Expansion of Tutuban Center gains momentum
MANILA, Philippines - With its redevelopment plans in full swing, Tutuban Center’s expansion is indeed gaining notable momentum. On track to further serve and satisfy its thousands of patrons, the historic mall is set to build a three-star hotel, refurbish its food court and open a zoo within its premises.
“Some of these initiatives may be outside of the usual redevelopment efforts we usually see in malls. Our location is very strategic. Opportunities are aplenty. Tutuban Center is not just a shopping destination, it is also an experience, a tradition, a lifestyle,” explains Ernie Hilario, AVP for marketing and business development of Tutuban Properties Inc.
One of these developments is the soon-to-rise, 41-room Orion Hotel, which will definitely change the look of the Divisoria skyline in Manila. Consisting of about 13 standard rooms and 27 deluxe single/deluxe twin rooms and one junior suite room, Orion Hotel is targeting transient travelers who wish to explore the beauty of the shopping district of Manila. Aside from that, traders from afar may also wish to stay at Orion Hotel for more convenience in the conduct of their business in the Divisoria area.
This new and convenient haven for tourists and out-of-town shoppers will be glad to note that it will have basic hotel amenities such as a cable-ready 32-inch LCD TV, hot and cold shower, a left luggage room, key card room access, and free Wi-Fi service for the digitally inclined guest.
Orion Hotel’s doors are expected to open to the public by the fourth quarter of the year.
The famous Food Street and Food Court in Tutuban Center will have their facelift as well, to give both these food areas more flavor and outlook. Both Food Street and Food Court are poised for fun and enjoyable but economical dining experience.
As if these shopping and dining options are not enough, Tutuban Center is set to unleash a Virtual Zoo, an interactive entertaining concept aimed at attracting the typical Filipinos and their great passion for picture-taking and photos. The former cinema area is to be developed into a major destination for fun and recreation for the whole family.
A unique visual attraction, the kid-friendly and tech-savvy zoo is basically a collage of 3D photos mounted on the blank walls of the cinema lobby. The 3D photos will focus on interesting and popular animals, thus will transform the entire cinema lobby into a virtual zoo. Each wall is a photo booth open to the public.
“This is an incredible and exciting time for Tutuban, and we are just starting,” Hilario says.
