New mall to boost tourism in Baguio

The people of Baguio have a reason to feel on top of the world. And that’s not just because they are getting a natural high from the lush and cool mountain air of Baguio City, but also because they are excited about the upcoming grand opening of the newest mall in the bustling City of Pines called Abanao Square.

The vacation capital of the Philippines, Baguio is a haven for both local and foreign tourists. From its cottage industries, to pine trees, silvercraft and strawberries, the city has a lot of things going its way. However, it lacked an essential element to make it competitive among other world-class tourist destinations – a mall that would service the needs of its tourists and local residents. Thus, Abanao Square.

Located right at the heart of the busy district of Abanao and Zandueta Streets, Abanao Square is redefining the commercial landscape of Baguio by bringing in a young and contemporary flavor to mall shopping in the city.

The five-story edifice houses a mix of Metro Manila mainstays such as the very first National Bookstores in Baguio, and other first-timers such as Bench, Her Bench Boutiques, Freeway, Solo, Adidas, Dickies, and Pink Soda. Other successful establishments already in Baguio are Chowking, Greenwich, Mercury Drug, Dunkin’ Donuts, Nike, Do-It-Yourself Store, Mendrez, and many more.

Gadget and computer buffs on the other hand will definitely enjoy the cellphone and electronics center, an Internet café, network gaming, computer equipment and others.

Abanao is also high in the services department with shops for express mail delivery services, film processing, salon services, watch repair services, and many more.

Abanao Square is the perfect indication that Baguio is indeed continuing its boom. The city continues to attract local and foreign tourists all year round and this necessitates a premium mall that can address the needs of the city’s diverse resident and transient population. The strategic location and tenant mix of Abanao Square guarantees satisfaction to Baguio’s heterogeneous shoppers.

A visual extravaganza will mark the inaugural grand opening of Abanao Square today at 3 p.m. Among the celebrities who are expected to grace the affair are Roxanne Barcelo, Chynna Ortaleza, Paolo Ballesteros and Sherwin Ordoñez. Upbeat activities such as a celebrity motorcade and fireworks display promise to liven up the official welcome of Abanao Square, the hippest premium mall in Baguio City.