This just got in!

According to very, very, very reliable sources… no, let me rephrase that,   according to a Robinsons insider, Gokongwei’s biggest mall project in Mindanao, the Robinsons Place General Santos,  will not be unveiled on September as first announced here.  Instead, they are moving their OFFICIAL OPENING to the 3rd quarter of 2009, most possibly in October.

"A photo of Robinsons Place GenSan taken from the leftmost corner of the mall compound"
Robinsons GenSan Photo #1: “A photo of Robinsons Place GenSan taken from the leftmost corner of the mall compound.  First door to the right is the entrance to the SUPERMARKET.”

Bariles is assuming that the official day and date which will be formally announced soon will have to conform to Fengshui readings and of course, more practically, on whether the mall, whose rentable spaces are reportedly 90% taken, are finished and ready for the generals.

Anyway, everyone whom Bariles has talked to is very excited about its opening and would give anything just to take a look of what’s inside the doors of this P2-billion edifice which now dominates the skyline of Barangay Lagao.

The Main Entrance Doorways of Robinsons Place GenSan
Robinsons GenSan Photo #2: “The Main Entrance Doorways of Robinsons Place GenSan”

Bariles has been lucky to have been allowed to tour the complex and all he could say during the 20-minuted walk inside was “AMAZING!” and “GRABEEH!

The mall may not look so imposing from the highway but upon entering the MAIN DOORS at the center, WHOAH!!!!  He felt like he just entered a huge cathedral and he never felt so puny, so small with the gigantic space which greeted him.

A closer look of the Robinsons Place GenSan Main Entrance leading to the cathedral-like Atrium
ROBINSONS GENSAN PHOTO #3: “A closer look of the Robinsons Place GenSan Main Entrance leading to the cathedral-sized Atrium”

Bariles immediately noticed the ultra-modern and functional features that this soon-to-opened mall possess and was glad that the Gokongwei’s left nothing to chance in ensuring that their flagship mall project in Mindanao will soon be a prime shopping destination in South Central Mindanao.

During the tour inside the mall, Bariles discovered the names of the tenants plastered on the sealed entrances of the different rentable spaces and felt that it was a good mix of local and multinational brands.

He was most excited with Robinsons Movieworld’s 4 moviehouses though,  knowing that their state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and ritzy interiors and seats will be worth each visit.

And yes!  He hopes that food bought inside the mall be allowed at the theaters, too since there’s nothing like a delicious piece of burger, a pack of crispy fries and ice-cold Coke Zero to keep him company while viewing the latest indie movie.

Robinsons Galleria Mandaluyongs Movieworld (Flickr foto by A. Acullado)
“Robinsons Galleria Mandaluyong’s Movieworld (Flickr foto by A. Acullado)”

The Robinsons Foodcourt beside the movie complex will also be one favorite hangout of Bariles after noticing from the names of the tenants that they will cater to different kinds of palates. Yummy, yummy, yum, yum!

He also got to take a peek of the space reserved for the Robinsons Department Store at the rightmost part of the mall, beside the cinemas; and noticed that it occupies two floors and thus, is equipped with escalators.  It will have its own Entrance from the highway.

The Entrance to Robinsons Department Store at the Right Side facing the National Higway
Robinsons GenSan Photo #4: “The Entrance to Robinsons Department Store at the Right Side facing the National Highway”

Occupying the front spaces are dining establishments which will stay open until after Robinsons Place’s doors have closed for the evening. They have been provided with their own entrances separate from the Main Doors so diners can stay as late as past midnight during weekends.  And the roofed spaces outside their front doors will be available for customers who want to enjoy their meals al fresco.  Now that would definitely improve GenSan’s night life!!!

Behind these glass doors will be restaurants and coffee shops which will stay open till midnight. Diners can choose to eat their meals al fresco outside the front yard.
Robinsons GenSan Photo #5: “Behind these glass doors will be restaurants and coffee shops which will stay open till midnight. Diners can choose to eat their meals al fresco outside the front yard/sidewalks.”

So there, even though Bariles was not allowed to take shots of the mall’s interiors, he hopes that the pictures here of Robinsons Place General Santos will ensure everyone that sooner or later, General Santos City will be known as the Shopping Capital of Region 12.

Finally, here is one final look of the soon-to-open Robinsons Place General Santos.  Thanks to the Watermark Wizard for the valuable assistance with the Robinsons GenSan photos and to Marz and Ms. Janette Toral for accompanying Bariles during the tour.

Robinsons Place GenSan and the spacious parking area infront.  Take note of the Waiting Sheds across the Main Entrance.
Robinsons GenSan Photo #6: “Robinsons Place GenSan and the spacious parking area infront. Take note of the Waiting Sheds across the Main Entrance.”

For information on Local Leasing, please contact Ms. Kasserine Joy Lim, Lease Officer of Robinsons Place of General Santos through her # at 0923-5697456 or Email her at gensan.lease (at) robinsonsland (dot) com.