The birth of Island City Mall positively changed the demography of Tagbilaran City. Originally conceptualized by Mayor Dan Neri Lim during the administration of Mayor Jose Ma. Rocha, to be a part of a Satellite City to rise from the “no man’s land” in the Dampas-Dao area, ICM was baptized during the incumbency of Mayor Jose Torralba. That was nine years ago. The vision is realized. Although the name Satellite City did not materialize, Island City Mall courageously took the cudgels to make a dream come true. Today, most roads lead to ICM. ICM will be 9 years old on June 26, a Wednesday, and its Manager, Mario F. Cirujales, is in Cloud Nine, euphoric for the success of a venture some prophets of doom pronounced not feasible. That Island City Mall has definitely changed the lifestyle not only of Tagbilaran, but the entire Province of Bohol, is undebatable. It is now a “must-see, must-experience” feat for anybody who comes to Bohol, and even for Boholanos themselves from the 47 Municipalities. It has become the convergent for people from all walks of life.

These are excerpts of an interview with Manager Cirujales at ICM, amidst the razzle-buzzle of humanity that now frequents this Pride of Bohol.

LMP: When did ICM start its operation?

MFC: Island City Mall opened its door to the Boholanos on June 26, 2004. This month is the celebration of our 9th year anniversary in the business.

LMP: What were the problems encountered?

MFC: In the first 6 months of its operation, only 50% of the mall tenants were able to open simultaneously. The Mall traffic at that time was not that impressive. Many were hesitant to enter because their perception was that, the mall presentation is high-end. But as the years passed by, the Boholanos started to embrace the new trend and development in the Province. They themselves become a part of the development.

LMP: How were those problems solved?

MFC: We did a lot of marketing efforts, like having a series of events. We invited different artists from Manila to perform here, and organized the transport services (tricycle, multicab, taxi) for accessibility of the public. And simultaneously up-ended our customer service.

LMP: How true is the observation that ICM changed the lifestyle of Boholanos? In what way?

MFC: Yeah I agree to that, because when ICM commenced its operation years ago, and offers different line of products and services, there is no need for the people to go to Cebu or Manila to do shopping. As we can see, everything we wish for can be found at the Mall, may it be in fashion or other necessities. We are updated with the latest trends, and continuously innovate to cater to the needs of the buying public.

LMP: As the leading Mall in Bohol how does ICM contribute to the economy of the Province?

MFC: As to the employment angle, ICM alone has about 1,000 employees, aside from those employed in agencies, like promodising, security, and housekeeping. With the amount involved in the operations, it can only mean that the economy is alive. Other than that, we are able to contribute to the income of the City and the entire Province of Bohol.

LMP: How many individuals come to ICM daily?

MFC: Currently, our average mall traffic is 25 to 30 thousand a day. That means a lot of activities being initiated. Stagnation has no way to sit in.

LMP: Is this number significant enough to warrant the perception that the financial status of Bohol is stable?

MFC: For me, yes, because these people comes from class A to D. As we have observed, they are not only coming here to stroll around but to do shopping, have their grocery need, eat, watch movies, etc. And now, the banks are sprouting like mushrooms in Tagbilaran, which is a good indication that the Boholanos have plenty of money. (Laughs) We have banks and ATM outlets at ICM.

LMP: How many cars and motorized vehicles are parked at ICM daily?

MFC: For motorcycle, the average number is 2 to 3 thousand daily, while the four-wheel vehicle is about 2,000 to 2,500 a day. Just the use of gas for these vehicles indicates economic progress.

LMP: Is this a good indication that the Boholanos have an adequate buying capacity?

MFC: Yes, because as we could see, there are already high-end cars park in the Mall premises. Even our car exhibitors would agree that the Boholanos nowadays can really afford to have one. These outlets and name-brands would not have thrived at ICM if the Boholanos have a very limited buying capacity.

LMP: What is the theme in this year’s anniversary celebration?

