Mactan Expo: A venue for trade, a catalyst for growth, a stage for PH
Sun, sand, sea, and now, summits.
An island that gained global renown for its beautiful beaches and thriving marine sanctuaries is now home to another landmark: The newly opened Mactan Expo, located within Megaworld’s 30-hectare township, The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City.
Fresh from staging its first international gathering, the Asean Travel Exchange (Travex), this 10,000-sqm convention center has already proven its value as a venue for trade, a stage for culture, a catalyst for local industries, and a statement that the Philippines is prepared to host and lead regional discourse.
Cultural identity as an edge
That significance and distinction are aptly mirrored in its form.
Designed by JSLA Architects and with interiors spearheaded by Leandro V. Locsin Partners, the Mactan Expo integrates Cebuano artistry and cultural references—translating local textures, marine motifs, and indigenous craft patterns into a contemporary event space.
Megaworld even commissioned local artists for original artworks and murals. These include Mamerto “Jojo” Gubalane and contributors Chris
Almaden and Engr. Leovin Mike Gubalane; Ar. Jonas Bartin Pacifico of PONT Studio; Christopher “Manoy” Murillo; and Vito Selma. The property giant likewise partnered with homegrown manufacturers Avanti Philippine Furniture Inc. and Bon-Ace Fashion Tools Inc. for the interiors.
Megaworld first vice president Harold C. Geronimo highlighted the intentionality behind all the artworks and details integrated in the facility.
“The entire convention center has a lot of stories to tell,” he said, pointing to handcrafted finishes and embedded seashells. “We are integrating all of those things that will celebrate the history and the culture of the people into this development and that will make us different from the others.”
A catalyst for the MICE industry
Strategically, the Mactan Expo is poised to strengthen the country’s meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector by expanding viable world-class venues beyond Metro Manila. Its early hosting of an international gathering only goes to show that regional cities can meet global standards in logistics, connectivity, and hospitality.
The Mactan Expo features three convention halls spanning 2,500 sqm; two meeting rooms; VIP rooms; a prayer room; showroom; clinic and breastfeeding room; and a provision for retail shops, including cafe and kiosks, at the pre-function area. The three halls can accommodate a combined 1,850 people, banquet style, or 2,538 people in a theater type setup.
An extended feature of the venue is its proximity to the beach, which allows guests to move seamlessly from formal sessions to open air leisure within minutes.
Economic impact beyond the halls
Beyond the MICE sector, the impact is even more far reaching.
The Mactan Expo stands as an economic multiplier, as every summit can set off movement across industries, from hospitality, logistics, food services, technical production, to retail. Scheduled events are able to expand skilled employment and encourage longer stays, translating into more predictable revenue cycles for local enterprises.
“Having a convention center is one way of fostering trade,” said Louella Caridad, head of Conventions and Events at Megaworld.
“It’s where the community would converge and where opportunities will arise because a convention center naturally creates an economic ecosystem. When you do events, it brings people together. And then, of course, each activity would need the support of the community in terms of manpower, supplies, logistics, transportation, and catering,” she added.
Expanding the live-work-play model
For Megaworld, the Mactan Expo also represents the latest evolution of its live–work–play township model.
According to Geronimo, convention centers will become a significant component of future Megaworld developments as these are seen as direct contributors to local tourism and economic activity. These facilities further complement the group’s hospitality portfolio, supplying the events and gatherings that can also fill hotel rooms and sustain retail and dining traffic.
“As we grow our townships, we also want to grow the components and the vibrancy of our township developments,” Geronimo said.
Nation-building
At a national level, the Mactan Expo more importantly advances the Philippines’ role in the global meetings economy, opening channels for trade while supporting local industries.
“The vision of our founder, Dr. Andrew L. Tan, is really to help in nation-building. And in nation-building, we’re very much particular on the aspect of tourism because that is where we can help. That is also the reason why we are building a lot of hotel facilities so that we can entice more international tourists to the country,” Geronimo explained.
“With Mactan Expo, we’ll be able to showcase what the Philippines can do and show to the world. Through this masterpiece, we are able to showcase what Filipinos can really offer,” he added.
