SM expands in Cebu with community in mind

SM Seaside City Cebu anchors a growing destination estate in Cebu, bringing together diverse experiences across entertainment, tourism, sports, lifestyle, and business.

CEBU, Philippines—As SM Supermalls expands its footprint in Cebu, the retail giant also continues to build places where communities can gather with friends and family, go to school, worship, and take in a show. At SM City Cebu, a university campus and a chapel share the property with the shops. At SM Seaside City Cebu, a newly opened arena is meant to give the city a home for concerts and sporting events.

In a recent statement, the company said its three Cebu malls–SM City Cebu, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM J Mall–are spaces where people connect and local businesses find room to grow, aside from being go-to retail centers. SM ties this approach to Cebu’s rise as one of the country’s leading economic and tourism hubs.

The Linya centerpiece by Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue adds a distinct artistic element to SM J Mall, complementing its contemporary retail and lifestyle offerings.

SM City Cebu has been part of the city’s urban landscape for decades. Over that time it has grown from a conventional shopping center into something closer to a small district, with retail, education, faith and business all under one roof. National University Cebu is on the property, providing students access to quality education, while the Chapel of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, a venue for prayer and reflection.

The shopping side is changing, too. According to SM, the mall’s North Wing expansion brings in retail and dining concepts that are the first of their kind in Cebu, and the company says they draw visitors from across the Visayas. Another project is on the way: a multi-use office tower, which SM expects to create jobs and attract investment.

Beyond shopping, SM City Cebu brings together education, faith and community through the presence of National University and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. These reflect SM’s commitment to creating a well-rounded destination that serves the diverse needs of the community.

Sports and big crowds at Seaside

The biggest changes are at SM Seaside City Cebu. The complex already had its draws, including Cebu Ocean Park, Cebu Fun Park and Thirsty Pickle. Two newer venues now push it further into sports and live events.

The SM Seaside Cebu Arena welcomes world-class entertainment and sporting events, bringing bigger experiences and more opportunities for tourism and business across Cebu.

AIA Stadium gives the complex a venue for football and other sporting activities. SM describes it as an extension into sports and wellness.

The SM Seaside Cebu Arena is the larger of the two, which can fit a crowd of up to 25,000. The company says it has officially opened as a venue for concerts, sporting events, and large-scale productions, and lists professional-grade entertainment systems, corporate suites, VIP lounges, and food and beverage amenities among its features. In the company’s view, the arena strengthens Cebu’s standing as an entertainment destination and should bring opportunities for tourism, employment and local businesses. No events have been announced in the statement.

AIA Stadium and Thirsty Pickle add to the growing mix of sports, recreation, and lifestyle experiences at the SM Seaside Complex, creating more ways for the community and visitors to enjoy the destination.

SM sees the Seaside venues as one piece of a longer plan for the complex and the South Coast City estate around it. Convention, hospitality, and mixed-use developments are expected there, and SM believes they will add to Cebu’s appeal for tourists and businesses.

The pitch is that these projects, taken together, give visitors, residents, sports fans, and concertgoers more reasons to come. SM argues that this in turn supports local enterprises, encourages visitor spending and helps Cebu grow as a regional hub for lifestyle, tourism and major events. Those are the company’s projections, and the statement does not offer figures behind them.

A taste of Japan in Mandaue

SM J Mall, in Mandaue City, goes its own way. SM describes it as a contemporary lifestyle destination shaped by Japanese-inspired concepts, curated retail, and distinctive dining and entertainment.

Two features stand out. Izakaya Terrace brings Japanese-inspired flavors into a social setting, and a Food Hall adds to the dining choices. Then there is Linya, a centerpiece by Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue. SM says it gives the mall an artistic touch that sits alongside the retail and lifestyle offerings.

SM treats the three malls as a connected set. Together SM says they respond to the changing needs of Cebuanos while supporting retail growth, tourism, and community engagement across the region.

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan described the developments as part of a longer commitment to Cebu.

“At SM, we believe that our role goes beyond creating destinations. We build spaces where people can connect, opportunities can grow, and communities can thrive,” Tan said. “Cebu’s potential is inspiring, and we remain committed to supporting its journey through meaningful experiences, responsible development, and investments that create lasting value.”

The company adds that its commitments to sustainability, environmental stewardship and community building guide its continued investment in the city.

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls describes itself as one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and nine in China. Through its “My SM” program, the company says it is reworking the mall experience with better-designed spaces, stronger connectivity and digital conveniences.