J MALL: WHERE TRADITION MEETS INNOVATION

Central Visayas has seen the highest growth rate among the country's regions at 7.3%, and at its heart is Mandaue City, the industrial hub of the region, hosting around 10,000 industrial and commercial locators.

For SM's 87th mall in the Philippines, they had to approach it in a unique way.

"This is the first time we're doing it in the entire country, and there's no better place to do it than Cebu. Cebu is such an important city in the Philippines; it's deserving to do it here. The location is very prime and good," says SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.

The newly unveiled J Mall brings a bold vision to life, merging traditional elements with modern amenities in a dynamic space that reflects the city's vibrant spirit. Reimagined as more than just a shopping and dining destination, Tan says: "You can transition seamlessly from daytime shopping to evening entertainment or even partying. A lifestyle that reflects the diversity of Cebu itself."

"We love our customers. Our malls are always customer-centric. We always think of them and how they will navigate the malls," he explains.

With the adjacent Toyoko Inn and the Filipinos' love for all things Japanese (according to the latest survey, the number one destination of Filipinos between January and February 2024 is Japan at 48.9%), the culture and aesthetics of the country inspired this overhaul.

On the second level, the soon-to-open Izakaya Terrace brings Japanese culture to J Mall. Expect an array of Japanese draft beers and yakitori with the evening breeze on the Izakaya Terrace – a perfect setting for socializing after work hours.

This concept also welcomes a number of firsts in Cebu. One highly anticipated opening happening this month is The Vikings Group's take on Japanese barbecue with a new concept, Taishu Yakiniku, which will be the first of its kind in Cebu to offer unlimited grilled meats and unlimited Japanese beer.

Now open is Sushi Station, a restaurant concept by Nonki, a fixture of the Cebuano food scene that first opened in Mandaue City back in 2004, has a robot train that delivers food straight to you for an authentic kaitenzushi experience.