Robinsons recovers in ‘Yolanda’ aftermath

Property developer Robinsons Land Corp. is scaling up its footprint in Tacloban—a bustling seaside city that has bounced back strongly from the devastation of Supertyphoon “Yolanda”  in 2013—with the expansion of its Robinsons shopping mall and the opening of its second hotel.

In time for the Christmas rush, the property arm of the Gokongwei group is opening on Dec. 8 a new wing in Robinsons Place Tacloban that will expand its leasable area to about 50 percent. A new Summit Hotel, which will have 130 rooms and suites, will likewise be opened before yearend.

“This expansion is a testament to the resilience and positive energy of the Taclobanons as they not only recover but thrive after the devastation wrought by ‘Yolanda,’” RLC president Frederick Go said in a press statement.

When it first opened in 2009, the mall had 33,000 square meters (sq m), expanding by another 10,000 sq m in 2011. The latest expansion will add a gross floor area of 22,500 sq m and a gross leasable area of 14,750 sq m.

Growing economy

“Due to the growing economy of Tacloban City, we have created additional space for more upscale shopping and dining options as well as more venues for entertainment,” Go said.

A three-story extension mall had been constructed at the back of the existing mall. One level provides for two extra cinemas, tenants and an amusement area.

The new development also paves the way for the expansion of Robinsons Supermarket and the two-story Robinsons Department Store.

“There will be bigger reasons to enjoy grocery shopping at Robinsons Supermarket as 1,300 sq m are added to its current size of 3,608 sq m. With its expansion, Robinsons Supermarket will be unveiling a fresher and greener look,” said Go.

The mall will also have a 855-sq m Lingkod Pinoy center, which will serve as a one-stop-shop for various government services for the convenience of mall goers.

There is also an al fresco dining area that connects to the Summit Hotel, which will open later this year.

Go said this new hotel would cater to the meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions market. This was seen to complement the 98-room Go Hotels Tacloban, one of the chain’s best performing branches in the Visayas. —DORIS DUMLAO-ABADILLA