SM Malls in Cebu Build Excitement with Purpose

 

From the city center to the northern corridor, SM malls in Cebu are building excitement with purpose through new experiences, greater accessibility, and responsible growth.

For many Cebuanos, SM malls have become part of their daily routine, serving as retail centers, meeting points, transport hubs, lifestyle destinations and community anchors.

This year, excitement is building across SM’s four malls in Cebu: SM City Cebu, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM J Mall and SM City Consolacion. Each one is evolving with its community, bringing new energy to everyday life while supporting a cleaner, more sustainable Cebu.

SM City Cebu: The Original Levels Up

SM City Cebu shows how the original can keep getting better. Since opening in 1993, the first SM mall outside Metro Manila has remained one of Cebu’s busiest retail destinations.

SM City Cebu strengthens its position as a premier lifestyle destination with new dining concepts, refreshed attractions, and the addition of National University Cebu.

Its redeveloped North Wing brings a stronger dining and lifestyle mix, with first-in-Cebu concepts and well-loved names such as Din Tai Fung, Manam, Ooma, 8 Cuts, Mo Cookies, Ramen Nagi, and Wolfgang’s Steakhouse. MLB, and Victoria's Secret. A new Food Hall and refreshed IMAX Theater also give Cebuanos more reasons to return.

In June 2025, National University Cebu added a new layer to the mall experience, bringing education, technology, transport, food, and services into a single connected setting.

SM Seaside City Cebu: A Regional Attraction

Further south, SM Seaside City Cebu is creating a different kind of pull. Set within the South Coast City complex, the mall is emerging as a place where Cebuanos can gather for bigger moments, from concerts and conventions to family days by the sea.

Located within South Coast City, SM Seaside City Cebu continues to expand its offerings as a destination for shopping, entertainment, tourism, and large-scale events.

The upcoming SM Seaside Arena will open its concert calendar in July with BINI as its first featured performer. The SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu, targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026, will further strengthen the complex as a MICE hub for the Visayas and Mindanao. Park Inn by Radisson and Radisson Hotel are also set to rise nearby to provide a complete tourism experience within the complex.

While these major additions are taking shape, SM Seaside City Cebu is adding more reasons to visit, from Cebu Fun Park, Cebu Ocean Park and Cebu’s newest pickleball hub, Thirsty Pickle, to new retail and dining concepts.

SM J Mall: A Boutique Lifestyle Experience

In Mandaue City, SM J Mall offers a more design-led experience. Reopened in late 2024 after the transformation of the former J Center Mall, the 78,000-square-meter property blends Japanese-inspired aesthetic with a distinctly Cebuano spirit.

Home to curated dining, wellness, and retail offerings, SM J Mall brings a fresh and more personalized lifestyle experience to Cebu's growing urban community.

Warm wood accents, the Izakaya Terrace and specialized concepts such as Kalidades Flower Café, Piandré, No Strips Premier Waxing Salon, Sushi Station, Wilson, and Salon de The give the mall a more personal vibe. At its center is Linya, Kenneth Cobonpue’s four-storey installation celebrating Cebuano design and creativity.

With new multi-level parking, a pedestrian link bridge and future office spaces, SM J Mall is becoming a connected hub for work and leisure.

SM City Consolacion: The Northern Community Hub

To the north, SM City Consolacion plays a more community-centered role. It serves families and residents from Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela, Danao, and nearby areas, giving northern Cebu access to retail, dining, services, entertainment, and everyday essentials without the need to travel to the central city.

As a trusted destination for residents of Consolacion and nearby towns, SM City Consolacion delivers convenience, accessibility, and everyday experiences that strengthen community life.

Its strength lies in accessibility and familiarity. With anchors such as The SM Store and Cyberzone, along with family-friendly dining and leisure options, SM City Consolacion serves as a practical and dependable destination for the northern corridor. It reflects the continuing importance of neighborhood malls in supporting fast-growing communities outside the metropolitan core.

