Cornered by media for a random interview and asked how it felt to open the 87th SM Mall in the country and the 4th SM Supermall in Cebu, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy chuckled and joked, “I feel old.” Then in a more serious vein, the high-spirited tycoon spoke of how the last stretch after the opening could be the most challenging, to see how the people would respond to and accept the new mall.
Emphatically, he added that all this is about “giving back for our blessings.” What came to mind is the continuous work of the SM Foundation for the community and other philanthropic endeavor.
Hans Sy and his family presided at the opening of SM’s 87th Mall, the SM J Mall in Cebu, last October 24. They graced the opening ceremonies, and the following day, as the mall opened to the public, Hans Sy was spotted touring the mall and greeting the early mall-goers.
The launch, which ushered an exciting era of shopping and lifestyle experience in the Visayas, was an exclusive affair for a select mix of retail leaders, SM business partners, prominent people from the Visayas and Manila. The grand opening was a sneak peek into SM J Mall’s premium offerings, held at the Mall Atrium. On hand to welcome the guests, apart from Hans Sy and family were Super Shopping Market Inc. chairman Herbert Sy, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan. Leading the guests were local government officials led by Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia, Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede, Provincial Board member Glenn Soco, and businessman Justin Uy.
Sharing the honors during the wine toasting are, from left, SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, businessman Justin Uy, SM Prime vice president Marissa Fernan, Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia, Bishop Ruben Labajo, Jonas Cortes, Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede, SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim, and SM Super Shopping Market Inc. chairman Herbert Sy.
“SM J Mall is SM Supermalls’ latest lifestyle offering for the modern Cebuano looking for an establishment that is more than just shopping, or dining, or entertainment,” said SM Supermalls president Steven Tan. “There is definitely something new for everyone, premier options and incredible experiences curated especially for our customers here in beautiful Cebu.”
SM Supermalls president Steven Tan welcomes guests to the exclusive affair of SM J Mall on Oct. 24, 2024.
The blessing ceremony was preceded by a rousing Taiko drum performance. As guests raised their glasses for a champagne toast, pink cherry blossom petals showered down the four-story atrium on the crowd. After the formal program, tenant ribbon cuttings were led by Tan, with simultaneous guided tours of the mall’s unique attractions.
Shower of cherry blossom petals creates the magic moment during the blessing.
A rousing Japanese Taiko drum performance
At the Izakaya Terrace, SM J Mall’s authentic Japanese restaurant, took place an exclusive after-party with a live DJ.
Cebu’s DJ Kate Jagdon spins away.
The following day, October 25, Friday, doors opened to the public during a special ceremony held with SM representatives, affiliates, and officials of the local government, welcoming everyone to the new mall.
SM Prime Holdings chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy (right) and distinguished guests LH Paragon Group chief financial officer Edmun Liu, and Jonas Cortes celebrate the grand opening of SM J Mall, the 4th SM Supermall in Cebu.
At SM J Mall opening, from left, former Mandaue City treasurer Atty. Regal Oliva, Brgy. Paknaan councilor Marco Antonio Sanchez, Mandaue City Public Information officer Karla Victoria Cortes, Jonas Cortes, Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede, and Mandaue City councilor Cynthia Remedio
SM Supermalls’ president Steven Tan, Divine Lee-Go, SM Supermalls vice president for Global Brands and Key Accounts Mitch So, and Blake Go
A large installation of Cebu’s famous artist Kenneth Cobonpue’s ‘Linya’ welcomes mall guests as they enter SM J Mall. Spanning four floors, it’s the largest Linya designed and crafted by Cobonpue, a single line in constant motion, suspended like a ribbon frozen in time, like a perpetual dance created by a tapestry of curves.
SM J Mall is not just another shopping destination—it’s a lively lifestyle center that celebrates Cebu’s culture and offers an impressive selection of brands, restaurants, entertainment and experiences, for today’s cosmopolitan mall goers.
Follow SM J Mall on Facebook and Instagram @smjmall, and don’t forget to visit www.smsupermalls.com for more updates!
