Topline Group boosts presence in Visayas

MANILA, Philippines — Topline Equity Corp., the ultimate parent company of listed Top Line Business Development Corp., is further strengthening its operations in the Visayas region.

The Topline Group soft-opened last week a flagship mall development project of its subsidiary Vikingland Corp. called Bay Mall in Northern Cebu.

Bay Mall is a product of a successful public-private partnership (PPP) with Liloan’s local government under a build-operate-and-transfer modality.

Constructed on municipal-owned land, Bay Mall will have a concession period of up to 50 years, with an initial 30-year period and a 20-year renewable period.

“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,” Topline Group chairman and CEO Eugene Erik Lim said.

The three-story mall features Robinsons Supermarket as its anchor tenant, along with food stations, specialty kiosks, wellness centers, clothing stores and financial service providers on the first two floors.

The third floor houses a 1,000-seater business processing outsourcing facility, a first of its kind in Northern Cebu.

Topline offers a free shuttle service from its smart port at Pier 88 – also developed by the group – to Bay Mall.

The five-minute ride supports travelers heading to and from Northern Cebu, Camotes Islands, Ormoc City and soon, Villaba in Leyte.

“With the proximity to Pier 88, Bay Mall adds a seamless retail, dining and service experience for tourists and locals alike. It’s a lifestyle hub built to connect, engage and grow with the community,” Lim said.

Owned and operated by the Lapasaran Lim family, Topline Group’s operations are focused within Central Visayas.

The group has interests in energy, fuel, real estate, technology development, port and ferry terminal operations, passenger ferry operations and restaurant operations.

The group conducted earlier this year a successful initial public offering of its commercial fuel trading and retail gas distribution firm, Top Line Business Development.

Top Line raised P732.62 million from the sale of 2.36 billion firm and overallotment shares during its IPO.

The Cebu-based company is committed to deepen its presence in the high-growth region of Central Visayas and will continue to invest in expanding its retail footprint and operational capabilities.