Launch of SMX Convention Center (Taguig City)

SMX Convention Center

The presson at Meeting Rm. 8

Last Friday, I was invited by Ms. Grace Victoria Aquino, Marketing Communications Manager of SMX, to attend a presscon during the launch of the new, 6,358 sq. m. SMX Convention Center Taguig, the third property under the SMX Brand (the others are in Lanang in Davao City, finished in 2012, and at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, finished in 2007).  

This was to be held in conjunction with the opening of SM Aura Premier, SM's first foray into the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.  For company (and to take photographs), I brought along my daughter Cheska who is also a blogger (www.themodernfilipinamom.com). 

Buffet setup by LJC Catering Group 

It seem all roads lead to SM Aura as heavy traffic met us as we entered Fort Bonifacio.  It became worst as we neared SM.  Thinking I was already late, Cheska took the wheel of the car and dropped me off near the mall entrance. She would follow upon parking the car.  

The mall was unusually packed with people, it being just a Friday and not a weekend.  The presscon was held at the 154 sq. m. Meeting Room 8 at the 3rd Level.  About 20 mins. later, Cheska joined us.   Aside from Grace, also on hand to welcome us was Mr.Dexter Deyto, SMX Convention Specialist Corp. ( a subsidiary managed by the SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.) Vice-President and General Manager.

Cheska with Grace Aquino

The delicious Filipino food served, which included crispy lechon, manok sa luyang dilaw, pakbet Capampangan and binukadkad na pla pla (plus dessert of canonigo with mango balls, chocolate profiteroles and cassava cake), was catered by the LJC Group Catering Service.

Their menus are drawn from celebrated and acclaimed LJC brands such as Abe’s Farm, Bistro Remedios, Lorenzo’s Way, Café Havana, Larry’s Café and Bar, Café Adriatico and Fely J’s Kitchen.  Cheska and I have dined out at the last two mentioned.

After lunch, Grace invited us to look around the center’s 3 function rooms (which can accommodate 250 to 2,250 people depending on the client’s requirements), each with its own kitchen, as well as 8 meeting rooms (which can accommodate anywhere from 36 to 255 people). 

Corporate meeting setup by Tjioe The Caterer

Another corporate setup by Josiah's Catering

Flower arrangement by 
Josiah's Catering

Flower arrangement by 
Tamayo's Catering

Each room was set up for a special event (meetings, debuts, weddings, cocktails, conventions, etc.) by some of the country’s top caterers.

Aside from the LJC Group, they include Bizu Catering Studio; Josiah’s Catering, Inc.; Tjioe The Caterer;  Tamayo’s Catering and Via Mare Catering.

Cheska was especially delighted with the wedding banquet setups especially the elegant table settings and flower arrangements, all done in different color schemes such as pastel green, fiery red and lavender (her favorite color). 

Table setup by Via Mare Catering

Table setup by Tamayo's Catering

Lounge setup by Bizu Catering Studio

Buffet setup by Tamayo's Catering

Cocktail setup by Josiah's Catering

SMX Convention Center Taguig: 3rd and 4th Level, SM Aura Premier, 36th  St. cor. McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.  Tel: 556-8888 loc. 124.

Bizu Catering Studio: First Midland Bldg., 109 Gamboa St., 1223 Makati City. Tel: (632) 845-0590, 845-0591, 845-05-92 and 845-0293. Email: catering-concierge@bizugroupe.com. Website: www.bizupatisserie.com.

LJC Group Catering Service: Tel: (632) 506-8140 to 41.  Mobile number: (0917) 552-2733

Josiah’s Catering: 34 East Drive, Marikina Heights, Marikina City.  Tel: (632) 475-2703 (trunkline), 941-7032, 934-2163, 934-5134 and 934-9252. Fax: (632) 934.6734. Website: www.josiahcatering.com.     

Tjioe The Caterer: Tel: (632) 854-6600 and 851-0226. E-mail: inquiries@tjioethecaterer.ph. Website: www.tjioethecaterer.ph. 

Tamayo’s Catering: G/F, Plaza San Luis, Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. Tel: (632) 526-2222 (hotline).  Fax: (632) 536-7682. E-mail: info@tamayos.com.ph.  Website:  www.tamayos.com.ph. 

Via Mare Catering: 7503 Bagtikan St., San Antonio Village, Makati City. Tel: (632) 890-8090 and 890-8023. Fax: (632) 890-8001. E-mail: info@viamare.com.ph. Website: www.viamare.com.ph.