Mindanaotoday.com | Metro Square opens in the heart of Iponan
By: Jigger Jerusalem
BARANGAY Iponan is located on the fringes of Cagayan de Oro’s western side. It has numerous housing subdivisions but it has not been known as a commercial or entertainment hub.
But that will all change with the opening of Metro Square, an all-in-one venue not just for the residents of Iponan but from people from neighboring villages in the city and towns in Misamis Oriental.
The mini-mall, which opens to the public on Sept. 17, 2022, houses a variety of establishments including an appliance center, KTV bar, convenience store, transient inn, wet market, food shops and many more.
In his message, Floriano Hilot, chief executive officer of the Oro Integrated Cooperative, said Metro Square owner Dindo Lepaopao and his wife Fe, started from humble beginnings.
“Even when their business has expanded, the Lepaopao couple has not lost their humility. I am here to give an inspirational message, but I am inspired by their success and hard work who brought them to where they are today,” Hilot said.
Kag. Madeline Gacasan of Iponan said the Metro Square will greatly help the Iponan residents, especially its marginal vendors.
“Our small-time vendors who before have no space to sell are now given the opportunity to do business. They were given priority by the management to rent a space,” Gacasan said.
Lawyer Joan Lanzaderas, an administrative officer of Metro Square, said the place is just like a “community hub” that can cater to the needs of the residents and visitors.
For chef Harry Mann, who operates several of the food stalls at the second floor, the Metro Square offers the convenience of an open kind of mall.
“Everything is here. The management has a pretty good vision when they built the Metro Square,” he said, adding that before, people have to go to either the uptown or the downtown are just to dine, have coffee or simply hanging out with friends.
But with Metro Square, Mann said, they are given an option not to venture outside Iponan just to have fun.
“Metro Square offers Filipino and international food. You have your Korean, you have your Mongoloan, you have your Arabic. The food is very diverse,” the chef added.
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