The opening of the SMX Convention Center Bacolod was nothing but grand. It was a preview of what SMX Bacolod can do to your events. We already had a glimpse of how SMX Bacolod can help boost Bacolod City as a MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) destination during its soft opening with the MassKara City Trade Expo. But nothing prepared us for the grandeur of its official launching last night.
Guests were welcomed into Function Hall 3 where there is an exhibit of religious icons, Filipiniana gowns, Negrense products and artworks. Right at the entrance was a steam locomotive popularly known as iron dinosaur as if to remind Negrenses of their grandiose past. This exhibit is titled “A Sweet Legacy” which showcases the best of Negrense heritage, culture and commerce.
SMX Convention Center General Manager Dexter Deyto, who addressed the guests during the opening program, said that they are bringing to Bacolod the same international standards and acclaimed service that the SMX brand is well-known for.
Mayor Monico Puentevella said that with the opening of the biggest convention center in the Visayas, he is looking forward to hosting many national conventions. The Mayor said that this will be a big year for Bacolod especially since the city will be one of the host cities of the APEC Summit next year. He added that Bacolod will also host the MICECON in 2016. He thanked the Sy family through SM Hotels and Conventions President Elizabeth Sy, for investing in Bacolod.
We thought that was the end of the opening program but then the walls connecting to Function Hall 2 opened and we were brought back in time as we were ushered into a hall with a set depicting The Ruins mansion complete with a water fountain. As awed guests find their seats, Vivace String Ensemble played haunting Ilonggo songs.
The show opened with a ballet performance from MMB Dance Centre. A fashion show by local designers John Rodain, Steve Genzola and John John Ditching.
SMX again surprised a lot of guests when it was announced that designs of acclaimed Filipino designer Renee Salud will be modeled by no less than local and national beauty queens led by Miss International Bea Rose Santiago.
Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago wore a purple gown designed by Renee Salud using handwoven and naturally-dyed OISCA silk. She entered the hall wearing a lighter purple shawl and when she removed the shawl and started to walk around, we were enthralled by the beauty of the gown and the gracefulness of the wearer. Miss Santiago really did justice to the OISCA silk and design of Renee Salud.
The final gown she wore was a wedding gown made from indigenous fabric and inspired by Filipino architectural designs. It was simply breathtaking! Renee Salud is really a genius. The hall was filled with applause as he took a bow with his muse.
And finally it’s time to party! Guests were again ushered to adjacent Function Hall 1 to be welcomed by the drumbeats from Ritmo Verde. More cocktails were served as electric masskara dancers entertained the guests. A top Manila DJ then took center stage and provided the lively music.
SMX simply wowed the guests. It was an exhilarating experience that filled us with excitement for more great events at the most modern and biggest convention center in the Visayas!
SMX Bacolod is located on the 3rd Level of SM City Bacolod North Wing. SMX Bacolod has 8,218 square meters of event space, with a pre-function lobby, six meeting rooms and three function rooms which can accommodate up to 4,500 people.
For reservations and inquiries to SMX Convention Center Bacolod, you may call Tel. No. (034) 468-9999 or you may send an email to info@smxcc.com.ph or eventsales@smxcc.com.ph. Visit their website at www.smxconventioncenter.com.
Photo credits to Rommel Pasaporte