The New Podium Creates “A Piece Of Singapore” In Manila

There’s so much thought that went into the design process of the newly-launched The Podium. Our favorite feature? It has the largest vertical green wall in the country!

Grace Libero-Cruz

September 10, 2019, 05:35 PM

If you’re reminded of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands or any other luxurious retail space in Singapore when you’re inside The Podium, then it means that the vision behind this project was successfully executed with a local touch that will certainly appeal to the mall-loving Pinoys. “More than ever, we’re also seeing more renewed interest in the various Singaporean companies in the Philippines. We hope to create a piece of Singapore here in The Podium, having the Hall which has the look and feel of Singapore mall,” says BDO Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson during the grand opening of this landmark eco-icon in the Ortigas business district (OBD).

The grand opening of the new Podium was graced by the President of the Republic of Singapore, Madam Halimah Yacob, who is in Manila for a State Visit to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines.

Madam Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore, graced the opening ceremony of The Podium’s newly completed expansion at the heart of the Ortigas Center. She is welcomed by Teresita Sy-Coson, Chairperson of BDO Unibank (third from left); Dr. Lee Boon Yang, Chairman of Keppel Corporation (third from right); Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee, SM Prime (second from right); and Loh Chin Hua, CEO of Keppel Corporation and Chairman of Keppel Land (second from left). A joint project between the Philippines’ BDO Unibank, Inc. and Singapore’s Keppel Land Limited, The Podium complex showcases the strong ties, shared expertise, and successful collaboration between Philippine and Singapore industry leaders. The official opening of The Podium, comprising an expanded Podium mall and the completion of The Podium West Tower, is one of the highlights of President Halimah’s State Visit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines. Also shown in photo are Nestor Tan, President and CEO of BDO Unibank (far left); and Tan Swee Yiow, CEO of Keppel Land (far right).

In line with this momentous occasion, The Podium organized “Singaporium: A Lifestyle and Food Pop-Up” that started from September 6 and will last till September 15, 2019. At this special pop-up, The Podium puts the spotlight on 17 Singaporean brands in the fashion, food, and lifestyle sectors, such as Bynd Artisan, Benns Chocolate, Collin’s Grille, Hervelvetvase, Jumain Sataysfaction, Klosh, KrisShop, Mighty Jaxx, Ming Fa, OSIM PH, Our Second Nature, Play Nation Philippines, Porcelain, Stuff’d, WOK HEY, Wolf Burgers, and Yeo’s.

Those who shop from Singaporium get a chance to win a grand prize of a 3-day-and-2-night trip for two to Singapore.

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A post shared by The Podium (@thepodiummall) on Aug 26, 2019 at 9:28pm PDT

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A post shared by The Podium (@thepodiummall) on Aug 26, 2019 at 9:27pm PDT

The office and retail mixed-use development was designed to fulfill lifestyle needs, as well as cater to the growing demand for prime office spaces, particularly in OBD. Sy-Coson adds, “This development is significant because it is here where we hope to connect Singapore and Philippines’ companies whether through retail collaborations in the mall or looking for local-owned or representative office spaces or even searching for the right local financing department through the BDO banking. We would like to make things easier for Singaporean companies.”

Strategically located in the heart of the Ortigas Business District, The Podium Complex is redefining the city skyline with its sleek, sophisticated design and innovative green initiatives. The multi-awarded development comprises three components: The Podium Mall, The BDO Corporate Tower and The Podium West Tower.

Aside from the being the venue of many go-to shops, restaurants, and wellness hubs, what’s even more notable about the new Podium is its modern green design. Its 2,000 sqm. garden wall is the largest vertical green wall in the country with over 6,500 plants that can produce enough oxygen for 17 people every 24 hours. This is just one of the property’s many green and sustainable features that involve efforts on energy-efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable construction.

Because of The Podium’s sustainable efforts, it was the first to receive the provisional Green Mark Gold Award by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, and was also awarded the LEED Gold Mark (Core & Shell) pre-certification by the US Green Building Council.

The Podium was developed in phases: Phase One of The Podium comprises The Podium retail mall, which was opened in 2002. Phase Two retail mall commenced operations in 2017. Construction of The Podium West Tower started in 2015 and was completed in May 2019. The total net leasable area of The Podium development is about 140,000 sqm., comprising about 50,000 sqm. of retail space and about 90,000 sqm. of office space.

Among the world-class features and amenities of this newly-launched property is The Podium Hall, a 750 sqm. state-of-the-art event place that can accommodate 800 people.

The Podium features a 2,000 sqm. garden wall, the largest vertical green wall in the country, with over 6,500 plants.

On the day of the grand opening of The Podium, SM Cinema also officially launched its newest Director’s Club branch at The Podium with a special screening of American supernatural horror film It: Chapter 2. At the three new exclusive Director’s Club cinemas, moviegoers get to enjoy watching while sitting or lounging comfortably in La-Z-Boy seats. Each cinema only has 48 seats which are equipped with push buttons that automatically signal for the in-house butler service. Aside from the unlimited popcorn and other special menu items offered by Snack Time, the premier theater will soon offer wine pairings as well!