Can I just share how envious I am of the Cebuanos? For one, the beaches are so near their city and are easily accessible in less than an hour. How I wish that were possible here in Manila!
Another reason I’m really excited for them is that SM recently opened SM Seaside City Cebu last month, where the locals got to experience a sophisticated, modern, environmentally-sustainable urban center on the waterfront area of the new South Road Properties development.
Designed by an international architecture, interior, and planning design firm in Miami, Florida, Arquitectonica, the development is a landmark in the region that boasts a complex of residential towers, hotels, a convention and exhibition center, a school, hospital, and get this—a world-class marine theme park, which is scheduled to launch in 2017 (time to book a ticket)!
The Cube is the mall’s iconic landmark (similar to SM Mall of Asia’s globe)—a stainless steel sculptural piece that symbolizes strength and stability, and is a tribute to the resilience of the Cebuanos and the Filipino people in general.
The mall also features the Skypark, a green park with intimate amphitheaters that provide a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city life, and showcases a range of dining outlets situated among greenery and soothing water features. By 2016, a 148-meter tower called the Seaside Tower will be completed and have a viewing deck complete with a bar and restaurant, while showing off an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the city.
For those wondering, SM Seaside City Cebu houses a number of favorite brands like The SM Store, H&M, Uniqlo, Forever 21, and Sfera. I’m sure this is something the locals have been looking forward to as well, now that they have easier access to some of the most well-known global brands.
Cebu has always been a city I want to explore. I’ve only been here once when I was in high school, but I don’t remember much about it. Now that I’ve grown to become such a wanderer, I want to get to know the city better by visiting its beaches, seeing how different their city is compared to Manila, and enjoying its culture. With SM Seaside City Cebu now open, this is definitely something I’ll include in my places to visit in Cebu.