A few months before I graduated from grade school and entered my teenage years, a new mall opened near our school—SM Centerpoint, now known as SM City Sta. Mesa. At the time, it was the biggest news among us students. We were all thrilled to finally have a place to hang out after school.

That mall quickly became our unofficial extension of campus after school hours. For most of us, it was the perfect stopover to grab last-minute school supplies we’d need for the next day. But more than that, it turned into “the” place to be—especially when there was no school the next day or when we just wanted to celebrate surviving a long week of exams.

I hadn’t been back since I graduated from high school, so when I finally got the chance to visit earlier this year, it felt like a “Back to the Future” moment—like a 13-year-old me somehow got a sneak peek of what the mall would look like 30 years later.

SM City Sta. Mesa has changed a lot. For one, it rebranded from SM Centerpoint to the current name in 2005—on its15th anniversary. “The new name highlights its proximity to the Santa Mesa district, making its location more identifiable to the public,” said the SM City Sta. Mesa team when I asked about the name change. And I have to agree—it’s no longer just a hangout for students or a quick stop for errands. It’s become a place where people of all ages can enjoy themselves, and there’s definitely something for everyone.

Good eats
I arrived around lunchtime, so the first thing I did was check out the casual dining area on the upper ground level. As a frequent customer of Bistro Group restaurants, I was thrilled to see they’re well-represented in this mall too.

You can’t go wrong with Modern Shanghai’s juicy Xiao Long Bao, paired with its Sweet and Sour Pork and Crispy Fried Noodles—just a few of my family’s go-to favorites. Italianni’s All-Day Set, priced at just P385, is also an affordable choice. It comes with your choice of appetizer, entrée, and drink. And, of course, there’s TGI Fridays, where the bartenders don’t just mix your favorite happy hour drinks—they serve them with flair and a performance to match!

Another restaurant to check out is the Chinese-Singaporean spot Wangfu. With an impressively extensive menu, you’ll surely keep going back to try all its dishes. The ones I got to sample were its bestsellers: Hainanese Chicken, Salted Egg Fried Chicken, Cereal Prawns, and Sea Bass with Mango Salad and Sweet Chili Sauce.

Right beside it is Udders Ice Cream from Singapore, brought in by the same people behind Wangfu. Top recommendations include Milo Dinosaur, Pistachio Power, Salted Caramel, and the Philippine-exclusive Guimaras Mango. It also serves affogato—your choice of ice cream with a shot of espresso.

Retail therapy
To walk off the weight I just gained, I explored a bit to see what’s new. Flying Tiger Copenhagen immediately caught my attention, and I couldn’t resist wandering through aisles filled with the cutest and quirkiest finds. Uniqlo, The Body Shop, Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, Capital, New Balance, Converse, Surplus, and The SM Store are just some of the many stores you can check out, too.

Cinematic experience
It wasn’t until I reached the fourth level that I realized—SM City Sta. Mesa has seriously leveled up. Its four regular cinemas now feature digital projection and sound technology, complete with ultra-comfy seating. Even more impressive are its two Director’s Club cinemas, each with just 50 leather reclining seats, an extended side table for your snacks and drinks, a cozy table lamp, and butler service for the full VIP experience.

Just across from the cinema is the Food Hall, which has a more contemporary outdoor park aesthetic and offers a wide variety of cuisines—it’s like taking a trip around the world, all in one place.

Fun for all ages
On one side of the fourth level, you'll find fun-filled establishments perfect for bonding with friends and family. Fantasy World is massive, featuring slides, trampolines, ball pits, and even a bumper car ride. And the best part? There’s no age limit—everyone is welcome to join in the fun.

For photobooth-loving Gen Zs—and even if you don’t fall into that category—there’s Oldmoon Studio, a self-photo shoot space with a charming, Korean-inspired vibe. It offers a wide selection of props and accessories to bring out the cuteness in each of us.

If these aren’t your cup of tea—or you want more—head over to the Karaoke Hub. Soon to open is IDIM (I Did It Myself) DIY Bakery, where you can bake your very own cupcakes or cakes and bring them home.

Fitness high
One of the latest additions is the set of pickleball courts located on the roof deck. There are four courts open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with an hourly rate of P450. And yes, you can make your reservations via smtickets.com.

SM City Sta. Mesa is not done with its upgrade efforts. “This year, the focus shifts to exterior enhancements, including a grand new entrance, façade updates on the annex, improved pedestrian canopies, and upgraded wall shops. This will be followed by parking renovations.”

“SM City Sta. Mesa caters primarily to young millennial parents and Gen Z shoppers, offering a vibrant and dynamic environment,” says Joaquin San Agustin, executive vice president for marketing of SM Supermalls. “In planning the mall’s facelift, we focused on SM’s commitment to continuous innovation and creating experiences that meet the evolving demands of the market. What we’re most proud of is not just the mall’s prime location, but the strong connection it has built with the community over the years.”

SM City Sta. Mesa is located at R. Magsaysay corner Araneta Avenue, Brgy Doña Imelda, Quezon City, and opens from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Sundays to Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.