PAMPANGA?S mallrats have good reason to rejoice.

After focusing on developments in the south, Ayala Land gives the far north its attention by opening Marquee Mall, the newest Ayala mall in the country.

Antonio T. Aquino, president of Ayala Land Inc. thinks the timing is perfect.

?On top of the recent completion of North Luzon Expressway, they?ve also finished the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway. We?re also hearing of the extension of the North Luzon Expressway all the way to La Union. Also, Clark International Airport is getting more attention and activity.?

He believes this infrastructure growth will make the mall accessible to people. An inter-modal transport terminal for buses, jeepneys, AUVs and tricycles make things even easier for shoppers.

Ahead of the curve

Located in Angeles City, Pampanga, the 70,000-square-meter mall is one vital component of Marquee, a 53-hectare community being developed by Ayala Land Inc. Marquee was strategically built in the vicinity of Marquee Place, a residential area developed by Alveo Land.

The three-story mall, which will be home to more than 450 stores and restaurants, will offer the residents of Pampanga and outlying provinces, ultimate convenience. Ayala Land Inc. senior vice president and Ayala Malls group head Marivic Añonuevo said, ?Always ahead of the curve, Ayala Malls designed Marquee Mall with dynamism and innovation to provide convenience to loyal patrons and customers.?

Aside from Metro Supermarket and Department Store, the mall boasts stores such as Aldo, Nautica, Iora, Lacoste Footwear, Sanuk, Bossini, Samsonite, Naturalizer, Aerosoles, Nine West, Lacoste, Marks & Spencer, Swatch, Res Toe Run, Travel Club and more.

Local brand giants Bench, Penshoppe, Folded & Hung, Kamiseta and Bayo are also there.

Foodies will get to enjoy restaurants such as TGIFriday?s, Italianni?s, Flapjacks and Cyma.

The mall will cater not just to people from Pampanga, but also to residents of Bulacan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Cabanatuan.

Even mallrats from Manila can be drawn to Marquee Mall. ?It has a very nice geographical presence. People who go on road trips can stop by if they want to have a break or want to try Pampanga food. They can eat there and buy pasalubong,? said Aquino.

The mall will showcase the pride of Pampanga by providing space for Nathaniels, Susie?s Cuisine, Ikabud, Kabigting?s Halo-halo and Aling Lucing?s Sisig, and giving shoppers a taste of authentic Kapampangan cuisine.

?It?s not just our objective to offer people the chance to enjoy the lifestyle of Pampanga in our malls, we want to give opportunities to the entrepreneurs in that locality,? he added.

Lush landscaping

As early as now, Ayala Malls is already planning exciting events at Marquee Mall?s Activity Center and Civic Plaza, which features lush landscaping, water installations and interactive sculptures designed by Reggie Yuson.

Aquino said, ?We?ll have the usual elements that we?re known for ? the high-quality merchants, quality dining experience, nice civic park, entertainment offerings and more.?

There will be four cinemas at Marquee, TimeZone and restaurants that stay open until late for people who want to enjoy nightlife at the mall.

?Maintaining world-class facilities is part of our commitment to provide topnotch lifestyle shopping, dining and entertainment experience for its loyal patrons,? said Aquino.

Pampanga, get ready to shop.

Marquee Mall opens on September 23.