Blogger's Tablet: One Fine Day @ SM Aura

It was one of those Saturdays in June when I had to wake up earlier than usual to attend an event at DMCI Acacia in Taguig.  Hubby knows how much  I dislike driving around the city on a weekend, so for this appointment, he volunteered to be the chauffeur.  Sweet!  Hubby was also smiling at the thought that he only had to drive for about 10 minutes to SM Aura from Acacia. He wanted to visit Aura after reading about it in my blog. 

Car Park.  SM Aura has a bi-level basement parking.

Paul Boulangerie from France - franchised by Suyen Corp.  My craving for Pain Au Chocolat would soon be over.

I got 'acquainted' with Paul in Paris, then at Takashimaya in Singapore. 
I love Paul's Pain Au Chocolat.  It's one of my all-time favorites. 

Another treat!

Crème brulee!  Zesty + Rich Chocolate

Crème brulee or bunt cream:  rich custard base + layers of caramel + zesty flavor. 
Crème brulee is traditionally flavored with vanilla, but contemporary variants have emerged in the market - lemon or other citrus fruits, chocolate, cinnamon, and green tea are the more common variants. 

Shopping finds

It was a given that Hubby and I were to spend over 30 minutes in one of our favorite shops - Uniqlo! Occupying a bi-level boutique has given Uniqlo the luxury of space to showcase its staple collections and a spread of seasonal items. 

Next to Uniqlo is the first Suite Blanco boutique in Manila. Hubby and I were pleased with their collections for men and women at reasonable price points.  We also dropped by Stradivarius where I got myself a soft biker-like jacket for casual Fridays...and a matching pair of shoes from Aldo.  Love!

Hungry...again! 




BRASAS - a taste of Latin American street food @ Food on Four.  Budget: P200 - P499. 
Meowth's rating: 4/5

Restaurants (other than those offering fast food) were not yet operating at that time, so the only place for big appetite was Food on Four (4th Level). 
Food on Four presents SM's new concept in food court dining.

Sky Park, 5th Level:  One of the civic components of SM Aura.  This is open to the public. A dedicated access is provided so that the park remains accessible to the public even when the mall is closed.  The towers shown will become host to several offices, including the Taguig City Hall. 

Chillaxin' at the SM Prestige Lounge

The SM Store - A Premier Store

Hubby and I took a short break from walking at The SM Prestige Lounge. 
The Lounge is located inside The SM Store, Ground Floor Level near Cashier 3. 

We had little time left for some quick errands.  We dropped by SM Supermarket and Ace Hardware. These stores are at the Lower Ground Level.  It was not that difficult to bring the bulky items we bought from these stores to the basement parking.  Errands - check! Time to go home. 

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Another article from the Blogger's Tablet:  Love to Shop @ SM Aura BGC

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Disclaimer:  This is a personal write-up, not a paid advertisement. 

Blogger's Tablet: Love to Shop at SM Aura BGC

SM Aura has opened its doors to the public, May 17.  Located at the premier district of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig, SM Aura is poised to provide a world-class shopping experience for urban dwellers. From its green and stylish architecture to the roster of international brands it carries, SM Aura is set to complete the 'global city' landscape of BGC.  It is geared to introduce new retailing concepts, plus a number of international brands that are about to enter the local market for the first time. 


Grabbed from Facebook: Signage made from fresh flowers, on display during the mall's soft opening, May 16.



Grabbed from Facebook: the dynamic facade of SM Aura in digital print.

Go Green!

SM Aura is a multi-level shopping mall that has been designed with the environment in mind.  The infrastructure itself is certified to be compliant to pro-environment factors, including that one for energy efficiency.  The mall is surrounded by trees and pathways that are pedestrian and bike friendly. 

Mini-tour

Posted here are photos from the soft opening, May 16.  I just used my ever-reliable point-and-shoot Samsung Galaxy Tab to take photos and some notes. 

