Since the Cebu City lockdown in March 2020, many stores, except supermarkets and pharmacies which are essential for daily life, have been temporarily closed. Cebu's shopping malls are no exception, and lot of the malls that used to be full of people were temporarily closed. However, the number of stores that resumed operations from July-August 2020 has increased, and now it is almost fully operational except for facilities such as game centers and movie theaters.
This time, we would like to introduce the current state of Cebu's popular shopping malls: Ayala Mall, SM City Mall, and membership-based supermarket, Landers Superstore!
Coverage date: Jan 7th 2020
Table of contents
Every mall in Cebu City is observing the health protocols given by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) during this Covid-19 Pandemic. Shopping under the new normal could be quite a hassle for most, but it is for the health and safety of all. Here are some of the basic protocols when entering malls:
1. No face mask and face shield, No entry.
2. Body temperature will be checked, and hands will be sanitized upon entry.
3. Children below 15 years old and senior citizens above 65 are not allowed to enter malls.
4. Always observe social distancing inside the mall. (at least 1-2 meters apart)
5. Contact tracing is required when entering the shops, the supermarket and the department store.
6. Cashless transactions (card, Gcash, etc.) are not required but encouraged.
7. In food courts, only 2 persons are allowed per table. Only families can sit together in 1 table as a group.
8. Gaming areas such as Timezone (Ayala) and Bibo (SM) are still closed for operation.
Shopping during the pandemic may not be as relaxed as before, but there are also positive things that come out of this, such as BIG SALE everywhere! Almost every shop has gone on sale ever since the pandemic started. This is one way to help revive the economy. So, check that bag you’ve been wanting to buy! It might be on sale now!
However, as much as possible, everyone is encouraged to only visit the mall when necessary. Safety should still be our number 1 priority!
(* Information as of January 7, 2021)
Ayala center cebu
It’s a brand-new year but the same old protocols and safety measures continue to apply in Cebu City, especially in malls. Ayala Center Cebu has been a go-to place of every Cebuano for years – whether for some grocery shopping, or simply for a sumptuous meal in one of their restaurants. Ayala Center Cebu has been the meet-up place for friends and businessmen, being at the heart of the city. Every Cebuano sure has celebrated birthdays, graduations, mother’s days, father’s days, Christmases, new years, and many more, in this happy place. Then came 2020 with the Covid-19 pandemic. What used to be the Cebuanos’ hangout and go-to place, turned to be not so happy anymore. With all the restrictions and protocols, we can only dream of the next Sunday with the whole family, spent and enjoyed in Ayala Center Cebu.
Here is the current situation of Ayala Center Cebu during the pandemic:
It’s not as crowded as it used to be anymore.
Areas that used to be flocked with people like Starbucks at The Terraces, is not what it used to be as well.
Some facilities, such as movie theaters, game centers, other toy stores, and electronics stores, are still closed.
Currently, various shops are on sale!
Fast food restaurant
Dining in a fast food restaurant under the new normal is a totally different experience. Tables are limited to 2 people and divided with a clear plastic divider in the middle.
Food court
You are not free to go in and out the food court area anymore. You need to pass through this entrance and go through the safety measures needed including checking of temperature, sanitizing hands with alcohol, and writing your information for contract tracing.
Compared to fast food restaurants, dining in the food court is less strict because families can sit and eat together in 1 table. Families are the only groups allowed to dine together with more than 2 people in a table.
METRO Supermarket
When entering the METRO Supermarket, fill out the entry sheet at the entrance.
It is mandatory to wear a mask and face shield even in the metro.
Online purchase is also recommended!
New floors (5th and 6th floor) in the Metro Department store recently opened its doors to customers shortly before the Christmas holidays of 2020. These floors have been closed for nearly 2 years, due to a fire incident that happened in 2018.
The department store’s top floor, however, is still under construction. This is believed to be Metro Ayala’s food court area.
SM City Mall
Nothing tops your shopping experience with SM when you’re in Cebu. Everything you need, they have. Everything you look for is available for you at SM. Indeed, as their song goes, they’ve got it all for you!
But how is the situation in the city’s top shopping destination during the pandemic? Let’s go through some photos!
Like other malls, SM City Mall has a protocol for entering.
Random safety reminders are all over the area.
Food court
The food court situation in SM is just the same as the other malls’ – tables are limited to 2 diners only and only families are allowed to sit and eat together in 1 table with more than 2 people.
Other inside the mall
The most crowded area in malls nowadays is the supermarket. Social distancing must strictly be observed inside, especially while queueing.
There is also temperature check and alcohol disinfection when entering each shop.
Some facilities, such as movie theaters, game center, other toy stores, and electronics stores, were still closed.
Landers
Shopping for your holiday needs is always made better in Landers. It’s the place where you can best shop with holiday cheer. Despite this pandemic, it’s no different last Christmas season at Landers. People still flocked the place for the most sought-after holiday season needs! However, every member can only bring 1 guest per visit (compared before, when each member can bring up to 4 guests). Here are the top-selling products last season:
In Landers Superstore, every member can only bring 1 guest per visit (compared before, when each member can bring up to 4 guests).
Of course, sodas topped by Coca-cola products.
Other top-selling beverages include bottled milk teas and citron teas.
Their wide selection of wines and spirits was also a popular section during the holidays.
Moscato is the best-selling ladies’ drink, while the Cabernet Sauvignon for men.
During the holidays, Landers put up some stalls beside the food court and allowed small local business owners to display the local products they’re selling.
Just like any other food courts, Landers limits their tables to 2 persons, except for families. As seen in the photo above, some sides of the seats are blocked.
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