung height from floor to the ceiling so let say na around 4+ m yung ceiling height.. :)

I love the high ceilings, the modern design and the airy feeling brought by the huge skylights. For now, it has the minimal "WOW" factor already but if the place is fitted with nice ads, signages and the store LOGOS plus the people, accesories and all the stores it would be an exploding "WOW!!!!!!!!!!!"

Alos, I love the marble flooring (is it marble ba?) of the first pic, so LUXURIOUS for a mall!

I just realized that it's like a "Gateway meets Podium" affair, very modern, clean, and airy.

cno kaya ang general contractor noong sm mall of asia?

I just realized that it's like a "Gateway meets Podium" affair, very modern, clean, and airy.

I was thinking the same thing... Interior is Podium/Gateway combo.

To answer a few querries...

1. The floors finishes are polished granite tiles (made in Indonesia, if I'm not mistaken)
2. The ceiling height along the main hallaways where the elliptical skylights are are about 12meters high.
3. The hallways on the ground floor on the first picture are 25 meters wide.
4. The ceiling height is lower on the other picture because it is only a short side aisle. A high ceiling on this area would not look nice. There is also a squarish skylight above the escalator which is about 8 meters above the floor line.
5. I think it is more of SM Megamall meets Podium. The entry portals of the stores are the same as those in the megamall shops. (aluminum claded inverted number 7).
6. There are two general contractors, Hillmark and Monolith.
7. Signages are built-up letters back lit by neon lights (ground floor)
8. The guy in the picture is actually pushing a tile cutter on wheels and not a child stroller.

The only real complaint I have is with regard to the fake trees. It has the same kind of feel to the fake trees in Edsa Shangrila Mall. What is interesting is how long it would take to cool the large hallways. If the Mall opens around 9am, I am guessing it would take no less than 1-1/2 hours to cool the place specially with the extra large skylights.

Also, there is a skylight directly above the ice skating rink. I wonder if it will cause the ice to melt faster.

On the other hand, I've never seen any lights being used and already, the interiors are a lot brighter than Megamall with all lights open. I guess they will save a lot on the lighting costs.

^^ thanks for the info area51! I can't wait for this to open hehehehe

^^ Thanks! That made me more excited!

Thanks for the additional info, Area51.:) Imo, its good that they have lots of skylights for a mall this size. As boybaha said earlier, more skylights will prevent sensory confusion (indicating if its day or night to the people inside). Also, it provides an open feel and of course, saves a lot of energy.

Im still sticking with Podium/Gateway:D But because its all SM, it makes sense to compare the interior with Podium and Megamall.

^^ Off topic : Greyx I sent you a PM.

Anyway, is there a central centre or lobby like in Glorieta?

One important question, guys: Sigurado na ba yung May 20 opening ng MoA?

^^ May 19 and wait and see.

wag sana matulad toh sa T3 na nagkaproblem pa the day after ng opening.. lol

^^ LEt's stop thinking like that because you might just jynx it.

'stig!! kelan na tayo pupunta dyan?

sa July paguwi ko... heheehe

Area 51, if you don't mind, since you have few design services for shop lots inside the mall, who will be incharge of the renovation process or in-house designer to approved renovation permit by individual lot owner asssigned by SM Management. Do you have any contact nos. for them. Thanx

If you are referring to the interior designs of shops/boutiques/tenants, all designs and construction works are on account of the tenant, although the plans and perspectives are submitted for approval to the SM Mall Administration Office.

With regard to the Mall itself, I believe the Architect-on-Record is Arch. Robert Carag Ong. I read some of the posts earlier mentioning Architectonica, but I doubt if they did any of the design details. Most probably they only did the design development or the major concept. I think much credit should also be given to Arch. Ong.

I think the official openning date is May 20, where Mr. Henry Sy reportedly invited 15,000 guests. I am not sure though if it will be open to the public. On the other hand, I am not familiar with the May 19 openning, maybe it is just a soft openning to adhere to the Chinese belief that businesses should have a Friday for its openning day.

medyo dull yung lights ng MoA.. kasi white.. dapat gayahin niya yung sa powerplant... para at least medyo classy.. nakakasawa na kasi yung white nalang lagi yung lights eh..

So,when is it really going to open? May 19 or 20?

medyo dull yung lights ng MoA.. kasi white.. dapat gayahin niya yung sa powerplant... para at least medyo classy.. nakakasawa na kasi yung white nalang lagi yung lights eh..

i actually like the standard lighting SM uses sa lahat ng malls nila (inc Podium and MoA) it makes the place bright and airy.