Sustainability as a Common Thread

Across its Cebu malls, SM continues to embed sustainability into daily operations. Through SM Prime’s partnership with Japan’s GUUN Co., Ltd., the malls divert at least 80 percent of operational waste away from landfills.

The initiative links SM Prime’s expansion in Cebu with a responsibility to keep communities cleaner and more livable. As SM City Cebu, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM J Mall and SM City Consolacion bring in new brands, services and experiences, they also show how growth can be managed with greater care.

For SM Prime, responsible growth means creating spaces that serve more communities while caring for the surrounding environment.

SM Cebu Malls Celebrate 128th Philippine Independence Day

SM Malls in Cebu joined the nation in commemorating the 128th Philippine Independence Day through simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies and a lineup of activities that celebrated Filipino pride, heritage, community spirit, and the joy of making the most of the holiday through exciting maxed-out experiences at your most-loved SM Supermalls. 

The day began with flag-raising ceremonies attended by SM employees, mall partners, local government officials, and members of the country's friendly forces. At SM J Mall, the ceremony was graced by Mandaue City Councilors Hon. Carlo Pontico Fortuna and Hon. Raul Cabahug V, while at SM City Consolacion, Consolacion Mayor Hon. Teresa Alegado and Vice Mayor Joannes Alegado joined the celebration. Meanwhile, personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Army participated in the ceremonies at SM Seaside City Cebu and SM City Cebu. As the Philippine flag was raised and the national anthem resonated across participating malls, attendees reflected on the sacrifices of the nation's heroes and the enduring values of freedom, unity, and patriotism.

Beyond the ceremonies, SM Malls in Cebu transformed the Independence Day celebration into a meaningful community experience through various activities that highlighted opportunities for Filipinos and showcased local talent.

At SM Seaside City Cebu, job seekers were connected to employment opportunities through the Kalayaan Job Fair, organized in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The initiative brought together employers from various industries, supporting the shared goal of empowering Filipinos through meaningful work and livelihood opportunities.

The malls also featured performances, cultural presentations, and community-driven activities that highlighted Filipino creativity and talent, creating spaces where families and shoppers could celebrate the occasion together.

Through these celebrations, SM Supermalls reaffirmed its commitment to fostering community engagement while honoring the country's rich history and cultural identity. More than a commemoration of a historic milestone, the activities served as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and collective aspirations of the Filipino people.

SM Malls in the Visayas Win Silver at Prestigious ICSC MAXI Awards

CEBU, Philippines, 26th May 2026 - SM malls in the Visayas,  continue to gain global recognition for sustainability and community-driven innovation after winning a Silver Award at the prestigious International Council of Shopping Centers MAXI Awards for “Art From All: Turning Community Action into Public Art,” a sustainability campaign mounted at your most-loved SM City Cebu and SM City Iloilo, that transformed environmental responsibility into an engaging and immersive mall experience. The ICSC MAXI Awards are regarded as one of the world’s most respected recognitions for excellence in marketing and innovation in the retail and shopping industry.

Launched in May 2025, Art From All encouraged shoppers and mall communities to donate plastic waste, which was later repurposed into large-scale eco-art installations displayed inside the malls. Through the initiative, a total of 31,634 plastic items were collected and transformed into meaningful public artworks, turning recycling into a highly visible and participatory activity that allowed communities to directly contribute to artworks carrying both cultural and environmental significance.

At SM City Cebu, collected plastic bottles were transformed into a massive whale shark or “butanding” eco-art installation titled “The Gentle Giant,” symbolizing Cebu’s rich marine biodiversity and coastal heritage. The artwork served as both a visual centerpiece and a reminder of the importance of protecting marine ecosystems through collective environmental action.

Meanwhile, at SM City Iloilo, donated plastic waste became part of the “Mangrove Memory Tree,” a life-sized eco-installation created by Ilongga artist Margaux Blas in partnership with Rezbin. Inspired by the role of mangroves in protecting coastal communities and marine ecosystems, the installation symbolized resilience, sustainability, and the collective power of community participation in environmental conservation.

