TOPLINE Equity Corp., the parent firm of listed Top Line Business Development Corp., marked a key milestone with the soft opening of Bay Mall on Friday, June 27, 2025 — a new three-level retail and business hub in the northern Cebu town of Liloan developed through a public-private partnership with the local government.
The phased launch of the 3,046-square-meter mall began with the ground floor opening, featuring anchor tenant Robinsons Supermarket and various retail, food and service providers. The full opening, which will include upper-level dining, wellness and a business process outsourcing (BPO) facility, is scheduled before year-end.
“This is a mall, but it also goes beyond traditional retail. We’re integrating service offices, entertainment and BPO into the space,” said Eugene Erik Lim, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Top Line Business Development Corp.
Bay Mall was developed by Topline’s subsidiary Vikingland Corp. under a build-operate-transfer arrangement with the Liloan local government. The agreement grants Topline a 30-year initial concession, renewable for another 20 years, on Municipal-owned land facing the town’s coastline.
“Bay Mall is a catalyst for progress in Liloan. We are very happy and excited about this vision turned into reality,” Liloan Mayor Aljew Fernando Frasco said during the soft-opening ceremony, which was also attended by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Deputy Speaker and 5th District Rep. Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco.
The three-level complex is the first mall in Liloan to dedicate space to the information technology-business process management sector, with its top floor set to house a 1,000-seater BPO facility. Lim said two tenants are already in advanced talks, while a bar and a function hall are also in the pipeline, building a mixed-use concept designed for both professionals and families.
“This project is part of a broader push to decentralize commerce and bring investment into high-growth municipalities,” Lim added. “We have several other developments in the pipeline that could be considered as malls.”
Bay Mall currently has an occupancy rate of 75 percent, with remaining lease contracts being finalized. The second level will feature dining concepts, wellness hubs and service-oriented establishments.
“Bay Mall, the new landmark in northern Cebu, is a symbol of what progressive partnerships between the public and private sector can achieve. This is expected to generate jobs, drive consumption and stimulate the local economy, adding revenue streams to the local government,” said Lim.
To boost accessibility and visitor traffic, Topline is providing a free shuttle service from its smart port at Pier 88 — also developed by the group — which connects passengers from northern Cebu, Camotes, Ormoc City and soon Villaba in Leyte, directly to Bay Mall. / KOC