SM Aura
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox shopping mall
| name = SM Aura
| logo = SM Aura Logo 2023.svg
| logo_width = 250px
| image = SM Aura Premier Kwonhubert.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| caption = View of SM Aura
| location = 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines
| coordinates = {{coord|14.547145780735661|N|121.05429050594807|E|format=dms|display=title;inline|region:PH_type:landmark}}
| address = 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway
| opening_date = {{start date and age|2013|5|17}}
| number_of_stores = 300+
| number_of_anchors = 8
| developer = SM Prime Holdings
| manager = SM Prime Holdings
| previous_names = SM Aura at the Civic Center ({{circa|2011}})
SM Aura Premier at the Bonifacio Civic Center ({{circa|2013}})
SM Aura Premier at the Fort (2013)
SM Aura Premier (2013–2023)
| parking = ≈ 1,700 slots
| floors = Mall: 8 upper + 3 basement
Tower: 29 upper
| owner = SM Prime Holdings
| architect = Arquitectonica
| floor_area = {{convert|200,000|sqm|abbr=on}}{{cite web|url=https://www.smprime.com/latest_news/the-aura-of-a-beautiful-mall/|publisher=SM Prime|access-date=October 9, 2022|title="The Aura of a Beautiful Mall - SM Prime"}}
| publictransit = {{Collapsible list |framestyle=border:none;padding:0; |title={{rint|bus|1}} File:BGC Bus Logo.svg {{nobold|Market! Market!}}|{{RouteBox|AS02|BGC Bus|#6d6d6d|white}} {{RouteBox|AS10|BGC Bus|#6d6d6d|white}} {{RouteBox|C01|BGC Bus|#884a9d|white}} {{RouteBox|EX02|BGC Bus|#fe0000|white}} {{RouteBox|NR11|BGC Bus|#00ffff|black}} {{RouteBox|WR12|BGC Bus|#000000|white}} }}{{rint|bus|1}} {{RouteBox|15|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#5B7552|white}}{{RouteBox|16|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#B09FCA|white}} Market! Market!
| website = {{url|https://www.smsupermalls.com/mall-directory/sm-aura/information/|SM Aura}}
}}
SM Aura{{cite news|url=http://www.smprime.com/smprime/?p=670&type=2&sec=54&aid=15391|title=SM PRIME CREATES NEW LANDMARK WITH SM AURA; SETS NEW STANDARD IN GREEN DEVELOPMENT|date=May 17, 2013|publisher=SM Prime Press Release|access-date=May 18, 2013}} ({{IPA|tl|ˈaʊɾa|}}; formerly SM Aura Premier), is a large upscale shopping mall located at 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Barangay Fort Bonifacio, Taguig,{{Cite web|url=http://www.sm-aura.com/contact-us|title=Contact Us | SM Aura Premier|date=June 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610033032/http://www.sm-aura.com/contact-us|archive-date=June 10, 2013}} Philippines, owned by SM Prime Holdings, the country's largest mall developer. It is the 13th SM Supermall in Metro Manila and 47th SM Prime mall in the Philippines. It was the 2nd SM Supermall to be called "Premier" (now discontinued) after SM Lanang. The shopping center is situated near its rival mall Market! Market!, owned by Ayala Malls, a real estate subsidiary of Ayala Land, and affiliate of Ayala Corporation. It is designed by EDGE Interior Designers and Arquitectonica.{{Cite web|last=Savills|first=K. M. C.|title=SM Aura Tower|url=https://kmcmaggroup.com/building/sm-aura-tower/|access-date=March 8, 2021|website=kmcmaggroup.com|language=en}}
Etymology
The name of SM Aura is derived from chemical symbols Au (gold) and Ra (radium). {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glfPjhIDjS8|title=Andrew Petch - adoboLIVE: Behind the SM Aura brand|date=May 17, 2013|publisher=Sanserif Inc.|work=adoboLIVE on YouTube|access-date=December 1, 2014}} According to SM Prime Holdings, Inc., the name defines "luxury and elegance that emanates from within."{{cite news|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/business/2013/05/17/sm-now-spans-59m-sqm-282895|title=SM now spans 5.9M sq.m.|date=May 17, 2013|publisher=SunStar Cebu|access-date=May 18, 2013|last=Cacho|first=Katlene}}
History
=Land dispute=
File:View from 26th Street in Fort Bonifacio Global City, Metro Manila.jpg
SM Aura is built on a land that was involved in a dispute between the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Taguig local government. The issue originated from the encroachment of the Manila American Cemetery, under the BCDA, on land designated for a civic center. This was resolved when the BCDA and the local government signed agreements in 1999 and 2004, transferring several parcels of land in Fort Bonifacio to Taguig in exchange for the encroached area.