Art From All was designed to make sustainability more engaging and accessible for everyday shoppers, transforming ordinary mall visits into opportunities to create positive environmental impact. Through the campaign, guests were invited to donate recyclable materials and see these items reimagined into inspiring public art installations,  proving that small actions from the community can come together into meaningful experiences, all for you and for future generations.

The recognition from the ICSC MAXI Awards reflects SM Supermalls’ growing commitment to championing initiatives that create positive environmental and social impact across the communities it serves.

The Art From All campaign also reinforces the company’s broader sustainability efforts under its long-running green initiatives focused on waste management, plastic reduction, environmental education, responsible development, and community engagement.

Alongside Art From All, SM Supermalls also earned Silver recognition for “The SM Green Movement: Sustaining Communities Through Responsible Design,” further affirming the company’s vision of creating greener and more resilient communities through sustainable mall operations and environmentally conscious practices,  continuously delivering innovative and purposeful experiences.

Starting this May, SM Supermalls continues to strengthen its sustainability and community-driven initiatives with Art From All expanding this time across SM malls in the Visayas region. The featured artworks will be unveiled by each participating mall in June 2026 in celebration of World Oceans Day.

Ube Takes Spotlight at SM Supermalls’ Ube Nation

From classic Filipino desserts to inventive ube-inspired treats, explore a vibrant lineup of must-try purple yam creations at SM Supermalls nationwide. 

From indulgent ube pastries to refreshing café creations, discover bold purple yam flavors and exciting new cravings in every bite.

MANILA, Philippines, 18 May 2026 — Rich, vibrant, and undeniably Filipino, ube has evolved from a local favorite into a global flavor obsession, winning over foodies worldwide with its signature sweetness, eye-catching purple hue, and endless versatility. From nostalgic merienda staples to trendy café drinks and viral desserts, the beloved purple yam continues to dominate cravings across generations.

At your most-loved SM Supermalls, ube is having its moment as a main character, with must-try treats and creative twists popping up in cafés, bakeries, and dessert spots nationwide. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting, indulgent, or TikTok-worthy, there’s an ube discovery waiting on your next Gala To The Max food crawl.

Sweet, Creamy, and Decadent

Sweet, creamy, and decadent—ube takes the spotlight at SM Supermalls’ Ube Nation with beautifully crafted cakes, indulgent pastries, and café-inspired desserts perfect for every kind of craving.

For dessert lovers, SM malls across the country are serving up next-level ube creations that turn the iconic Filipino flavor into irresistible sweet treats perfect for celebrations, catch-ups, or everyday cravings.

At SM Mall of Asia, shoppers can satisfy their sweet tooth with the Ube Velvet Donut from Founder’s Donut, the soft and dreamy Ube Cloud Cake from Hearts and Bells, and the indulgent Ube Cloud Cream Cake from Butternut Bakery. Dessert cafés also serve up Instagram-worthy twists like the Ube Parmesan Basque Cake from Paris Baguette and Ube Tarts from After Tree Cafe.

From cookies and cakes to crinkles packed with flavor, these ube-inspired creations at SM Supermalls bring together comforting Filipino flavors and playful modern twists in every bite.

At SM North EDSA, dessert lovers can discover playful flavor combos from Fickle Cookies, including the Ube’t Queso Cookie, Ube Coffee Cookie, and Browned Butter Ube Halaya Cookie.

Meanwhile, in SM City Baguio, longtime favorites Vizco’s and Everything Nice continue to serve comforting ube classics that keep locals and tourists coming back for more.

Filipino Favorites, Reimagined

Classic Filipino merienda favorites get a delicious purple twist at SM Supermalls, with comforting ube treats that blend nostalgia, sweetness, and everyday indulgence.

Classic Filipino snacks and merienda staples are getting a delicious glow-up with ube-inspired twists that blend nostalgia with modern flavors.

At SM City Santa Rosa, Ambos offers freshly baked Ube Pandesal that’s perfect for breakfast, merienda, or a quick snack run.

Meanwhile, at SM City Fairview, comforting Filipino flavors meet chocolatey indulgence with the rich Ube Champorado from Mom's Ube & Triple Chocolate Champorado.

