The Making of SM Olongapo

Finally SM Olongapo is scheduled to  open on December 16,2011. Blessing will  be presided by none other than the Bishop of  Iba. It was mixed emotions for me. I love one stop shops. I am used to shopping in big malls in Manila where everything is in one cool place. I love to shop and dine and watch movies and this is my comfort zone. On the other hand,when I think about the local businessman of our city I feel sorry for them. I sometimes feel sorry to the people of Olongapo. Yes, it creates jobs and opportunity but where do the employees go from here? How are the local businessmen be able to compete with a giant? Is having an SM Mall really is a sign of a progressive city? And then, I think of the place, what it was before and who was in there before? Where are they now? How are they now?  

History

This was Lot 21. A prime lot just outside the SBMA Main Gate and now the site of the 7- storey
 ( the highest among the rest, I think) among SM Malls.  

The development of this parcel of  land  was one of Gapo's urban stories. They said, it was a vacant lot before registered to 21 individual people hence the name " LOT 21". It was a big scrap of land and undeveloped so the local government eventually "borrowed" the supposed land, made it useful by  putting  in a "tiangge" during holiday season .                             

 Eventually, it was called "Night Market" which now runs the whole year round.  Majority of owners were small to medium enterpreneurs. The Muslim community added a vibrant and lively atmosphere and for some years became the main venue for people buying clothes, shoes, gift items, toys  and yes, pirated dvds.                                                                                                                    

   The local gov't have dreamed of having a mall in Olongapo. Hence, the idea of " Olongapo City Mall" came about.The previous owners, some are dead and some are now living abroad did not contest. Some may have objected, 21 owners would have filed a restraining order to make the case strong. There were speculation that LOT 21's ownership eventually was transferred to the local government without due process. Despite of the question about the land's ownership still it was a peaceful transition. The previous stall owners where given priority for the 5- year lease in the mall so that they can continue their business. At first , it was an ideal place to go to. Olongapo City Mall was spacious and cool but towards the fourth year, it could not hide the poor maintenance. It became crowded with little to none cooling system. Towards the end of the 5 year lease of the stall owners, there were great big buzz that contracts will not be renewed anymore. There were news of SM coming in but no one confirmed the news. Henry Sy,Jr  was even seen with the mayor inspecting the Olongapo City Mall. Finally, a meeting was held where batch of stall owners where called in and announced that Olongapo sold the land to SM Corporation. They were asked to vacate in a month. There was a silent objection from the owners. They do not want to leave..not that soon as their livelihood depends on it. The news that the Olongapo government earned billions for the sale of the lot has took a toll on the stall owners.The government does not have any plans for the displaced small time businessmen. The stall owner fought their way by staying in. They did'nt leave the premises even when the cooling system was shut down and later on, the electricity was cut off. It was an almost oven like temperature inside the mall. The sight was pitiful. It was not a place conducive for human. The fight went on for almost 9 months. The government did not falter and just gave in when one brave lawyer fought for their rights. Eventually, SM or the government gave- in.  There was an out of court settlement. Minutes after papers where signed, SM security guards were in the area securing the place. They said they will convert the place but eventually torn down everything. Hear say, substandard construction of Olongapo City Mall. Now, the new SM will soon open giving hundreds of employment opportunity. I just hope that they can look back at this and say they made the right choice.