Ready for a plot twist? Discover unexpected finds across the Visayas at SM Supermalls.

 

Not everything goes according to script, but honestly, that’s where the best parts can happen.

It’s all twist after twist, one minute you’re in a regular run, the next you’ve stumbled on something you didn’t expect, and suddenly it’s the highlight of your day. The kind you didn’t plan for, but made the detour oh-so-worth-it.

So if you’re up for a little scene switch, there’s always something waiting to surprise you at SM Supermalls in Visayas, where new and upcoming spots bring unexpected finds, exciting firsts, and moments that are all for you.

A Sudden Drip Addition

Just when everything’s right on track, a new name enters the mix to change the scene. Here comes the first-ever Salomon in Cebu, now open at the 2nd Level of SM J Mall–bringing in performance-driven design that moves seamlessly between function and everyday wear, adding a fresh, unexpected edge to your usual lineup. 

A Tasty Surprise 

Right when you think you’ve seen it all, something new slips in and changes the lineup. Mesa will soon return to Bacolod at the newly built block of SM City Bacolod–bringing its signature take on Filipino favorites with its crisp and flavorful Crispy Pork Belly or its fresh, savory Tinapa Roll.

This is your cue to go off script and explore, because the best things usually show themselves when you didn’t make plans to find it. Discover more firsts and experiences only here at your most-loved mall, SM Supermalls–All For You.

Follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events.

Australian Table Grapes 2026 Philippines Season Launch at The Marketplace Galleria Cebu Featuring Culinary Creations

Australian Table Grapes 2026 season launch at The Marketplace Robinsons Galleria Cebu featuring a live cooking demonstration.

Cebu City, Philippines – The Australian Table Grape Association officially launched the 2026 Australian table grape season in Cebu City with a live cooking demonstration at The Marketplace Robinsons Galleria Cebu, bringing the fresh, premium Australian table grape experience closer to Filipino shoppers.

The activation opened with remarks from the Australian Table Grape Association, emphasizing the Philippines’ growing importance to the Australian table grapes industry.

Australian Table Grapes 2026 Philippines season launch event at The Marketplace Robinsons Galleria Cebu with culinary showcase and tasting.

“The Philippines continues to be one of our most important and valued export markets, and this event brings Australian grapes even closer to our consumers. Cebu is another key region where we aim to grow with the support of our partners in the country,” said Jeff Scott, CEO of the Australian Table Grape Association.

Chef Celina David

Chef Celina David showcased the versatility of Australian table grapes through three standout recipes—the savory Trio Queso Nacho Grape Pico, the sweet Woodland Panna Cotta with Rosemary Balsamico, and the refreshing Sparkling Twilight Grape Velvet Lassi.

The activation drew strong engagement from shoppers, media, retail partners, and key opinion leaders, with the presence of Australian Table Grape Association leadership further reinforcing the industry’s commitment to on-ground consumer engagement in Cebu.

“This program is a great way for us to share the sweetness and story of Australian table grapes with Filipino families here in Cebu,” said Jesse White, International Marketing Manager of the Australian Table Grape Association.

This activation is part of the broader 2026 campaign, which will roll out in-store sampling activities, eye-catching retail displays, digital and social media promotions, and point-of-sale materials. The goal is to help shoppers easily identify Australian-grown grapes and better understand the different varieties available this season.

Members of the Cebu media attend the Australian Table Grapes 2026 season launch featuring a live culinary showcase at The Marketplace Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

Exports of Australian table grapes to the Philippines have continued to grow steadily in recent years, with the country consistently ranking among Australia’s top export markets for the category. The Australian Table Grape Association expects this positive momentum to continue in 2026, driven by strong supply, an expanded variety range, and rising Filipino demand for premium imported fruit.

Coins.ph Launches All-in-One Money Super App in Cebu

For many Cebuanos, managing money can still feel like a hassle. Switching between apps, lining up at payment centers, and rushing to beat bank cut-off times are all too familiar. Coins.ph, the Philippines' pioneering regulated digital asset exchange and one of the fastest growing mobile wallets, is changing that. It's all in one money super app: users can handle everyday payments, send money, and explore digital financial opportunities all in one place. Designed for real life, the app is now officially arriving in the Queen City of the South.