At SM City Clark, beloved Kapampangan favorites shine with classic Ube Halaya from Susie’s Cuisine and Nathaniel’s.

From indulgent ube cakes to cheesy pastries and creamy milkshakes, these colorful creations at SM Supermalls blend comforting Filipino flavors with modern dessert indulgence.

Over at SM City Pampanga, diners can enjoy both traditional and modern ube treats, from the rich Ube Cake of The Beanery to the soft and buttery Ube Spanish Bread from Hola.

In Mindanao, Yucca at SM City Davao serves up ultimate merienda cravings with its indulgent Ube Ensaymada, Ube Cheeserolls, and refreshing Ube Queso Milkshake.

Cool and Refreshing Ube Discoveries

Cool down with refreshing ube discoveries at SM Supermalls, from creamy ice cream and rich gelato to vibrant café drinks that make every sip and scoop a sweet summer treat.

For those looking to beat the heat, cafés and dessert spots are serving refreshing ube drinks, shakes, and frozen treats that are perfect for summer hangouts and spontaneous dessert dates.

At SM Seaside City Cebu, diners can cool down with creamy Ube Ice Cream from Bohol Bee Farm and MyChoice, or try the Ube Purple Yam with Cheese gelato from Giardini Gelato. Halo-halo lovers can also enjoy refreshing ube-filled treats from MyJoy and Chikaan.

Meanwhile, at SM City Cebu, The Patio Coffee Club puts a trendy spin on café favorites with its earthy, creamy Ube Matcha Latte and a rich Ube Leche Flan Cake.

Bite-Sized Ube Treats and Pasalubong Finds

Bite-sized but packed with flavor, these ube treats and pasalubong finds at SM Supermalls offer sweet purple yam goodness perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying on the go.

For snack lovers and pasalubong hunters, specialty stores are packed with bite-sized ube goodies perfect for gifting—or keeping all to yourself.

At SM Megamall, Artisan Emporium offers a wide variety of ube treats, including Ube Barquillos, Ube Mallows, Ube Lengua, and Ube Pastillas. Dessert fans can also try the Ube Cream Macarons from Macarons Macarons and Merry Moo's premium ube ice cream flavors.

From comforting classics to bold new café creations, ube continues to reinvent Filipino flavors in exciting and delicious ways. Whether you’re planning a dessert crawl, merienda date, or weekend food trip, your next ube obsession might just be waiting at SM Supermalls.

SM Seaside City Cebu Recognized as PAWS Certified Pet-Friendly Mall

Creating experiences that are truly all for you, including your furry companions, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has officially conferred SM Seaside City Cebu the Certified Pet-Friendly Seal. The recognition highlights the mall’s dedication to providing a safe, respectful, and genuinely welcoming environment for pets of all breeds and sizes.

SM Seaside continues to max out the malling experience by making everyday moments more enjoyable and accessible for pet owners and animal lovers alike. It reinforces its commitment to creating spaces and experiences thoughtfully designed for the community—including beloved companion animals.

As part of the certification process, PAWS carried out evaluations by sending undercover volunteers accompanied by aspins (native dogs) to act as “secret shoppers” in assessing the mall’s pet-friendly standards, to ensure that the mall upholds pet-friendly standards rooted in inclusivity, safety, and responsible pet interaction. The recognition also reflects the collective effort of both mall management and participating tenants in fostering a more compassionate and pet-welcoming environment.

During the formal conferment on May 7, 2026, key representatives from both organizations were present. Attending on behalf of PAWS were Directors Atty. Anna Cabrera and Ms. Cristina Martinez. They were joined by SM Seaside executives led by Antonio del Prado, Regional Operations Head; Renato Leduna Jr., Regional Public Relations Head; and Percelyn Irizari, Assistant Mall Manager, underscoring a shared commitment to elevating pet-friendly standards in the retail and lifestyle space.

