These SM Supermalls attractions are worthy of a road trip up north
Summers as a child were so much simpler and carefree.
Growing up abroad, most days outside school were idle afternoons at the park across from my apartment, spontaneous weekend sleepovers at friends’ houses, and cheap ice cream sandwiches to offset the blistering heat. Time seemed infinite back then, with leisure sitting comfortably at the top of my to-do list.
Winding down for me, now as a Manila resident, looks like one of two extremes: sinking into my couch and doomscrolling for hours on end or jumping through hoops to schedule a day out with friends who are just as busy as I am. It’s unfortunately easier said than done to prioritize rest. Getting older is inevitable, but losing our zest for life doesn’t have to be.
SM Supermalls hopes to preserve the season’s whimsy through its “Gala to the Max” initiative. “When I hear ‘Gala to the Max,’ I think about making the most out of ordinary days by doing things that make you happy with the people who make you happy,” writes Andrea Francesca Madlangbayan-Rodriguez, Regional Operations head and assistant vice president of Mall Operations for SM City Pampanga and SM City Clark. “It’s about maximizing fun and finding joy in the mundane moments.”
Young STAR tagged along with fellow media representatives and influencers on the “Gala to the Max” Summer Mall Crawl, a weekend highlighting exclusive experiences across SM City La Union, SM City Clark, and SM City Pampanga. The following are some recreational activities worth adding to your guide up north.
SM La Union
Magwayen’s Chrysalis
Past the entrance of SM City La Union lies “Magwayen’s Chrysalis,” Leeroy New’s sustainable art installation, which combines locally sourced bamboo, recycled plastic and terracotta pots. Together, these materials pay homage to nature and regional craftsmanship. By day, the textures and details shimmer on full display. Come nightfall, the art piece takes on a different kind of splendor with the interlaced LED lights.
Food Hall
Whether you crave a good ol’ local meal or international flavors, SM La Union’s Food Hall hosts a variety of choices. Filipino restaurant Krisp twists popular Pinoy dishes with fresh interpretations, like fried chicken with tinola gravy (P320).
Meanwhile, smaller-scale establishments like Bebo’s Bombay Burritos, Seoul Good! and Seawadeeka act as gateways to global cuisines. Who knew I’d stumble upon some proper palak paneer (Indian cottage cheese in a puréed spinach gravy, P416) at La Union of all places?
Sandbox
The Sandbox, which covers 1,348 square meters, aims to be a viable third space. It doesn’t matter if it’s sports matches, music events or other activities—the outdoor venue is meant to foster community.
Case in point: mere minutes into our arrival at the Sandbox, I was thrust into a volleyball match, only for it to transform into a dance floor with cocktails by the DJ booth.
SM City Clark
Summer Sports
Sports are not off the table even with the unrelenting heat, because SM City Clark gives you the option to play indoors. I found the bowling alley a great way to bond—what began as a casual game with people I didn’t know very well turned into a rambunctious session of cheering each other on with every pin knocked down.
Pana Archery and the ARMAS shooting range are two other athletic alternatives where you can hone in on precision and dexterity. However, if getting your steps in aligns better with your fitness goals, the Sky Line features an 800-meter walkable trail, free basic exercise equipment, areas where fur babies can roam around, and a view overlooking the city.
A taste of Japan
There’s no need to fly to Japan or even make the trek to Manila to eat quality Japanese food. Watami brings the cuisine closer to Clark residents through its playful takes on sushi and faithful renditions of other Japanese staples.
Teppanya, on the other hand, transforms an eight-course meal (P888 per person) into a performance, where chefs cook each dish in front of diners with pizzazz and periodic bursts of flames. If you’re lucky, you might even get to crack an egg with a spatula beside the chef.
SM City Pampanga
Space & Time Cube+
Inside the country’s longest mall, SM City Pampanga, is an interactive digital museum (P780 for ages 11+, P580 for ages 3-10) designed to spark curiosity and wonder. With multiple LED exhibits, mind-bending optical illusions, picturesque backdrops, and activities that bring out your inner child, Space & Time Cube+ is a feast for the senses.
Personal highlights include the Wandering Planets, the Space & Time Tunnel, and the VR Fantasy Cinema, a 9D “rollercoaster” that doesn’t hold back on the gusts of wind or spritzes of water.
Sky Ranch
While Sky Ranch Pampanga is the second of three branches, it is home to the country’s tallest Ferris wheel. At the Pampanga Eye’s peak, riders are treated to an aerial view of the amusement park and the dazzling city skyline.
The park has more to offer than its signature attraction, though. From carnival games to amusement park classics, Sky Ranch is an effective dopamine fix. For adrenaline junkies in particular (or scaredy cats willing to brave their fears), the Drop Tower and Loop Roller Coaster are two of the 15 rides that may be more your speed.
Entrance is generally free, but a surge price of P50-100 may apply during busy seasons. Access to all 15 rides is P350.
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Beyond the attractions and activities, what does the SM Supermalls team want people to take away from their galas? “I hope they remember the overall experience: the happiness and comfort SM Supermalls can provide,” says Rona Vida Correa, Regional Operations head for SM City La Union.
After three days of hopping around the upper provinces, I left the trip with a full stomach, a heart full of joy, and a new group of friends. I wasn’t the only one who felt bittersweet about the trip coming to an end; tears were shed as we bid our goodbyes. Summers come and go, but the backdrop to the memories you make lives on forever.
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