MANILA, MAY 20, 2013 – It was a star-studded event worthy of any red carpet premiere, as Manila’s social elite and media flocked to the opening of the newest jewel in the SM retail Crown: SM Aura Premier, in Fort Bonifacio Global City.
Aside from local celebrities like Dingdong Dantes, Hollywood star power was also present in the form of Sex and the City alumna Sarah Jessica Parker, on hand to inaugurate the SM Store (an update of the venerable SM Department Store) as their official endorser. Fashionistas and media turned out en masse to hear her thoughts on style, the Philippines and being an A-list performer.
Despite ongoing controversy regarding the location of the mall on land earmarked by the Ayala group for use by the local government, the event went off without a hitch, save for massive traffic jams that clogged all roads leading into and around the Fort.
With a total gross floor area of 234,892 square meters, SM Aura has more than enough room to accommodate its core tenants, as well as new retail and food outlets, along with an IMAX theater, convention center and office space.
Reflecting Aura’s fresh direction is the inclusion of several foreign outlets, including Paul Boulagerie (franchised by Ben Chan), BB Dakota, J Lindberg, Suiteblanco and Stefanel, in addition to a sky dome with auditorium-style seating designed to accommodate events and performances, situated on the top of the building.
Aside from the organic goodies, SM Aura is being touted as the latest effort by the development company towards sustainable design and development.
“The SM Engineering Design and Development team enhanced it with sustainable operation: pollution and waste management systems are planned for maximum efficiency and a water treatment facility to recycle water for non-potable use is in place,” said the press release.
Taking part in the ribbon cutting that inaugurated the mall were chairman of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Henry Sy, SMIC Vice-Chairperson/SM Prime President Hans T. Sy, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and newly-minted Congressman Lino Cayetano.
The SM Supermarket has also gotten a facelift, courtesy of New York-based retail design firm Point Design Inc, incorporating a modern, garden market-inspired sensibility.