Guests visiting SM Seaside can enjoy bonding moments with their pets across several certified pet-friendly dining establishments throughout the mall, including A Little Tea, Auntie Anne’s, Bahn Mi Kitchen, BonChon, Bo’s Coffee, Botejyu, Cabalen, Chili’s, Chowking, Classic Savory, Coffee Bay, Dotonbori Ramen, Giardino Gelato, Hawker Chan, Hukad, KFC, Kuya J Restaurant, Kuzina Guadalupe, Lemon Grass, Leylam Deluxe, Lugang Cafe, Max’s Restaurant, Mesa Filipino Moderne, Sizzling City, The Buzzz Cafe, The Spud Diner, Tim Ho Wan, Tokyo Joe Japanese Fastfood, Tokyo Tokyo, YAYOI, and Zubuchon.

Whether enjoying a stroll, dining out, or simply spending quality time together, fur parents can truly make every gala moment count at SM Seaside—where memorable experiences are made all for you.

SM Seaside Cebu Arena on track for June 2026 opening

An architect’s vision of the SM Seaside Cebu Arena. 

SM Seaside Cebu Arena on track for June 2026 opening SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is set to open its second arena, the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, in June 2026. The large-scale venue is designed to meet global standards for live entertainment, sports and major events.

 “The enduring success of SM MOA Arena shows the strong demand for world-class entertainment venues, so we are bringing the same proven model to Cebu,” said Jeffrey C. Lim, President of SM Prime. “We believe Cebu is a key growth center, and this arena will help attract major events, support tourism and create more economic activity for the region.” 

With seven storeys and a capacity of up to 25,000 people, SM Seaside Cebu Arena will be one of the largest indoor arenas in the Philippines. 

Its flexible event bowl allows seamless configuration for both large-scale concerts and more intimate events, giving promoters greater versatility in staging productions. 

The SM Seaside Cebu Arena will feature one of the most advanced center-hung displays in the country, supported by immersive LED ribbon boards that deliver a 360-degree viewing experience. These are complemented by high-capacity digital infrastructure, including 5G connectivity, enabling real-time engagement and enhanced production capabilities for both organizers and audiences. 

Dedicated premium suites are integrated into the design to cater to corporate partners and elevate the overall hospitality offering. Premier Suites to bring luxury to live entertainment in Cebu. SM Seaside Cebu Arena was also designed to support both front-of-house and backof-house requirements for major productions. A practice court is available for performers, while multi-functional event spaces can be used as holding areas, breakout rooms or venues for smaller private events. 

Premier Suites to bring luxury to live entertainment in Cebu. 

Located within the SM Seaside Complex, the arena benefits from direct access to retail, hospitality and transport infrastructure, creating a seamless ecosystem for visitors and event organizers. 

Its proximity to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and surrounding lifestyle developments strengthens its appeal as a regional destination for international acts and large gatherings. 

Seaside Cebu Arena has been securing advance bookings since late last year, with BINI on July 11, IV of Spades on July 18, TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan on September 5 and LANY on November 6 and 12 already confirmed for this year.

Colimited Philippines Becomes Cebu City’s First Thai Restaurant to Receive the Prestigious Thai SELECT Award 2026

Colimited Philippines proudly announces that it has been awarded the prestigious Thai SELECT certification, becoming the first Thai restaurant in Cebu City to receive this distinction. The Thai SELECT award is granted by the Department of International Trade Promotion under the Ministry of Commerce Thailand, recognizing the authenticity and quality of Thai cuisine across the world.

To commemorate this milestone, Ms. Kirida Bhaopichitr, Vice Minister for Commerce, together with her delegation, visited Colimited Philippines, located at SM Seaside City Cebu, on May 7, 2026, to officially present the Thai SELECT award. The visit included an awarding ceremony and a photo session. 

Thai SELECT is a globally recognized certification that assures diners of genuine Thai flavors with premium cooking techniques, and high-quality ingredients to strengthen the brand's core value — Premium Thai Street Food.

Operated under the partnership with Thailand’s Co-Rungrueng Group, an established restaurant operator with three hot-spot locations in Bangkok, Thailand. The brand upholds Thai street-food recipes, an elevated setting and quality standards of both ingredients and cooking techniques.

