It was a Saturday that the earth stood still, well only in Tagbak in Jaro, Iloilo City, that is. The opening of the much awaited City Mall Tagbak was well received by the thousand of Ilonggos that stood outside the mall starting the morning even though 3pm is the official opening time to the public.
City Mall Tagbak is the 5th City Mall to open after the ones in Roxas City, Consolacion in Cebu, Cavite and Zamboanga. CityMall Commercial Centers Inc. (CMCCI), is a subsidiary of DoubleDragon Properties Corp. (DD), and will serve as the umbrella company for all CityMall community mall projects in the country. CMCCI is 66% owned by DD and 34% owned by SM Investments Corp. (SMIC)
An invitation got us inside the mall in the morning and had out first City Mall experience. With around 3 more City Malls coming up for Iloilo, this was the city's baptism to the culture the "Everyday Mall" of the future. Basically, all CityMalls have the same theme, color and look, making the mall design a brand itself. Tenants will include the top fastfood chains, non-food retails shops, service shops and an anchor grocery store.
In Tagbak, upon entering one is flanked by Watson's to the left and with the food court to the right. Beside Watson's, there's Banco De Oro, Simply Shoes, Ace Hardware and the anchor grocery Iloilo Supermart. It was reported a year ago that CMCCI signed a 26-year lease agreement with the Que family's Iloilo Commercial Development Corp. (owner of Iloilo Supermart) for the location of the CityMalls in Tagbak, Jaro and Ungka, Pavia.
CityMall also have popular non-food anchor retail tenants that will complement the whole development. For City Mall Tagbak it includes - boutiques such as Rodeo Drive and Magarbo,internet shop Netopia, Infinite Phone Accessories, Universal Eye Check Optical, Status Hair Salon, Ticket Time and Western Union among others.
Stalls and stand-alone shops also dot the center and inside Iloilo Supermart. Among them are Tinapayan, Waffle Time, Rice n More, Biscocho Haus, Kettle Corn, Cherry Mobile.
An affiliate of SM Retail, Simply Shoes is a one-stop shoe store offering a wide assortment of shoes selections for women, men and children. The store carries an assortment of brands, both for everyday and special occasions including SM’s iconic Parisian brand, which offers trendy yet affordable footwear for the ladies. (Read more >>>; Simply Shoes opens at City Mall Tagbak)
Led by Cong. Jerry Treñas, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Iloilo City councilors, the Que family opened the 8th branch of Iloilo Supermart after a short blessing ceremony.
A mini program followed with congratulatory message from the Mayor dotted with special musical and dance numbers.
@ Iloilo Supermart, City Mall Tagbak openingPosted by Jed Patrick E. Mabilog on Saturday, 10 October 2015
A few minutes later, outside the mall, the grand opening of City Mall Tagbak created the scene that made Tagbak stood still for an hour or two. Mang Inasal founder Edgar Injap Sia (half of the Double Dragon "team", the other one being Tony Tan Caktiong of Jollibee) led the ribbon cutting of the 5th City Mall in the Philippines.
Also present were Sen. Franklin Drilon, Iloilo City officials led by Cong. Treñas and Mayor Mabilog with the city councilors and the Que family.
But it was actress and City Mall brand ambassadress, Anne Curtis, whom the starstruck Ilonggos have been waiting to see all-day long.
And Anne didn't fail the "madlang people" as she belted out two songs during the short program inside the mall which was full-packed. She also accommodated some fans for a quick autographs
Anne Curtis sings Halik at CityMallPh Tagbak, Jaro.Posted by I am Iloilo on Saturday, 10 October 2015
Finally for most celebrities, it is always the obligatory pose with the audience that caps an enjoyable show.
And Ilonggos all enjoyed a "selfie" pose with Anne Curtis that Saturday when City Mall Tagbak opened and making that part of the Iloilo stand still...
Some photos courtesy of CityMall Ph Facebook