MOA Complex Completes Development of Two E-com Center

SM Land, a subsidiary of SM Investments Corp. (PSE: SM), sustains the growth of a burgeoning BPO-centric business hub in Pasay City with the development of Two E-com Center, the second in a series of four office buildings strategically located within the Mall of Asia Complex (MOAC). Two E-com will have approximately 68,000sqm of office and retail space and will be fully operational by the first quarter of 2012. The building was designed by architectural firm Arquitectonica to especially suit the needs of business process outsourcing companies and their employees that require highly specialized technological support systems and lifestyle services that cater to a 24-by-7 work week. 

Two E-com Center boasts of a unique twin-tower design interconnected at its topmost floors—a first in the Philippines. The iconic building will also be connected to the SM Mall of Asia (MOA). The fourth level will contain a podium with lush greenery and landscaping, al fresco dining and retail areas, along with additional office spaces. This will be accessible from the ground level through scenic escalators and staircases. More retail areas will likewise be available at the ground floor. 

Developed by SM Land under its Commercial Properties Group, the modern E-com buildings are strategically located within a complex that is just a few minutes away not only from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), but also from the major seaports North and South Harbors. They are also highly accessible to mass transport systems such as the LRT and MRT, and buses that go through the main EDSA thoroughfare. 

In 2007, the One E-com Center was launched and is now 98% occupied by anchor tenants such as BPO firms Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), EXL, and Legispro; shipping lines Maersk and American President Lines (APL); and maritime staffing firms MOF Company and OSTE Crewing. 

“Next wave” City Locations  

In the past few years, the local BPO industry has identified the trend toward “next wave” locations, or key areas of growth within Metro Manila and even provincial and regional centers, as opposed to heavy concentration of BPO operations within the traditional central business districts of Makati, Ortigas and Alabang. 

SM Land is in a unique position to leverage on this trend—to synergize its resources within the masterplanned Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City by creating a prime destination that is highly suited to meet the requirements of the BPO industry,” explains David Rafael, Senior Vice President of the Commercial Properties Group, in a statement. “What we offer within MOAC is a one-stop location for BPO employees, one that is safe and highly convenient, where transport, commercial establishments, and residential options are available and affordable. We are creating an environment that will ultimately help BPOs grow their business by making their employees happy.”

MOAC is owned and managed by SM Land’s Commercial Properties Group. Its anchor tenants and attraction, the SM Mall of Asia with its Manila Bay setting , and the SMX Convention Center are some of the top draws for tourism and business alike. The SM Mall of Asia is the world’s fourth largest mall and hosts a number of pioneering recreational facilities in the country such as the first IMAX 3D theater and the largest indoor skating rink. Hospitality establishments include the 15-story, 150-room Microtel Inns & Suites. Not too far away is Sea Residences, a mid-rise condominium development by SM Land subsidiary, SM Development Corp. (SMDC).