“We are deeply honored to receive the Thai SELECT certification. This recognition reflects our dedication to preserving the true essence of Thai cuisine and bringing it to the Cebuano community,” said a Colimited executive.

The awarding ceremony marks an important step in strengthening cultural and culinary ties between Thailand and the Philippines, while further elevating Cebu City as a destination for world-class dining experiences.

SM J Mall Hosts A.S. Fortuna Exhibit in Mandaue City, Highlighting Local Heritage and History

In time for the annual A.S. Fortuna Day on May 3, the City Government of Mandaue formally opened the A.S. Fortuna Exhibit at the Kyureto Art Space of SM J Mall—an evocative tribute to the life and legacy of former mayor Alejandro Seno Fortuna. The exhibit is one of the highlights of the city’s fiesta celebrations, held as part of Mandaue City’s Mid-Year Cultural Summit 2026.

Fortuna, remembered as the “Martyr Mayor of Mandaue,” served the city from 1940 through the war years. His leadership came at a defining period in Philippine history, marked by courage and service amid uncertainty. In 1945, he and his wife were killed by the Japanese kempeitai—an event that cemented his place in the city’s history as a symbol of sacrifice and resilience.

The choice of venue lends the exhibit a deeper resonance. Situated along A.S. Fortuna Street, SM J Mall occupies a space intrinsically tied to the legacy it now helps commemorate. In this setting, the exhibit becomes more than a historical display—it transforms into a living dialogue between past and present, where everyday spaces evolve into platforms for remembrance and reflection.

Present at the exhibit’s ribbon-cutting on May 2 were members of the Mandaue City Council: Councilor Atty. Joel Seno, Chair of the Mid-Year Cultural Summit 2026; Councilor Atty. Carlo Fortuna, grandson of the late mayor Alejandro Seno Fortuna; Councilor Eugene Andaya; and Councilor Kevin Cabahug. Marcelyn Rubica, Assistant Mall Manager of SM J Mall, was also present during the ceremony. Marissa Fernan, Vice President of SM Prime Holdings, also graced the exhibit, reflecting SM’s sustained commitment to advancing community engagement and cultural preservation. 

Through a thoughtful curation of archival materials, narratives, and commemorative pieces, the exhibit invites Mandauehanons and visitors alike to engage with the city’s roots and gain a renewed appreciation for the figure whose name has become part of its urban landscape.

Open to the public until May 30, the A.S. Fortuna Exhibit stands as both a cultural offering and a testament to what can be achieved when civic vision and private support come together to preserve and celebrate local heritage.

Max Out the Drama and Style at SM Cinema with the Devil Wears Prada 2, Now showing

The Devil Wears Prada 2 has arrived in SM Cinema, inviting audiences back into the sharp, stylish, and high-stakes world of fashion publishing in a long-awaited continuation of the iconic story. The sequel reunites its celebrated cast, led by Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt.

During its opening week, SM J Mall transformed into a Fashion Avenue at The Atrium. The space was designed as a walk-through fashion showcase that highlights local creativity and craftsmanship, featuring bold red statement pieces by Clothes For Life and the Fashion Institute of Design & Arts Cebu. More than an exhibit, Fashion Avenue is a living visual experience where mallgoers can immerse themselves in fashion storytelling, reflecting the film’s themes of transformation, confidence, and self-expression. Fashion Avenue remains open to the public until May 25, 2026.

An exclusive private screening at SM J Mall, attended by media and lifestyle guests, marked the film’s glamorous return to the big screen. For those looking to elevate the viewing experience further, SM Cinema’s Director’s Club is also available for private screenings, offering a more intimate, luxe cinema setting designed for elevated comfort—perfect for group gatherings, events, or simply indulging in cinema at its most refined.

Experience the glamour, drama, and iconic storytelling of The Devil Wears Prada 2 on the big screen at SM Cinema. Tickets are now available through SM Cinema’s official website at smcinema.com or the SM Cinema App, and at SM Cinema ticket booths.