I have been spending more and more time at the SM Northwing recently as we are about to open our new CROCS outlet this weekend. The Northwing never ceases to amaze me with its size, choices or ambience, it is definitely world class and has given a lot of pride to Cebu.

Some of the shops that recently opened are firsts for Cebu. The new Cyberzone for example boasts of the first Dell Computers concept store, which is the first of its kind in the Philippines. Add this to the recently opened Sony Ericsson, Lenovo, and Asus concept stores, it makes shopping for tech, tech friendly. For gamers out there, the first World Cyber Games is scheduled to be held here this month, on the 28th.

Other new concepts for Cebu that are open or just opened are Crumpler and Kipling Bags, Hot Pink Lingerie, Cambio and People are People boutiques. For beauty, there’s Elianto from Korea and The Natural Source from Australia. Soon to open are IORA Ladies fashion from Singapore, Terranova Boutique from Italy as well as Fox and Aldo footwear. For outdoor types, North Face and Columbia as well as Sledgers are opening their concept stores soon. Newly opened restaurants include Tempura, Flavors of China, Breadtalk, Crazy Crepes, Starbucks and the much anticipated Lamesa Grill.

But the biggest coup that SM Northwing pulled off is the opening in July of the more than 2000 sq. m. Duty Free Philippines outlet that will turn SM the must see place for our OFWs and Balikbayans. Add the Duty Free outlet with Kultura, Our Home and SM Appliance, you can literally buy everything you need to make visit back to the Philippines memorable to them and their loved ones.

There is just so much to see and do. SM has really hit the ball out of the ballpark with the Northwing. Would you believe that there is live piano music from a Baby Grand every lunch and dinner at the Atrium. The Atrium lobby itself is very lavish and grand featuring an area of 1,300 sq. m. and two uniquely designed opposite stages. Some of the acts that have already performed here are Sitti, Gary Valenciano, America, Sofia, Gruppo Tribale, and recently Richard Poon. It has also been used to launch the coffee table book, Cebu, Pride of Place. Fashion shows have also become common place featuring the many tenants as well as the Fashion Council of Cebu.

SM also really outdid themselves in providing for the convenience of its shoppers with the recent opening of its 3 level covered parking and roofdeck. There is even a driver’s lounge at the third level, as well as multiple elevators to serve the shoppers,

The retail scene in Cebu was forever changed when SM City Cebu first opened its doors in 1993, SM did it again with the opening of the Northwing. It somehow reminds me of a line from the movie “Field of Dreams” starring Kevin Costner, “Build it and they will come”. Who would have predicted then that a humble shoe store in 1958, (hence the name Shoemart) would go on to become the largest mall operator in Asia. It is a inspiring story of what can be possible if you dream high enough and work hard enough.

When Henry Sy Sr. was asked why he decided to open a shoe store then, he replied, ““I thought that if I sold a pair of shoes to every Filipino, I would be a successful man” It is a tribute to his vision and hard work that SM malls are now part of the lifestyle of every Filipino. We not only buy shoes from SM but literally everything now, causing the latter to proclaim proudly, “We’ve got it all for you.”

Let’s follow the examples of these ordinary individuals as they strive to make a difference. Each week, lets all get together and share knowledge, stories, experiences, information, all for the sole purpose of getting One Step Up.

For comments, suggestions or stories that you want to share, email me atstirspecialist@gmail.com , or visit http://www.stirspecialist.blogspot.com/