Sunday, March 09, 2008 Malling By Jenara Regis Newman
OVER a decade ago, “malling” was not a word in the Bisdak English dictionary. These days, it has become a common term for a way of life that centers around going to the various malls to shop or window shop; to meet and be with people; or perhaps to relax alone or else to be with friends to “shoot the breeze” usually in air conditioned comfort.
One chooses a particular mall for the amenities there. Last year, SM City Cebu came up with its North Wing lobby that has raised the level of “malling” a notch higher.
One enters the North Wing through steps that lead to a long (and wide) verandah, which is an al fresco dining area, at the center of which is a fountain with spherical objects designed by an Australian firm, Edge Interior Design PTY LTD. It also designed the Zen-inspired running brook below the verandah.
The fountain area is a good meeting place, or a resting place while waiting for others still at the mall, or for one’s ride. Children love to frolic in this area, sometimes playing guessing games as to how many coins have been thrown into the fountain.
The fountain leads to the main entrance of the North Wing and its elegant lobby, now officially called The Atrium, all 1,300 square meters of it.
The Atrium is an activity center with two uniquely shaped stages on opposite sides, a baby grand piano and some 200 square shaped ottomans one can sit on to enjoy whatever is there to see or hear: live bossa nova and/or acoustic music every evening at 6:30, or special events like photo exhibits, mini concerts of visiting artists, fashion shows, book launches.
Even if there’s no ongoing activity, The Atrium is a great place for hanging out with friends. It leads to great shops and food and drink outlets, but even on one’s (financially) lean days, The Atrium is there for one enjoy.
