Sorsogon City, the capital of the province of Sorsogon — and home to the famous Donsol whales — deep dives further into progress with the opening of SM City in Sorsogon on 28 October. It is SM Prime's 81st supermall, the fourth in Bicol after SM City Naga in Camarines Sur, SM City Legazpi in Albay, and SM City Daet in Camarines Norte.
Strategically located in a 132,003 square-meter site along Barangay Balogo, Sorsogon City, the 40,000 sq. m. mall is designed to reflect the cosmopolitan culture of the Sorsogon — a thriving city surrounded by diverse natural landscapes and sea.
The mall's exterior consists of four blue angled volumes of varying patterns opened by ground floor entrances. The property is designed by DSGN Associates Inc., HBO + EMTB Associates; BCL Asia Landscape Architects, AOR; ABCEDE; and KHMAYA, general contractor.
"The interior design re-emphasizes the bold exterior geometry with light fixtures mounted at matching angles, while each wing is designed with a vibrant colour; orienting visitors, while balancing with contemporary finishes. Clear sight lines, and ample daylight inspire curiosity and discovery throughout the space, creating a unique, and enjoyable shopping experience."
The geometric design of the entire structure is given more dynamism through a bridge link painted with whale sharks on the ceiling. It connects to the Sorsogon Integrated Terminal Exchange and overlooks the coastal road that has a scenic view of sunrise and sunset over the Bulusan volcano and the mountain ranges of Juban and Magallanes in the background.
While its exterior is a modern architectural wonder, inside, the mall are the mall's signature stores that supplies the daily needs of residents and tourists. Among these are The SM Store and SM Supermarket as anchor stores and with SM mainstays like BDO, SM Appliance Center, ACE Hardware, Watsons, Surplus, Sports Central, and Miniso. Cyberzone aims to meet the needs of techie shoppers.
For dining options, there are the Food Court, specialty restaurants, international and local food chains like Kenny Rogers, Shakeys, Jollibee, KFC, Botejyu, Mesa, Mr. Kimbob, Monster Wings; milk tea brands Macau Imperial, and Serenitea; and donuts and coffee at JCO.
Championing the spirit of entrepreneurship, SM City Sorsogon also puts the spotlight on homegrown businesses such as Bigg's Diner, Graceland, Ice Blinker, Green Plaza Restaurant, 528 Ilawod, Legazpi Four Seasons, Legazpi Haircutters, Happy Feet travel agency, and Flowers Con Dahon.
For entertainment, mall property developer made sure its signature digital cinemas are opened in SM City Sorsogon as well. Besides its three digital cinemas., It also has an amusement centers for kids, and wellness centers for rejuvenating one's spirit.
Access and mobility are given premium in this mall through an open parking area that can accommodate 705 vehicles. The mall is also adjacent to PUV and E-Jeep terminals with local trips to towns nearby.
Tourism and employment driver
Sorsogon City's biggest shopping and entertainment destination is also a much-needed tourism and employment driver especially after the economic challenges brought about by the lockdowns of the pandemic.
SM City in Sorsogon should hopefully boost tourism, as well as business investments in the city. Besides its commercial and office districts, Sorsogon is still best known for being the gateway to Visayas and Mindanao particularly through its Roll-on/Roll-off ferry terminal facilities located in the municipalities of Matnog, Pilar and Bulan.
The province of Sorsogon is home to many beautiful natural attractions, such as the active stratovolcano Mt. Bulusan, exceptionally well-preserved Spanish bahay-na-bato homes in Juban, and the 1875
Baroque-period dome-like St. Joseph Church in Barcelona. It is best known for the town of Donsol, a well-known whale shark sighting destination named as the "Best Place for Animal Encounter" by Time Magazine.