Coins.ph joined the Sinulog Festivities and stationed experienced experience areas at Plaza Independencia and Fuente Osmena Circle.

Supporting Cebu's Digital Shift

"Cebu has always had its own rhythm—fast, resilient, and deeply entrepreneurial," says Amira Alawi, Global Marketing Director at Coins.ph.

"There's something special about how Cebuanos approach work and daily life—practical, resourceful, and always forward-looking. As the city continues to become more digital, it's important that everyday tools keep pace with how people actually live. Being in Cebu is about supporting that shift and helping more people take part in the digital economy with confidence."

From fun games to instant payments, Coins.ph made Sinulog 2026 more exciting for everyone in Cebu! Check out moments from our experience areas at Plaza Independencia and Fuente Osmena Circle.

Cashless Freedom with QRPh

With Coins.ph, your phone works as a universal payment device accepted nationwide.

Instant Payments, Everywhere – Pay in restaurants, sari-sari stores, groceries, and markets using the national QRPh standard, without cash or juggling multiple apps.

Lifestyle-Ready Coverage – From travel and gadgets to fashion and essentials, the Coins.ph wallet works across the country's broadest QRPh acceptance network.

More than 600,000+ Merchants Nationwide – A growing ecosystem that makes cashless the default experience for Cebuanos and Filipinos everywhere.

Pay Anywhere, Anytime

Behind the app's simple design is a bigger goal: to make moving money faster, easier, and more reliable. Coins.ph is not just adding features but building the infrastructure that makes everyday financial life smooth and effortless. The idea is for the technology to fade into the background so people can use financial tools that feel just as natural and intuitive as the apps they already use every day.

Settle Bills in Seconds

Say goodbye to long queues and complicated payment processes. With the Coins.ph app, you can instantly settle over 120 types of bills securely and swiftly.

Comprehensive Coverage: Effortlessly pay Essential Utilities (power and water), Government and Mandatory Fees, Financial Obligations (loans, credit cards, insurance), and Education (tuition fees).

Instant Confirmation: Payments are processed in seconds, providing instant confirmation and protecting you from late penalties.

Discover the power and convenience of Coins.ph, your mobile wallet for easy payments and purchases. Visit www.coins.ph or download the app today from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, or check out their TikTok Video.

Swipe through to see how Cebuanos experienced our interactive zones at Plaza Independencia and Fuente Osmena Circle, tried out seamless digital payments, and joined the festivities with ease. 

Visitors checking out the Coins.ph interactive zone at Fuente Osmeña Circle.

 Happy attendees exploring the experience area at Fuente Osmena Circle.

Trying out seamless digital payments on the Coins.ph app.

Group shot of happy Cebuanos celebrating and experiencing Coins.ph during Sinulog.

PLDT Home Brings Connectivity to the Heart of Sinulog 2026

PLDT Home | Sinulog 2026

CEBU CITY, Philippines — As Cebu’s leading home fiber provider, serving nearly half of the local market, PLDT Home joins the celebration of Sinulog Festival 2026 by ensuring seamless connectivity and bringing communities closer through shared festival moments.

Firmly anchored in faith, culture, and community, Sinulog remains one of the country’s most significant and eagerly anticipated festivals. Every year, millions of devotees, visitors, and balikbayans converge in Cebu City to pay homage to the Sto. Niño, immersing themselves in colorful street dances, religious observances, and cultural festivities that embody the heart of Cebuano identity.

“As the market leader in Cebu’s home fiber market, we believe that being part of Sinulog means being present in moments that truly matter to Cebuanos,” said John Y. Palanca, PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business. “This festival is about faith, togetherness, and shared experiences—and reliable connectivity plays a role in bringing people closer, whether they are here in Cebu or watching from anywhere in the world.”

Sinulog Festival Roadshow

As part of its Sinulog Festival 2026 celebrations, PLDT Home launches its Sinulog Festival Roadshow on January 16, led by PLDT Home ambassador, actor, and television personality Dominic Roque.