Lower Ground Floor

I'm loving SM Supermarket!  This is where quality food and style meet.  My instant favorites are: soft yet vibrant lighting, designed to reduce stress; dedicated international aisles - Western and Asian; fresh products which are internationally- and locally-sourced;  a Chateau de France outlet serving freshly-baked breads, macaroons, tartlets, and all kinds of French cheese.  What they have here is a cross between Jason's Supermarket (a favorite of expat communities in South East Asia) and Carrefour in Paris. 



Fruit Carving Station



Sandwich Bar: fresh and healthy food to go. 

Sushi Bar

My favorite: strawberry tartlets...experience 'Pomme de Pain' in Manila through Chateau de France.



My all-time favorite French Macaroons:  from Jean Paul Hevin to Laduree to Pierre Herme to Paul Boulangerie...and now Chateau de France - Manila!

OC meets tech savvy.  Nice digital aisle signage! 

Shops at the Lower Ground Floor:  Ace Hardware, Cha Time, Watsons, SM Appliance Center, Jollibee, KFC, SM Department Store, OVN Bakery, and soon-to-open Healthy Options and McDonalds. 

Upper Ground - Third Floors

Suite Blanco of Spain has just arrived!  This shop promises to bring the best of fashion trends at a reasonable price point.  Initially, only the women's clothing line is made available at SM Aura. I'm hoping for the rest of the product lines to be unveiled soon.

Wishful thinking...how about H&M in Manila?

Veni. Vidi. Blanco. I came. I saw...and I shopped Blanco!  =)

Paul, a French chain of bakery/cafe also welcomed their first batch of guests during the soft opening, May 16.  I love Paul for its freshly baked breads and macaroons.  =)

A taste of Paris - Paul Boulangerie and Cafe

A mix of local and international shops greet shoppers at the Second and Third Levels. Not to be missed is The SM Store - sophisticated in every aspect, and yet (surprisingly) capable of offering new and exciting products at wider price points. 

I love the interplay of soft lights, wooden panels, and the understated elegance of clean and sleek tiles. The façade reminds me of Gucci and Louis Vuitton boutiques.

Metal panels remind me of Shoppes at Four Seasons.  Truly elegant.

Inside The SM Store.

Harbour City, HK?  No.  This is better.  Perfume Section of The SM Store.

Perfume Bar, The SM Store

Meet and greet SM Aura's international endorser - Ms. Sarah Jessica Parker (SJP).  She played Carrie Bradshaw, the lead role in the international hit series, Sex and the City.  Since then, she has been recognized as a style icon not only in Hollywood, but also here in the Philippines. 

It was also announced during the program that SJP has donated 100,000 USD to the underprivileged children of Taguig City through the SM Foundation.

More space to shop...now, this is what I call a shopping playground.

A special section for Hello Kitty, The SM Store.  Love!

Shops at the Upper Ground - Third Floors (based on memory):  Forever 21, Uniqlo,  L'Indochine, Kamiseta, CMG, Charles & Keith, American Eagle, Paul, Starbucks, SM Department Store, Stefanel, and more high street brands opening soon.

Gadget lovers are sure to flock to their favorite eye candy at the Fourth Level. 

SM Aura also introduces a new concept in 'food court dining' with the launch of an upmarket version called 'Food on Four'.

An IMAX and two Director's Club outlets are all set to provide the movie goers with the best cinematic experience.

Corridors leading to Food on Four.  Gong Cha and Mochi Sweets, right side.  Ah, la dolce vita! 

Short break from shopping = Dark Choco Mochi Sweets! 

Ready for al-fresco with a true touch of nature?  Visit the SkyPark at the Fifth Level. Other noteworthy spaces are: a 1-100 seat performance hall, and a 250-seat chapel named after the Filipino saint, San Pedro Calungsod. 

For added convenience, SM Aura also houses a Prestige Lounge for SM Prestige Members The mall also has ample parking spaces at basement levels.

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Getting there

The mall is located along McKinley Parkway and (southbound side of) C5 road corner 26th Street, Bonifcio Global City, Taguig City.  It is adjacent to Serendra and Bonifacio High Streets. 

Map courtesy of Google

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Another article from the Blogger's Tablet:  One Fine Day @ SM Aura

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Disclaimer:  This is a personal write up, not a paid advertisement.