MFC: The concept of our 9th year anniversary is Mardi Gras. It signifies a joyous and festive celebration, as we welcome another year in the business. A lot of music and dancing, while trying to enhance the talents we have plenty around.

LMP: How are the preparations for the celebration? Has there been problems encountered?

MFC: There are small problems but they are manageable. We started with the preparation late of March. As we enter the month of June, all the activities for the anniversary are already lined-up. These are classified in three dimensions: promotions, entertainment, and outreach program. The last emphasizes our concern for socio-economic development.

LMP: What is the tentative schedule of the activities planned?

MFC: As of now, everything is already set. For promotions, our Department store is giving up to 70% discount starting June 28-30. And for the first time, we will be having the “Orange Tag Madness” at the Supermarket, which means, we are offering 10% discount on all items with orange tag on June 28-30 also. For our Mall tenants, we have the “Lucky 9 Promo,” and they will be giving away cellphones and gift packs to our valued customers from June 22-30. For entertainment, we have Voices of Champions (June 22, 23, 28), ICM Got Talent (exclusively for ICM employees) and the audition is on June 17, and the finals is June 24. Another event is the Zumba Marathon at the carpark (June 26) with instructors coming from Cebu and Bohol. The motorcade, which is an annual activity, is scheduled on June 29, along the main streets of Tagbilaran City. On that same day, is the Mardi Gras fashion show highlighted by the ABS-CBN talent Andi Eigenman. Lastly, is the “Make Your Moves Dance Contest” on June 30. For our outreach program, we have invited special children from Loon. They will have a movie treat at the Screenville Cinema, lunch, and entertainment at the activity center.

LMP: The 9th year anniversary is fully-loaded with activities. The people would really enjoy the celebration. Another thing, Alturas Supermarket is undergoing a massive renovation. Has ICM have some plans of expansion?

MFC: Yeah, in fact as early as now, we are already discussing that matter with the top management because it needs a thorough preparation. Maybe, in five years time, the expansion will take place. We have to keep on growing up, not just because of competition; but because we cast to give our best to the Boholanos.

LMP: What do you believe is the most significant contribution of ICM to Bohol?

MFC: Being one of the shopping destinations in the Province for local and international tourists, it has changed the lifestyle of the Boholanos positively. ICM is noted for its contribution to the economy, specifically in the employment angle.

LMP: How long have you been the Mall Manager of ICM?

MFC: I started in 2003 during the construction of the Mall. I have been with the company for 10 years now.

LMP: How would you assess Island City Mall as a whole?

MFC: ICM is growing and has already established its name nationwide. Even in social networking sites, we are commended with positive write-ups. There are even some who uploaded memorable photos of their experiences in the mall on their blogs. We have been accorded various awards, both local and national, to signify that we at par with the best in the country.

LMP: What is the future of ICM, say, 5 or 10 years from now?

MFC: As what I have mentioned earlier, maybe, in 5 years time, the expansion project will be completed, and those interested national players will be accommodated to do business with us. In fact, last year some of our tenants underwent renovation. For 2013, Jollibee and Chowking are in-line for reconstruction, including Goldilocks who just completed its renovation and started its operation last week of May. Red Ribbon is also coming up within this month. Over all, ICM is continuously taking its trail towards more successful years in serving the Boholanos with a different touch of good quality services.

LMP: Your message to our readers.

MFC: I would like to thank the Boholanos for their trust and continues patronage to Island City Mall. As we mark the success of our 9th year in the business, we are humbly sharing it to everyone for their unending support and hardwork throughout our journey.

Being “on cloud nine” is a beautiful feeling, and this is what the management and habitués of ICM are presently sharing. The sweet smell of success reigns in the atmosphere. Tagbilaran City is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. For some, one reason for this growth is Island City Mall.

(Website: www.loypalapos.com; email: loy.pal@gmail.com; cellphone: 09498345957)