Nice nice. This will bring SM malls to its best with Podium-like interiors :)

Tapos those guys naman from Araneta will use this as a benchmark for the Phase 1 of their redevelopment this coming 2010-2011.

So,when is it really going to open? May 19 or 20?

It's almost always a Friday or a payday Friday, so believe in the 19. ;) But I just realized Area51 actually knows a lot about MoA so it can also be 20. :D

medyo dull yung lights ng MoA.. kasi white.. dapat gayahin niya yung sa powerplant... para at least medyo classy.. nakakasawa na kasi yung white nalang lagi yung lights eh..

I think they're inclined more on having a modern, edgy look as opposed to the classy, maka-mayaman look of Powerplant.

medyo dull yung lights ng MoA.. kasi white.. dapat gayahin niya yung sa powerplant... para at least medyo classy.. nakakasawa na kasi yung white nalang lagi yung lights eh..


siguro para hindi masapawan yung magiging design o paepek ng bawat tenants..and identity na rin being SM..

We designed a couple of shops and boutiques in Mall of Asia. The most striking feature inside are the 25meter wide hallways and the extra large skylights. I'll try to pictures as soon as I figure out how to paste them here.

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/archivince/IMG_1460.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/archivince/MOAIntcourt2.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/archivince/MOAint2.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/archivince/MOAint1.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

sweet! thanks for the photos! the place looks really nice to hang around. in less than a month, i can't wait to check it out :D

lol please no T3 talk. it's cursed...i shouldn't be talking about it lol :bash:

anyways thanks a lot Area51, too bad we can't bike around these areas, I reckon I would need one, it looks so huge!

As for the skylights, I don't think it'd melt the ice, it should be double or maybe triple glazed so it won't let that much heat radiation into it :?

Finally pics of the interior! I'm really impressed:eek: The clean, modern and simple interior design really makes up for its rather disappointing exterior. I love the skylights...it will make Mike (Boybaha) very happy:D

Thanks, Area51. Much appreciated:)

Yes! My gosh those are great. And I'm certainly happy. I was concerned because the aerial photos that Dvorak (or was it Bustero) posted showed what appeared to be a flat slab roof with no skylights. I am very glad that not only are there skylights, but they are extremely large.

MOA reminds me of the Fashion Show Mall in Vegas
http://photobucket.com/albums/v635/jbkayaker12/j2006/FSM.jpg

^^That's one edgy mall.

Thank's Area51 for your reply.

i actually like the standard lighting SM uses sa lahat ng malls nila (inc Podium and MoA) it makes the place bright and airy.

True. it's something that Robinsons have to improve on. My dad once said that he doesn't like Robinsons' Malls 'cause they look dark inside. Meanwhile, SM's malls look bright especially with the white-colored lights they use. Marami pa silang ilaw kaya super-bright ang mga corridors. Mas nakakagana magshopping pag ganito.

SM Prime eyes 7-8% net income growth this year
Posted: 5:05 PM | Apr. 26, 2006

Cecille Yap
XFN-Asia

SM Prime Holdings Inc is targeting 7-8 percent growth in net profit to 5.3-5.4 billion pesos this year, with its biggest mall -- the Mall of Asia -- set to open on May 21, company officials said.

Speaking to reporters after the company's annual stockholders' meeting, SM Prime president Hans Sy said the Mall of Asia, which was constructed at a cost of 7 billion pesos, will account for about 2 percent of net profit this year, and 10 percent of annual profits in the long-term.

SM Prime is scheduled to open five malls this year, including the Mall of Asia, bringing the number of malls it runs to 27. Mall of Asia's opening was originally set for December last year.

The company has set a budget of 6.5-7.0 billion pesos for capital expenditure this year, and plans to borrow 4-5 billion pesos, possibly in the domestic market, to finance the construction of new malls and land acquisitions.

The company plans to open 4-5 new malls over the next three years, Sy said.

SM Prime has yet to finalize its first-quarter financial report, but company vice-president Jeffrey Lim said revenue for the three-month period grew 15 percent year-on-year.

Sy said occupancy rate at the Mall of Asia is now 70 percent, and is expected to hit 95 percent by year-end.