In 2007, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) won a public bid to lease and develop a {{convert|1.5|ha|adj=on}} portion of the property into a mixed-use complex. The local government and SMPHI entered a lease agreement on November 21, 2007, and August 1, 2008, with the Deed of Conveyance (DOC) in 2008 transferring the land to Taguig without restrictions on its use.{{cite news|url=https://opinion.inquirer.net/54415/the-facts-on-the-bcda-sm-row-over-aura|title=The facts on the BCDA-SM row over Aura|first=Neal|last=Cruz|date=June 11, 2013|accessdate=December 8, 2024|website=INQUIRER.net}} However, the BCDA later claimed that the construction was illegal, which SMPHI denied,{{cite news|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/309138/bcda-construction-of-sm-aura-mall-in-taguig-is-illegal/story/|title=BCDA: Construction of SM Aura mall in Taguig is illegal|first=Amanda|last=Fernandez|work=GMA News|accessdate=December 8, 2024|date=May 19, 2013}} and refuted SMPHI's claim that SM Aura was fully compliant with the DOC between the local government and BCDA.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/311581/money/companies/deed-for-sm-aura-construction-misinterpreted-bcda/|title=Deed for SM Aura construction misinterpreted - BCDA|website=GMA News|access-date=September 1, 2019}}
During his term, Taguig Mayor Sigfrido Tiñga initially went into discussions with the Ayala Group on the use of land. However, the discussions on land use were carried over to the term of his successor, Lani Cayetano.
=Mall development=
File:SM Aura Premier logotype (2022).svg
The mall was known as SM Aura at the Civic Center or SM Aura Premier at the Bonifacio Civic Center before its formal opening. Construction began in 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/sm-aura-premier/23260|title=SM Aura Premier|website=The Skyscraper Center|accessdate=December 8, 2024}} The mall, named as SM Aura Premier [at the Fort],{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2013/07/24/1004211/first-next-generation-sm-store-opens-sm-aura|title=The first ‘Next-Generation’ SM Store opens at SM Aura|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=July 24, 2013|accessdate=December 8, 2024}} had its inaugural blessing on May 16, 2013, a day before the grand opening. Numerous celebrities, government officials including Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, company officials, and VIP guests attended the blessing, including SM Prime's Henry Sy and Hans Sy, and American actress Sarah Jessica Parker.{{cite web |url=http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/lifestyle/show/13532-sarah-jessica-parker-in-manila-for-sm-aura-premier-opening|title=Sarah Jessica Parker in Manila for SM Aura Premier opening |access-date=May 17, 2013 |publisher=BusinessMirror}} Parker cut the ribbon for The SM Store, and was the newest endorser for their "Love to Shop" campaign.{{cite web |url=http://www.pep.ph/news/38686/hollywood-star-sarah-jessica-parker-attends-blessing-of-new-mall-in-taguig-city|title=Hollywood star Sarah Jessica Parker attends blessing of The SM Store in Taguig City |access-date=May 17, 2013 |publisher=Philippine Entertainment Portal}}{{cite web |url=http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/103633/sarah-jessica-parker-finds-manila-exciting-interesting|title=Sarah Jessica Parker finds Manila exciting, interesting |access-date=May 17, 2013 |publisher=Inquirer Lifestyle|last=Moral|first=Cheche V.}}
Since 2023, the mall undergoes renovation.{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/business/2024/12/06/2405238/sm-going-full-blast-mall-renovations|title=SM going full blast on mall renovations|first=Richmond|last=Mercurio|date=December 6, 2024 |accessdate=December 8, 2024|work=The Philippine Star}} Updates on the Director's Club Cinema and the rebranded food court known as Food on Four were completed in January and April 2024, respectively.{{cite news|url=https://www.goldenduckgroup.com/news-updates/sm-aura-premier-proudly-announces-the-reopening-of-its-directors-club-cinema/|title=SM Aura Premier proudly announces the reopening of its Director’s Club Cinema|date=January 22, 2024|accessdate=December 8, 2024|website=Goldenduck}}
Mall features
File:Bonifacio Global City (Barangay) Central District 19.jpg
The development includes the Skypark, a multi-level green roof. It has al fresco bars & restaurants, sculptures and botanical gardens, a 1,000-seat performance hall called Samsung Hall, the 250-seat Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod, and a mini-golf course.{{cite news|url=https://www.spot.ph/things-to-do/the-latest-things-to-do/88909/sm-aura-premier-opens-miniature-golf-course-at-skypark-a833-20220328|title=You Can Now Play for Free at BGC's Roof-Deck Golf Course|first=Christa|last=Dela Cruz|date=March 28, 2022|accessdate=April 27, 2024}} A high-end food court named Food on Four is located on the fourth level.{{cite news|url=https://www.smsupermalls.com/whats-new/food-on-four-at-sm-aura-reopens/|title=Food On Four at SM Aura reopens|date=March 16, 2024|accessdate=April 27, 2024|website=SM Supermalls}}
Designed by Miami-based architectural firm Arquitectonica, the structure would be a basic “dumbbell” arrangement determined by the narrow site, with the main entry at the north corner along 26th Street and the office tower located at the southern end. The main vehicular drop-off is provided on the western side accessible through McKinley Parkway, with taxi stations on the first basement level. It also has a three-level basement parking accessible via Minipark Road, McKinley Parkway, and Circumferential Road 5's southbound service road.{{cite AV media |date=December 16, 2019 |title=SM Aura Carpark (Parking Entrance) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMqBn6a9Bh0 |access-date=July 27, 2024 |publisher=Mudra G }}
The high-end mall consists high-end and international fashion brands such as Stuart Weitzman, Joseph (UK), Calvin Klein, Stradivarius, Uniqlo, Topman, and Topshop. Other tenants include Crate & Barrel, Ramen Nagi, Todd English Food Hall Manila (now The Food Hall), and Fitness First Platinum.
