Robinsons opens Palawan's first mall

Manila, Philippines -  For the longest time, Palawan has enjoyed its status as one of the country’s best kept tourist destinations. Its unspoiled beaches and rich biodiversity have remained the island’s main draw. With the Puerto Princesa’s Underground River joining the ranks of the wonders of the world, the island has experienced a surge in travelers and curious minds who want to experience what Palawan has to offer. This also brought in developments and jobs for the people of Palawan. But aside from hotels and other tourist services, Palawan has yet to indulge its visitors, and people, a shopping experience that goes beyond convenience store check lists and souvenir shops. This is where Robinsons Place Puerto Princesa comes in.

This newly unveiled Robinsons Mall, the 31st in its growing roster of malls nationwide, is the first mall in Palawan. The enthusiasm that surrounded the opening of the mall is evidence enough to show how Palawenos have anticipated the first mall in their sun-kissed shores. Built on a 190,000-sq.m. lot, this full-service mall houses the best of what we have come to expect from our favorite Robinsons Malls such as Robinsons Appliances, Robinsons Department Store, Handyman, Robinsons Supermarket, Saizen and Robinsons Movie World, which brings the first state-of-the-art theater system in Palawan. The opening was graced by Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn and his wife Maria Elena Hagedorn, Robinsons Group top officers as well as Robinsons Department Store endorser Maricar Reyes, Robinsons Land endorser Solenn Heusaff, and Dingdong Dantes.

Puerto Princesa City Mayor Hagedorn is more than happy with the arrival of Robinsons Mall in their city. People even clamored for an earlier opening date for the mall.

Palawenos eagerly trooped to the Department Store to avail of the great fashion finds for the whole family.

“Until last year we prayed and worked for tourists to come. Napakahirap ibalanse ng development and environment,” Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn said. “It took us 15 years to get the attention of investors. Last year, when we won the Natural Wonders of the World with the Underground River, nagtuloy tuloy na ang dating ng ating mga panauhin at mga investors. We woke up one morning overwhelmed with so many visitors.”

“This would not have happened with the support of the people who from the very start showed their support and confidence for Puerto Princesa, like JG Summit. When they first had their Cebu Pacific inaugural flights in Puerto Princesa. It was a very memorable day for our city,” he continued.

As a staunch supporter of balancing progress and environment in Puerto Princesa, Mayor Hagedorn made sure that Robinsons Mall is grounded by eco-friendly measures from the beginning of the construction up to the opening and maintenance of the mall during its operations.

“Pope Benedict said, ‘Development is geared towards the common good of the people”. He went on further to say that we can only see real progress if it strikes a balance between the environment and development. We believe that the only way we can sustain our city is to have a development that doesn’t destroy the environment and the natural resources of Puerto Princesa,’” Mayor Hagedorn said.

The opening day of Robinsons Place Palawan was met with eager faces and resounding cheers from the people of Palawan. Robinsons Supermarket easily became one of the top destinations for the shoppers and tourists stocking up on basic necessities. Teeming with local produce, favorite commodities and imported products, Robinsons Supermarket gives customers a wide range of choices, especially health buffs who are conscious about what they eat. The supermarket’s ‘Healthy You’ section offers guilt-free snacks and nutricious goods, which is part of Robinsons’ contribution to building a healthier nation.

The supermarket’s motif echoes the environment friendly stance of the mall and even has a souvenir section that carries the best delicacies from Palawan. The meat section is also supplied by a local market retailer owned by a mother and daughter.

The supermarket’s motif echoes the environment-friendly stance of the mall and even has a souvenir section that carries the best delicacies from Palawan.

Robinsons Supermarket and Department Store also offers eco-friendly bags to shoppers, in keeping with Puerto Princesa’s eco-centric program. These specially designed bags have different eco-rewards depending on the size of the bag purchased.

With the aim to cater to the leisurely shopping pleasures for the people and tourists of Puerto Princesa, the Robinsons Group is humbled by the reception and privilege of bringing the first world class shopping destination in Puerto Princesa.

“On behalf of the group we would like to express our profound gratitude and appreciation to Mayor Hagderon who has given us his support for this project and has made it happen. Your mayor has been the strongest marketing proponent of your city,” Robinsons Land Corporation president Frederick Go said. “Thank you for everyone’s support here in Palawan. I hope that all the tourists also enjoy this modern and world class shopping mall alongside the wonderful natural beauty of Puerto Princesa and Palawan.”