(1 dollar = 51.925 pesos)

Copyright 2006 Xinhua Financial News Service-Asia. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Got this from inq7.net. article claims that opening is on May 21

I just heard that they are rushing the general cleaning of MOA in time for Tuesday when CNN is visiting to cover the Mall and interview Mr. Hans Sy. I hope they can get the interiors cleaned in time, this could help improve our image overseas.

OOH, CNN! Let me guess, TALK ASIA!!!

Oh, CNN! Sana i-broadcast nila agad after the interview!! Can't wait for that. Parang magiging trailer yan ng MoA.

Oh, CNN! Sana i-broadcast nila agad after the interview!! Can't wait for that. Parang magiging trailer yan ng MoA.

oo nga.. may one week promo period ang lahat ng shows ng CNN World... Baka ipalabas pa eto on time sa last few days before the opening para may hype...

OneE-ComCenter

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/OneE-ComCenter.jpg

Maitrade Expo

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/MAITRADE-Expo.jpg

OOooooh, modern Maitrade!!! Wow, thanks Thomasian! Where did you got that?

^^Wow!! That, I like!!

Maitrade Expo

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/MAITRADE-Expo.jpg

wow! reminds me of Bangkok Exhibit Center :D except that its design isn't futuristic. target date of completion?

wow! reminds me of Bangkok Exhibit Center :D except that its design isn't futuristic. target date of completion?

:nono: Watch your words... Jamaicus might get you for that. :lol: :D

Next year. IMO, it reminds me of the Shenzhen Exhibition Center.

Megatrade's website seems like it had been updated recently. And it claims that MoA is still Asia's biggest. Yay!

Ooooh, you can see an elevated walkway for the Business park!!!

:nono: Watch your words... Jamaicus might get you for that. :lol: :D

nah, he's a nice kid. i'm confident he won't bash me for saying that. lolz

honestly, it's kinda disappointing but at least it's glassy :) dapat it should complement SMoA's curves man lang. :D of course, just my opinion.

the one in Bangkok is really something anyway, so no harm in telling the truth.. hehehe :)

Looks modern in my eyes.

OOooooh, modern Maitrade!!! Wow, thanks Thomasian! Where did you got that?

SM Investments Corp. 2005 Annual Report.
Ang tagal ko nang inaabangan ng annual report ng SM Group of Companies, buti released na. :)

This one from the SM Prime Corp. 2005 Annual Report...

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/MoA_day.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/MoA_night.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/MoA_day-2.jpg

wow...I'm impressed with the Maitrade Centre:) its simple yet modern.

when is the completion of those buildings?

^^One eCom Center's target completion date is July 2007 ata... Next year din ang opening ng Maitrade.

Guys, May 21 pala ang opening ng MoA, siguro yung 20 by-invitation only.

^^ thats nice.. sunday.. sana swertihin...

I just heard that they are rushing the general cleaning of MOA in time for Tuesday when CNN is visiting to cover the Mall and interview Mr. Hans Sy. I hope they can get the interiors cleaned in time, this could help improve our image overseas.

wow.. that would be nice.. sana lang yung introduction nila yung modernization ng Manila pati yung skylines.. kasi dati nag feature sila about sa Manila, yung intro nila tungkol sa fast pacing ng manila tapos yung main topic nila about sa mga children na nakakulong tapos siksikan pa sila..
anyways, off topic na ko... :bash:

So, its offical, MAY 21 is the opening!

Wow, the future of SM Business Park looks bright! Cant wait to see the renderings for the arena, hotels etc. I think SM's architecture is quite misunderstood, the way they make buildings, it's so American. The expo center and E-com center's design looks so LA/Miami! American builders, quite a number of them also make LAME but SIMPLE and ELEGANT structures and buildings. Staples Center, a very important venue in LA looks just so PLAIN but with its plain design comes an aura of simplicity and minimalism, maybe SM wants the same impresions.

And about CNN covering MOA, well I would be surprised if they give the nation a not-so-fantastic view. When it comes to China, they deliver news as though theyve discovered the ruins of Atlantis! And about TALK ASIA, lately, it's been quite obsessed with CHINESE guests, F4 is interviewed this week. And dont tell me that Mr. Sy is Chinese because damn you if you dont know that he is Filipino!

wow! reminds me of Bangkok Exhibit Center :D except that its design isn't futuristic. target date of completion?


Which one in BKK did you refer to? Impact/Challenger or BITECH?