=SMX Convention Center Aura=
The third branch of SMX Convention Center is located at the third and fourth levels of SM Aura.{{cite web|url=https://business.inquirer.net/122657/sm-puts-up-3rd-smx-convention-center-in-taguig-city|title=SM puts up 3rd SMX Convention Center in Taguig City|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=May 20, 2013|first=Doris C.|last=Dumlao}} Occupying {{convert|6,148|sqm|sp=us}}, it comprises 3 function rooms at the third level and 8 meeting rooms at the fourth level. It has a gross leasable area (GLA) of {{convert|3,136|sqm|sp=us}} and a total capacity of up to 2,480.{{cite web|url=https://www.smxconventioncenter.com/smx-aura/|title=SMX Aura|website=SMX Convention Center|accessdate=April 27, 2024}}
=SM Cinema=
SM Aura offers a total of six state-of-the-art cinemas with two regular cinemas, three Director's Club Cinemas equipped with Dolby Atmos sound system, and an IMAX theater at the fourth level.{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/309032/ready-your-eyes-for-the-imax-experience-at-sm-aura/story/|title=Ready your eyes for the IMAX experience at SM Aura|publisher=GMA News}}
==Director's Club==
SM Aura offers three Director's Club Cinemas with in-butler service. It is the second Director's Club Cinema branch after SM Mall of Asia. It originally had two cinemas formerly located at the now-occupied renovated regular cinemas.
The Director's Club was closed on May 2023 and relocated at the area of the former regular cinemas and re-opened on December 2023, equipped with Ferco Verona recliner seats and Dolby Atmos surround sound system. A third Director's Club was opened on 2024.
==IMAX==
SM Aura offers an IMAX theater that is the seventh of its kind in the country. In January 2022, the IMAX theater temporarily operated as a "Large Screen Format" (with films shown in non-IMAX DMR releases) due to undisclosed reasons. The IMAX theater resumed regular operations with IMAX DMR releases on May 4, 2022, along with the release of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Following SM Cinema's expanded partnership with IMAX Corporation that will bring IMAX with Laser upgrades to existing IMAX locations, the IMAX was temporarily closed on June 28, 2024, for renovation and upgrade to IMAX with Laser. It re-opened on September 17, 2024, following the red carpet premiere of Transformers One.{{cite web|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/sm-cinema-aura-unveils-imax-laser-23323|title=SM Cinema Aura unveils the most immersive cinematic experience with IMAX Laser|publisher=ABS-CBN News}}
==Event Screen==
The Event Screen opened on September 17, 2024, at the former IMAX lobby.
