SM City Manila

Tucked between bustling streets, SM City Manila stands tall. It’s more than just a mall; it’s a landmark. SM City Manila opened its doors in April 2000. This wasn’t just the first SM Supermall in Manila. It was a transformation. The mall sits on the former site of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). The location, at the corners of Natividad Almeda-Lopez, A. Villegas, and San Marcelino Streets in Ermita, is significant. It’s right next to Manila City Hall, placing SM City Manila at the heart of the city. The mall quickly became a hub for students from nearby universities. Lyceum of the Philippines University, Adamson University, and many others are within easy reach. SM City Manila, with its anchor stores like SM Store, SM Supermarket, SM Cinemas, and SM Foodcourt, offered everything in one place. In 2008, SM City Manila received a makeover. Shiny granite tiles replaced the old ceramic ones. The SM Foodcourt got a fresh look. More lighting brightened the hallways. The SM Department Store was rebranded as the SM Store, only the second mall to do so. There were even bigger plans for expansion. SM Prime Holdings was in talks with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to purchase the property across the street. A new annex was envisioned, complete with a new SM Supermarket, a BPO company, and much-needed parking. The existing supermarket in the main building would be transformed into a Cyberzone. However, as of May 2012, these ambitious plans remained unconfirmed. Today, SM City Manila continues to thrive, a testament to its enduring appeal and its place in the city’s landscape.