Maitrade is boxy yer good-looking lah.

:)

looks like a US mall...

Looks better than the US mall. The Philippines actually has better malls than the average US mall. :)

^^ but Philippines is competing with our neighboring countries.. we should really catch up.. everyone knows that US is not really a shopping mecca... :D

Which one in BKK did you refer to? Impact/Challenger or BITECH?

Maitrade is boxy yer good-looking lah.

:)

this one! minus the vertical high beams though. :D
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b105/cebupics2/SRP/image1.jpghttp://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b105/cebupics2/SRP/asth01.jpg
this is the BITECH right? :)

^^ but Philippines is competing with our neighboring countries.. we should really catch up.. everyone knows that US is not really a shopping mecca... :D
Actually, people in the United States are considered the biggest consumer of all and that equates to numerous shopping malls, strip malls, commercial centers, online shopping websites, catalogues shopping... :) My relatives from the Philippines are here in Vegas shopping.

this one! minus the vertical high beams though. :D
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b105/cebupics2/SRP/image1.jpghttp://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b105/cebupics2/SRP/asth01.jpg
this is the BITECH right? :)

Yes, it's BITECH.

:D

But I prefer Impact/Challenger to BITECH lah.

;)

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/img020.jpg

I've got some "Free fun on ice" tickets for MoA, Megamall and Southmall ice skating rinks.
As you may have noticed, it's not really free since you still have to pay for the ice skates rental (you can't use your own pair of ice skates if you own one) which is almost twice as expensive for MoA compared to that in Mega and Southmall.
So if the skates rental alone is that expensive, how much more for the skating time if you don't have those coupons?

BTW, for that price, they better give you some good looking ice skates, not the generic looking, ugly ones that they rent-out in Megamall.

Actually, people in the United States are considered the biggest consumer of all and that equates to numerous shopping malls, strip malls, commercial centers, online shopping websites, catalogues shopping... :) My relatives from the Philippines are here in Vegas shopping.

yeah i know.. but really, their mall is not that good..

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/img020.jpg

I've got some "Free fun on ice" tickets for MoA, Megamall and Southmall ice skating rinks.
As you may have noticed, it's not really free since you still have to pay for the ice skates rental (you can't use your own pair of ice skates if you own one) which is almost twice as expensive for MoA compared to that in Mega and Southmall.
So if the skates rental alone is that expensive, how much more for the skating time if you don't have those coupons?

BTW, for that price, they better give you some good looking ice skates, not the generic looking, ugly ones that they rent-out in Megamall.

i have that coupons too.. well i guess, only rich kid will only be able to skate after those promos..

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/img020.jpg

I've got some "Free fun on ice" tickets for MoA, Megamall and Southmall ice skating rinks.
As you may have noticed, it's not really free since you still have to pay for the ice skates rental (you can't use your own pair of ice skates if you own one) which is almost twice as expensive for MoA compared to that in Mega and Southmall.
So if the skates rental alone is that expensive, how much more for the skating time if you don't have those coupons?

BTW, for that price, they better give you some good looking ice skates, not the generic looking, ugly ones that they rent-out in Megamall.

i'm excited to play ice hockey with friends at MOA. :cool:

More interior shots of MoA from the SM Prime Holdings 2005 Annual Report, it looks really promising, can't wait for the opening...
Okay, so they're watermarked because the MoA pics are used as background, calling our photoshoppers, please help make the background more visible.

Kudos to these guys who helped bring MoA to reality:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/SM-Prime-Holdings_BoD.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/SM-Prime-Holdings_BoD_2.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/SM-Prime-Holdings_EO.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/SM-Prime-Holdings_EO_2.jpg

^^ Oooh, I can see tall water sprouting out of the floor.

I can already foresee that SM Mall of ASIA will be a "World Class Shopping Phenomenon", oops, tagline pala yun ng Siam Paragon, hinihiram ko lang. :D

Ganito na lang para maiba, "SM Mall of ASIA - World Class Shopping by the Bay".
Baka madiscover pa 'to ng SM at gamitin nilang tagline, dapat may royalty fees ha. :colgate: :jk:

Anyway... This one is from the SM Investments Corp. 2005 Annual Report:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/MoA_night_SMIC-AR.jpg

How about
SM Mall of Asia - "We've got it all for you at the bay"
lol

Sorry, it's really blurred in the annual report, this is the best sharpening I was able to get.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/MoA-blur.jpg