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Thanks to the SM Prime Holdings, the establishment of SM Department store in Baguio City changed the landscape of Session Road at our country’s summer capital. The first time I went to SM City Baguio was some time last year. It was around October and it was supposed to be a peak season for the place. But when I was walking at Session Road, I couldn’t believe what I found there. It was like a deserted place. I did manage to see some local residents and tourists but considering the time of the year, I found it very unusual. I thought it might be the menengocema scare taking its toll on Baguio tourism. When I went to Mines View, the situation did not change a bit. Gone are the busy shoppers lurking around the different stalls in Mines View. Until I decided to check out SM City which lies at the top of Session Road at the land area previously occupied by Pines Hotel. When I alighted the FX taxi that brought me there from Mines View, I found what I was looking for. The hordes of local folks mixed with tourists from Manila and nearby provinces. I explored the place and found the reason why most of the people are there, opting to stroll and while away time shopping, eating or simply enjoying the cool Baguio breeze. As with all other SM Malls there in one huge bulding are various recreational establishments that you’d want for in a mall. Signature shops, various restaurants, amusement areas and even a grocery. And if you feel like taking a breather, you can always go outside the mall area, and enjoy the scenery of baguio at the mall’s veranda overlooking Session Road, Burham Park and the Baguio Cathedral.

Did SM City Baguio ruined tourism in the country’s summer capital? Or did it add another options for tourists to spend their stay in Baguio? What ever the answer will be, one thing is for sure, SM City Baguio affected the over all business/commercial environment in the area. So, what’s next? Robinson’s Baguio?

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This entry was posted on Thursday, October 13th, 2005 at 9:14 am and is filed under Baguio, Summer Hot Spots. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.