ORMOC – “With the opening of Robinsons, we are now a legitimate city.”

Ormoc mayor Richard Gomez made this declaration during the launch of Robinsons Place Ormoc, the city’s first full-service mall, last April 19.

Ormocanons used to travel for at least two hours just to go to a mall. Neighboring city Tacloban has two shopping areas which are also owned by property giant Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC). One of these – Robinsons North Tacloban – opened just last year.

“I’m very happy to be here because the opening of a Robinsons mall is a milestone for our city,” said Gomez, who rose to fame in the ‘90s as an actor and model.

Naturally, Robinsons Place Ormoc was packed during the grand opening with the scheduled appearance of RLC endorser and “Wildflower” star Maja Salvador, as well as actor Arjo Atayde.

And the two did not disappoint their fans with their energetic performances.

“Kamusta po kayong lahat?” asked Salvador, prompting fans to show their love for the actress.

“Masayang-masaya po ako na nandito ako ngayon,” she added.

Robinsons Place Ormoc is located along Palo-Carigara Road in Barangay Cogon, occupying what used to be a sugar cane plantation.

It is RLC’s 48th mall and the company’s third in the Leyte region.

The mall’s design is inspired by pineapples, which Ormoc is known for.

Its food gallery at the second level features a curated set of dining establishments such as May Abohan, Choi’s Sizzlers, Zenaida’s Chateau Bistro, Pare’s Lechon, Pier Capitan, and Pepita’s Kitchen.

Some of Ormoc’s well-loved establishments like Ikea Cakes & Snacks, Yoyi’s Pastries and Desserts, Lucille’s Kan-anan, Roppy’s, and Mayong’s Snackhouse have also found a new home here.

Familiar brands in food and fashion such as Jollibee, Shakey’s, Dunkin Donuts, Bench, and Penshoppe are also part of the mall’s lineup, as well as RLC’s anchor tenants – Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Appliances, Handyman, and Daiso Japan.

Completing the mall are four movie theaters with more than 900 seats as well as an atrium area that is set to house shows and special events.