Just in time for Christmas, SM Center Ormoc opened its doors to bring great shopping, leisure, and entertainment to Leytenos last November 16. It is SM Prime Holding’s 72nd mall, the 7th in the Visayas region, and its first mall in Eastern Visayas.
Located in a 15,782 square -meter site in the heart of Ormoc City, the 21, 280.36 square meter two- level mall serves shoppers in bustling Ormoc, the second largest city in the Eastern Visayas after Calbayog City in Samar.
A port city fronting Ormoc Bay, Ormoc’s terrain consists mostly of gently rolling plains. High mountain ranges separate Ormoc from the eastern portion of Leyte, with numerous rivers and streams traversing it.
Ormoc City’s economic base is a mix of agriculture, aquaculture, industry, tourism, and commercial services, with sugar cane, rice, and pineapple forming the bulk produce of its agricultural sector.
It is also the gateway to the Leyte Industrial Development Estate in the nearby town of Isabel; home of the Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Plant, the largest fertilizer factory in Asia; and the Philippine Associated Smelter and Refining Company, the country’s biggest copper processing plant.
The city enjoys economic growth because it supplies a large part of the country’s power needs with its abundant geothermal power from the Tongonan Geothermal Power Plant in Barangay Tongonan and the neighboring Kanaga town.
SM Center Ormoc’s dynamic and vivid design features undulating bands of varying shades of green, tying in to the Anilao River which flows directly behind the complex. The concept is vibrant but serene, with visually distinct patterns highlighting the modern exterior.
The façade pattern continues across the front of the carpark as well, creating a cohesive and unified concept. A wide, welcoming star with integrated planters brings greenery to the front entry, and graciously welcomes the visitor to the center, which is covered by a generous canopy that not only provides shelter, but also creates a sense of formal entry.
The interior of the center is organized around an L-shaped atrium and concourse, with clerestory at the second level providing ample daylight through the openings at each level, bringing natural light to the spaces. The atrium is accentuated by vivid color borders which turn the openings into unique design features, enlivening the interior space. A sophisticated and rhythmic tile pattern on the floor recalls a softer shade of the green tone used on the exterior, and subtly ties the interior design with the exterior.
SM Hypermarket is the mall’s major anchor with SM mainstays like Banco de Oro, SM Appliance Center, Ace Hardware, Watsons, Sports Central, Simply Shoes, Miniso, and Crocs leading the way to shopping fun. Leytenos will also enjoy its bookstores, fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, eyewear stores, while techies will find the latest gadgets and services in its cyber outlets.
Eating out options include well-loved national and international food chains as well as specialty restaurants. Homegrown concepts like Mayongs and Althea’s Party Depot now also can be found in the mall.
SM Center Ormoc’s three digital cinemas and Director’s Club showcase a new concept with urban materials such as brick and metal highlighted against bright and contemporary colors. Innovative design elements such as steel and wood canopies create intimate seating spaces next to illuminated custom poster frames for a smart, modern, industrial look. Ticket and Snack Time booths are framed by edgy weathered steel borders, and lighting features are designed as visual features.
A large, covered dining balcony features al fresco dining options, highlighted by a series of louvers which both support the canopy and provide shading so that diners may enjoy their outdoor experience. With a luxurious view of the river, the balcony allows for a relaxing and comfortable dining experience surrounded by the vibrant design of the center itself.
For customer convenience, SM Center Ormoc has ample parking in three levels, 426 for cars, 8 PWD slots, and 133 motorcycle slots. It also has 12 terminal slots on the ground floor.
SM Center Ormoc’s Design Team includes DSGN Associates, Inc., Design Architect; WCY Architects, Architect-of-Record; SMEDD Corp., Project Manager; D.A. Abcede & Associates, Construction Manager; and Sonyu Construction Corp, General Contractor.
SM Center Ormoc is located along Real St, in between Anilao Bridge and Osmena Bridge in Barangay 14, Ormoc City, Leyte.
