SMX Convention Center arrives in Bacolod

When I was working with Hands On Manila, I had the opportunity to hold our annual Servathon culmination with thousands of volunteers at the SMX Convention Center, a modern, state-of-the-art events venue in Pasay City. Since then, I had been receiving regular updates from them via email.

While in Manila, I would visit SMX for the travel expos, book fairs, corporate affairs, trade exhibits, and a whole lot more. Imagine my excitement when, already back in my hometown of Bacolod City, I received their e-newsletter that an SMX in my very own city would be opening soon.

I immediately contacted those I knew who were connected with SMX in Manila. I even called SM Bacolod to inquire. It was fortunate that both were able to respond to my queries separately. I set with Karlyn Bautista of SMX Bacolod October 3 for us to meet. The following days after I made the call, SMX Manila’s Mona Florendo got in touch with me and during our text exchanges, she confirmed that we would meet on October 3 at 21 Restaurant along Lacson St. as she and her team would be in Bacolod that day.

October 3 finally arrived and as soon as I entered the restaurant, I was surprised to find my college classmate from the University of the Philippines-College of Mass Communications in Diliman and fellow Bacolodnon Treena Cueva-Tecson standing at the doorway of the special room reserved for SMX guests. Little did I know that it was a lunch for the media. I was there to represent micenet Asia, where I contribute regularly as a Senior Writer.

It was good to know that a convention center was to open in Bacolod City because it definitely needs a big venue to cater to MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions) events.

SMX Bacolod has three Function Rooms with a total area of 3,544 square meters that can accommodate to up to 4,500 people, and six Meeting Rooms ranging from 71 square meters to 207 square meters.

And with Masskara happening that month, SMX Bacolod seemed bent on opening its doors to the public through a soft launch that would take place on October 16. It paved a way to the MassKara City, the Bacolod Trade Expo and Conference 2014.

On October 17, my sister and I went to the newly opened North Wing of SM Bacolod. Long queues were seen at the food court where Sbarro, Kimbob, Casa Ilongga and other eateries also commenced operation. We proceeded to the 3rd floor where SMX Bacolod was to be found.

Inside the Function Rooms were various booths of the different cities and towns in Negros Occidental and several businesses – from spas to food to craft products to call center companies – which were greatly patronized by guests and visitors. We went from one booth to another, checking what they were displaying.

Then, a music at the entertainment area of the Function Room caught our attention. People dressed in Masskara costumes, complete with beaming masks and colorful headdresses, paraded at the ramp, much to the delight of the audience.

Truly, SMX Bacolod has brought a different kind of vibe to the city scene. I am excited about their formal launching this November as I feel that a new era in Bacolod’s tourism and economy will emerge with the arrival of SMX in the City of Smiles.