CEBU, Philippines — Being at the center of Cebu's business hub, many people visit or shop at Ayala Center Cebu. One of them is trading employee, Morelin Sabornido.
She dropped by the mall during her break to look for the books she was eyeing to buy.
The mall has always been Sabornido's spot if she intends to go for a walk, or buy an item or hang out with friends for a meal or chitchat.
It is the most convenient mall that she can run to since it is near from her workplace.
Though less mall goers were observed yesterday, Ayala Center Cebu security guard Alan Garingo said employees were more elated than shoppers or diners now that they were able to report back to their work.
He only stayed idle for days at home when the mall was forced to close temporarily after the nearby Metro department store was hit by fire.
When mall employees gathered yesterday morning for the first day of the reopening, Garingo said people were in great joy and went on cheering.
"Luoy tawn kaayo. Pwerting singgit sa mga tawo ganiha pagtapok namo sa kalipay kay makatrabaho na gyud balik," he shared.
Good thing, he said not the entire mall was razed because, if it was so, they would lose completely their job.
"Kon nahurot pa tanan og kasunog kay wala gyud mi balikan," said Garingo.
He was stationed yesterday at the very entrance of the mall to assist drop off's and man the flow of vehicles.
He said that less people were seen in the morning but the number has increased at noontime.
"Gamay-gamay pa ang tawo kon itandi sa una pero masabot ra man kay bag-o pa man," Garingo said.
He said mall goers may grow in number in the succeeding days since it was only yesterday that the mall reopened.
Outside the damaged Metro, workers were seen installing metal gate to enclose the area, particularly the lane of Luzon Avenue in front of Metro.
On the gate's wall was a tarpaulin that read: "We will rebuild, renew and remain to be your store that cares #padayonMetro."
Two lanes of Luzon Avenue near Metro are still not accessible to vehicles, but pedestrians were allowed to pass through.
Motorists were asked to take the Mindanao Avenue as an alternative route.
Because of this, vehicles build up along Mindanao Avenue especially when several cars ply at the Cebu Business Park (CBP).
He was tasked to secure the closed lanes and make sure no vehicle pass through it.
"Lisod na og biyaan diri kay naay uban nga kuhaon ang cordon unya mosulod gyud bisan gisirad-an," CBP Guard Magsayo Manuel said.
He added he also assist the riding public who are confused of the new rerouting scheme.
"Naa pa gani uban mag-yawyaw kay layo na man ilang lakawon kay lahi pa karon ang agianan sa jeep karon nga gi-close pa diri," he said. – GAN (FREEMAN)