SM North Edsa's newest hotspot

CEBU, Philippines - Amidst the busy EDSA intersection and hustle-bustle of people floats a green ribbon providing a fresh breath of air and a feel of nature.

The malling experience—shopping, dining, and entertainment—has never been this comfortable as SM North EDSA recently opens its newest own corner in the sky – the Sky Garden. This writer was one of the privileged regional media recently invited to visit and experience the Sky Garden in SM North Edsa.      

The most innovative and exciting part of the mall provides the much needed green space as the mall itself is centered by the busy streets. It is a 400-meter elevated curvilinear park at the second floor and gives the shoppers a chance to relax and unwind in the lush land and waterscapes and rest spots.

This urban environment is canopied with walkways and tunnels yet still has retail spots, cafes and grills. It connects the different components of the mall: The Block, The City Center and The Annex.

“One thing that we are also proud of this project is that it synergized the different MMDA footbridges. People can walk in through the mall to get to another foot bridge,” Architect Reene Bacani, the mall manager.

The Sky Garden’s attractions are the Sky Dome, Roof Garden, and Water Features. The Sky Dome is turning out to be one of Manila’s top venues housing concerts and performances. With a capacity of 1,000, it uses “natural lighting”. It was here where the concert of the two Davids (David Archuleta and David Cook) in Manila was held.

The Roof Garden has 55 plants and trees species. Its drainage system is designed in a way to conserve water.

The Water Features has two bubblers, simulated river flowing and waterfalls at the edge of second floor which can be used as monumental projection screen for its events, concerts and other happenings.