Prepare to be blown away at Cebu’s newest mall

The first time I saw the design of SM Seaside City Cebu, way before the first column was erected at its present site, I was in awe. Not only has it departed from the boxlike formula of old and the asymmetrical, longitudinal form that many of its current malls are designed, the circular form marks a turning point in terms of architecture.

Over the past few months, I’ve been passing this structure from my home in Talisay to the airport and the city and back, via the SRP which was quite convenient. It has always been a site to behold. Much more when I got the opportunity to fully scrutinize its design and interior all throughout that I’ve come more to appreciate it.

Basically, the design of SM Seaside City, Cebu’s biggest to date and the third from the mall developer, is nautilus like. It’s not just a simple circular form but a series of layers, each building on each other. The first time I stepped inside, as the MyBus I was riding entered, I was already blown away. It was like looking under a wheel with spokelike constructions at the ceiling leading to the center. As I stepped inside the mall proper, I was farther impressed.

Spacious. Bright. Interior design can be minimalist or modern, depending on what section you are in. As I made it a point to start from the highest level to the ground, and covering the route as much as I can.

The main pathways are wide and well lighted. To keep you cued to what section of the mall you are in, for a start, the Cube marks the main entrance. Inside, spiral staircases from the top level all the way down are color coded while the elevators near these are encased in beautiful wood work. These elevators also mark massive halls, pockets of spaces that has entrances/exits to and from the mall.

You know there’s a good transition ahead when the ceiling and wall treatments starts to change. As I entered the Cyberzone area, the ceiling has become ripples and undulations of green with punctuations of light. It was beautiful to look at. When one gets to the food court, massive and colorful woven like circular forms decorate the ceiling. But it was the changing cool lights and rippling white walls at the Centerstage that really blew me away. A kind of light performance that was beautifully designed and quite modern.

Another section of the mall that is worthy of mention is the Skypark. Located at the topmost level, it’s an al fresco park with pockets of grass, landscaped gardens and mini amphitheaters scattered around. There’s a playground and waterplay area with another playground coming up, designed by noted Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue. It’s a great place to relax and see the setting sun in the afternoon or observe when the city starts to light up. It has small pavilions, still being constructed that will soon open as restaurants.

Opening next year, and, I think, the most awaited, is the Seaside Tower that rises in the middle. Once finished, the 148 meter tall skyscraper will be a venue for restaurants and a view deck that offers a 360 degree view of Cebu City and its surrounding areas.

SM Seaside City is such a fresh and modern mall that I’m sure its unique look and design, coupled with local and major international brands making it home as well as the variety of restaurants will give Cebuanos and visitors a different and new perspective in entertainment, shopping and food.

Promo Alert: FLY PAL, SHOP SM. Show your PAL boarding pass when you shop at SM Seaside City Cebu and get deals and discounts from participating stores. For the full list, check SM Seaside City FB page. Offer valid for one week after arrival in Cebu: Jan 15 to Feb 29.

This is a sponsored post but write up is my own.