Sitangkai Island, Philippines
We are "originally" from the southernmost island of the Philippines (very close to Malaysia and Indonesia) thus we name our store the South Seas...
The 1976 Earthquake
On August 17, 1976, at 12:11 a.m. , a massive magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck near the Moro Gulf-just off the coast of Sultan Kudarat. This powerful quake triggered a devastating tsunami , with waves reaching up to 9 meters high that swept across coastal communities in Mindanao and the Zamboanga Peninsula. Cotabato City was among the hardest-hit areas. In a city of about 100,000 residents, 1500 people lost their lives, and many building-including the South Seas store on Jose Lim Street-collapsed entirely.
- Wikipedia
The "old" and "new" South Seas
Founded in the early 1950's by two pioneering families-one from Sulu/Tawi-Tawi, the other from Cebu City-the original business began as Cotabato South Seas Trading Co., located along Jose Lim Street.
After the devastating earthquake, South Seas moved to a temporary place of business at the old market area as we wait in anticipation for the construction of our very own "earthquake-resistant" South Seas Trading, Inc. building which is located along Magallanes Street (now Don Rufino Alonzo Street).
Finally, in 1981, we had our grand opening at this new building and for the next 24 years, we conducted our business at this location offfering Cotabateños grocery, school and office supplies, laces and threads on the ground level, a botica/drugstore on the upper mezzanine, household goods on the lower mezzanine, food court on the basement and men's, ladies, children's ware and sporting goods/toys on the 2nd level. This well constructed building which now house our furniture and household items is now referred to by locals as the "old South Seas".
The Cotabato City Transformation!
Finally again, in December of 2005, We inaugurated- the very first full-service shopping mall of it's kind with "escalators" in Cotabato City - We name it the "South Seas Complex". Shoppers, local and national news agency prefer to call it as the South Seas Mall. Since then, it has served as a central hub for retail, dining and community events.
"Something for Everyone" - Since 2005
Since opening our doors in the year 2005, South Seas Complex has been a cornerstone of retail and leasure in Cotabato City. Offering a diverse mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment, the mall has become an essential destination for locals and visitors alike. With its convenient location along Don Rufino Alonzo Street, the complex becomes a comfortable, one-stop experience for all ages.
Information / Paging / Lost & Found
From Dept. store directions to food suggestion, or even locating your lost kids. You can rely on the Customer Service team for help with all your needs.
Check Cashing Services / "Palit Cheke"
We will be glad to cash your employment or government payroll checks. Provide us with 2 form of photo ID (your employment ID and a government official photo ID) for verification. We will require you to purchase at least 10% of your paycheck at our South Seas Complex Supermarket.
Banquet Room Reservation
We will accept reservations for the 3 available function room or 1 big ball room located on the 3rd level on a first-come, first-served basis. Please provide us your itinerary and final schedule. We suggest booking your reservation a month ahead of time.
Gift Check Services
Give the perfect gift... South Seas gift check are designed to complement your shopping experience a the perfect gift for friends and family, whatever the occasion.
Employment Listing
South Seas has job opportunities for those interested in the retail and food service industry. We look forward to seeing you soon and, hopefully, welcome you aboard to the South Seas Complex mall.
Visit Us Today
Come explore the South Seas Complex - where convenience, culture, and community come together.
Whether you're shopping for the season, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying a day out, there's always 'Something for Everyone" here.
