MANILA, Philippines – It’s amazing what Hollywood A-lister presence can do to a simple ribbon-cutting ceremony. When Sarah Jessica Parker emerged from a black Jaguar, she totally transformed the mood in front of the SM Department Store in the new SM Aura in Taguig where people were watching her entrance from a TV screen.

From an expectant ennui, a wave of excitement and unfettered shrieks of delight swept through the crowd. All knew that in a few minutes, they would be in the presence of a Hollywood goddess. For “Sex and the City” addicts, they were about to meet their heroine.

SJP, as everyone seemed to be calling her, made her way through a “grey” carpet lined by media, photographers and excited fans. She finally made it to the end of the carpet where host Joey Mead was ready to welcome her.

That was when her sartorial genius made its full impact. She was drop-dead gorgeous and oozing sophistication in a floor-length, long-sleeved black gown, thin enough from the waist down to show her bombshell legs emerging from a black one-piece. She had matching diamond bracelets on both her wrists and diamond rings on her fingers.

After the ribbon-cutting that formally opened SM Aura and being toured around the department store by SM executives, Sarah attended a press conference where it was her turn to show some love.

Watch Sarah Jessica Parker talk about being in Manila:

“I’ve really, really enjoyed my time here and everyone has been so kind and shown such lovely hospitality. And I love the food and the people and everything, the traffic–I even love the traffic!” she enthused.

She was grateful for the opportunity to visit the Philippines–a first for her–and looks forward to seeing more islands and beaches.

And what does the girl from the City see in the city of Metro Manila?

“I’m always attracted to cities. It’s what my eyes see. Just driving around the city here, there’s so much to see. The streets are so active, they’re so alive. There’s such a vibrancy to the city. I mean, I shop with my eye in some way too.”

Watch Sarah talk about her personal style:

Most famous for her role as the eccentric yet fashionable dresser Carrie Bradshaw in the multi-awarded HBO series “Sex and the City,” Sarah entertained questions about her personal style.

When asked, “I always thought that Carrie was much more bold than I was and continue to be. I continue to be less bold. But I think I learned from her, playing that part for so long; that I think there’s something exciting about breaking rules.”

When asked what item in her wardrobe she can’t do without, she unhesitatingly replied, “My black Manolo pumps.”

At the end of the night, host Joey Mead announced that Sarah donated US$100,000 to a disadvantaged community in Taguig through SM Foundation.

Here are Rappler’s exclusive photos of the event:

– Rappler.com