Balanga City, Bataan – SM City Bataan, the 83rd SM supermall in the country and the first in the province, officially opened its doors to the public on May 19.
Strategically located near the Bataan Terminal Complex, the two-level mall spanning over 46,000 square meters aims to cater to shoppers not only in the Bataan peninsula but also in nearby provinces.
The opening of SM City Bataan marks a new era for the province, renowned for being a history hub, a nature haven, and a thriving commercial zone. Bataan has long been famous for its involvement in World War II and its hospitality towards Indochinese refugees in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Now, the province adds a world-class shopping destination to its list of attractions, alongside Mount Samat Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan), Five Fingers Cove, and the Bataan World War II Museum.
Situated in the heart of Balanga City, surrounded by vibrant residential areas and a bustling university town, SM City Bataan symbolizes the harmonious fusion of urban prosperity and countryside living. Its design exudes a welcoming oasis vibe, with lush greenery, comfort zones, warm timber, and natural tones that create a serene shopping experience for visitors.
Inside the mall, a wide array of shops and restaurants awaits, offering a mix of local and international brands. Major anchors like The SM Store and SM Supermarket, along with renowned SM retail affiliates such as ACE Hardware, Pet Express, Miniso, Uniqlo, Watsons, Crocs, and Sports Central, provide a diverse shopping experience. Global brands like Guess, Giordano, and Cotton On also have a presence in the mall. Moreover, SM Cyberzone serves as a one-stop shop for the latest global tech finds and quality IT services.
Food enthusiasts will be delighted in the variety of dining options available. Homegrown brands like The Beanery, Papa Kebs, CHN Cafe, Chedeng’s Snack Bar, and Makiramen showcase local flavors, while popular global and national food chains and specialty restaurants such as Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen, Starbucks, Breadtalk, Krispy Kreme, Mesa, and Botejyu cater to different palates. The mall boasts a spacious and beautifully designed Food Court with nine choices of local and international cuisine, a health and wellness zone, banks, amusement centers for kids of all ages, two event screens, three regular cinemas, and an event center for exhibits and activities.
Beyond its commercial significance, SM City Bataan aims to contribute to the province’s robust economy by providing job opportunities to the local population. The mall serves as a cozy world-class gathering place for the community, fostering social connections and creating a sense of belonging.
In line with SM’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, SM City Bataan prioritizes making a positive contribution to the community. Under the umbrella of SM Cares, a division of SM Foundation Inc., the mall advocates for and conducts programs that benefit children and youth, persons with disabilities, the environment, women and breastfeeding mothers, and senior citizens.
Moreover, SM City Bataan is a shining example of sustainability and environmental stewardship. As Green SM’s first mall in Bataan, it was thoughtfully designed with the community in mind. The energy-efficient mall maximizes natural lighting through the use of low emissivity (Low E) glass for its windows and skylights. It features a rainwater catchment facility, solar panels projected to generate 2.3 megawatts of electricity, a sewage treatment plant, and the use of LED light fixtures.