=Samsung Hall=
Samsung Hall is a 1,000-seat performance theater located at the 6th level of SM Aura. Built through the partnership of SM Group and Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation,{{cite news|url=https://www.smprime.com/latest_news/this-time-samsung-builds-a-performance-hall/|title=This time, Samsung builds a performance hall|date=December 3, 2013|accessdate=April 27, 2014|website=SM Prime}} it opened on October 25, 2013. It has a capacity of 1,000 people.{{cite news|url=https://www.recyclebinofamiddlechild.com/2013/11/samsung-hall-opens-at-sm-aura.html|title=Samsung Hall opens at SM Aura
|first=Alex De Vera|last=Dizon|date=November 4, 2013|accessdate=April 27, 2024|website=Recycle Bin of a Middle Child}} It has been graced by multiple international acts such as D'Sound (first performers at the venue),{{cite news|url=https://www.sugarsmile.info/2013/11/samsung-hall-opens-at-sm-aura-premier.html|title=Samsung Hall Opens at SM Aura Premier|first=Ria|last=Hazel|website=SugarSmile|date=November 8, 2013|accessdate=July 1, 2023}} Sungha Jung, Mayday Parade, Charli XCX, Metric, Before You Exit, Oh Wonder, Why Don't We, iKon, Prep, and Anna Akana.{{cite web |title=Anna Akana Brings Her "It Gets Darker" Comedy Special to Manila for One Night Only |url=https://www.wheninmanila.com/annaakanaitgetsdarker/ |website=When In Manila |access-date=February 19, 2025 |date=October 10, 2024}}
=Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod=
File:San Pedro Calungsod Chapel, BGC, Nov 2022.jpg
Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod is a 250-seat Roman Catholic chapel located at the 7th level of SM Aura. Opened in May 2013, it is named in honor of the Filipino saint Pedro Calungsod. Shaped like an abstract cave, it has a semi-circular opening that references to the cave of the Resurrection.{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/modern-living/2013/12/14/1267737/san-pedro-calungsod-chapel-opens-sm-aura-premier|title=San Pedro Calungsod Chapel opens at SM Aura Premier|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=December 14, 2013|accessdate=July 1, 2023}}
=SM Aura Tower=
The mall is connected to a 29-story office tower named SM Aura Tower, which has an area of {{convert|40424|sqm|sp=us}} and a GLA of {{convert|39654|sqm|sp=us}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.smoffices.com/ncr/sm-aura-tower/|title=SM Aura Tower|accessdate=March 10, 2024|website=SM Offices}} Opened in September 2014,{{cite news|url=https://www.smprime.com/latest_news/sm-aura-premier-launches-office-tower/|title=SM Aura Premier launches Office Tower|date=September 5, 2014|website=SM Prime|accessdate=December 8, 2024}} the SM Aura Tower is built according to international green standards, with efficient use of energy and sustainable operation features.{{cite news|title=SM Aura Premier launches Office Tower|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/sm-aura-premier-launches-office-tower/|access-date=September 16, 2014|publisher=Manila Bulletin Online}} The Office Tower is also home to one of the largest serviced offices in the Philippines, with 400 seats in a {{convert|20000|sqm|sp=us|adj=on}} office space.{{cite news|title=KMC Solutions Launches One of the Largest Serviced Offices in the Philippines|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kmc-solutions-launches-one-largest-010000952.html|access-date=September 16, 2014|publisher=PR Newswire}} As part of Bonifacio Civic Center, the tower also houses several government offices such as Social Security System, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund (Home Development Mutual Fund), Philippine Postal Corporation, Bureau of Immigration, Land Registration Authority and Taguig City Government, where the Taguig City Council also holds sessions.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bgcmycity.com/article/viewarticle/article_id/342|title=Share unbiased news and stories about Bonifacio Global City and McKinley Hill|date=June 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627211628/http://www.bgcmycity.com/article/viewarticle/article_id/342|archive-date=June 27, 2015}} The tower also houses corporate offices such as Uber, Lixil Philippines, Cisco Systems Management, Inc., Regent Foods Corporation, Teleperformance, and Ezaki Glico International.
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines - panoramio (27).jpg|SM Aura Tower
SM Aura PremierJf 17.jpg|SM Aura Tower lobby
Awards and recognition
SM Aura is also the first and sole mall to be certified Gold under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for its green features in the retail sector in the Philippines.{{cite web|title=SM Aura gets award for green features|url=http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/02/13/1671564/sm-aura-gets-award-green-features|website=Philstar.com|access-date=June 24, 2017}}{{cite web|title=SM Aura Premier wins LEED Gold certification|url=http://www.manilatimes.net/sm-aura-premier-wins-leed-gold-certification/311614/|website=Manila Times|access-date=June 24, 2017|date=February 11, 2017|last=Talavera|first=Catherine}}{{cite web|title=SM Aura receives LEED Gold Designation|url=http://primer.com.ph/blog/2017/02/14/sm-aura-receives-leed-gold-designation/|website=Primer.com.ph|access-date=June 24, 2017}} The LEED Certification is an internationally recognized standard awarded to institutions that follow the strict regulations governing green architecture and construction. It is a citation awarded to a distinct few by the US Green Building Council.
Incident
On June 18, 2013, two window cleaners were injured when the gondola carrying them detached from its cables at the mall. Both were rushed to the nearby St. Luke's Medical Center – Global City.{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/06/18/955449/2-janitors-hurt-sm-aura-accident|title=2 janitors hurt in SM Aura accident|first=Mike|last=Frialde|date=June 18, 2013|work=The Philippine Star|accessdate=July 27, 2024}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{official website|http://www.sm-aura.com}}
{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=SM Lanang}}
{{s-ttl|title=47th SM Supermall|years=2013}}
{{s-aft|after=SM City BF Parañaque}}
{{S-end}}
{{Bonifacio Global City}}
{{SMPH}}
{{Metro Manila malls}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:SM Aura}}
Category:Shopping malls in Taguig
Category:Bonifacio Global City