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.
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| Grabbed from Facebook: Signage made from fresh flowers, on display during the mall's soft opening, May 16. |
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| 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.
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| Fruit Carving Station |
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| Sandwich Bar: fresh and healthy food to go. |
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| Sushi Bar |
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| My favorite: strawberry tartlets...experience 'Pomme de Pain' in Manila through Chateau de France. |
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| My all-time favorite French Macaroons: from Jean Paul Hevin to Laduree to Pierre Herme to Paul Boulangerie...and now Chateau de France - Manila! |
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| 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?
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| 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. =)
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| 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.
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| 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. |
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| Metal panels remind me of Shoppes at Four Seasons. Truly elegant. |
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| Inside The SM Store. |
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| Harbour City, HK? No. This is better. Perfume Section of The SM Store. |
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| Perfume Bar, The SM Store |
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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. |
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| More space to shop...now, this is what I call a shopping playground. |
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| 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.
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| Corridors leading to Food on Four. Gong Cha and Mochi Sweets, right side. Ah, la dolce vita! |
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| 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.
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| 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.