Dominic Roque

The roadshow brings PLDT Home closer to Cebuanos through a series of stops across key areas in the city, including PLDT Jones, SM City Cebu, Plaza Independencia, One Mango Place, and Fuente Osmeña Circle.

Keeping Festival-Goers Connected

To support the Sinulog festivities from January 17 to 18, PLDT Home rolled out a series of on-ground activities that offered comfort, care, and reliable connectivity throughout the celebration. A key highlight was the Fiber Fast Zone, where festival-goers could enjoy complimentary high-speed WiFi, charging stations, and a hydration area, offering a much-needed place to rest and recharge amid the festivities.

On January 18, the Fiber Fast Zone also became a space for creativity and entertainment, hosting face-painting activities and a mini-concert featuring local performers. The event reflected PLDT Home’s continued support for Cebuano talent and the vibrant culture that makes Sinulog truly special.

Supporting Community and Celebration

Beyond on-ground activations, PLDT Home is extending support to Sinulog-related community programs and festival activities through fiber connectivity and sponsorships.

PLDT Home is also offering a Sinulog Festival Sale, featuring Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 with free installation and a free speed boost, giving more Cebuano households access to fast and reliable fiber connectivity.

As part of its ongoing offers, PLDT Home just launched the BFF (Broadband Free Forever) Promo that will run from January 15 to April 15, giving new subscribers a chance to win Free Broadband for Life, a first in the telco industry. New subscribers of any Home Fiber plan, including Fiber Unli All Plan 1399, will receive a raffle entry upon opt-in. Winners will be drawn via an electronic raffle on April 23, under DTI supervision.

Connecting Cebu to the World

As Sinulog draws visitors from across the country and around the globe, PLDT Home plays a quiet but essential role in enabling festival moments to be captured, shared, and experienced in real time.

“Sinulog is not just Cebu’s celebration, it’s something the world looks forward to,” Palanca added. “Through reliable fiber connectivity, PLDT Home helps ensure that every prayer, performance, and celebration can be shared beyond the streets of Cebu.”

Through its continued support of Sinulog 2026, PLDT Home reinforces its leadership in Cebu, not just as a connectivity provider, but as a brand that celebrates culture, community, and the moments that bring people together.

Festival-goers are invited to visit the PLDT Home Fiber Fast Zone during Sinulog 2026 to experience reliable fiber connectivity firsthand and apply for the Fiber Unli All Plan 1399, available with special festival offers.

Sinulog Festival 2026: Camella Champions Sustainable Growth in Cebu City

From young dreamers to wise storytellers, Camella is built for families of all ages—where traditions are passed on, and futures are shaped, together.

The Sinulog Festival in Cebu tells a story of culture growing into progress, where tradition, purpose, and long-term vision come together. For more than three decades, Camella has reflected this same spirit in the Queen City of the South by developing family-centered communities across key tourist hubs, emerging growth areas, and vital infrastructure corridors.

Stabilizing value in sustaining economies

In Camella Bogo, coastal charm and growing commerce come together—creating a secure, family-centered community in one of Cebu’s rising tourist destinations. 

Travel destinations such as Bogo and Carcar are shaped by strong community commerce and the steady movement of people and services. These dynamics drive local activity and increase the need for residential environments that offer stability and peace of mind. Camella communities respond by prioritizing safety through gated perimeters and round-the-clock security, creating a precise balance between the energy of tourism and the promise of modern living.

Proximity to town centers, transport links, and key tourist destinations allows residents to take part in local enterprise without sacrificing everyday convenience. In these markets, value goes beyond location, with homes designed for Filipino families that support multiple generations in cities where culture and commerce come together.

Riverdale places your home at the heart of Cebu’s expanding road networks—linking work, life, and leisure with ease. Here, accessibility drives everyday comfort and long-term value.

Managing metropolitan momentum

Camella communities such as Montserrat, Pasadena, Riverfront, and Talamban have grown alongside centers of education, business, retail, and lifestyle. These developments help absorb population growth and employment demand, positioning them as stable pillars in Cebu’s long-term development.

Within these developed areas, master planned communities stand out as a defining advantage. Thoughtful planning, shared amenities, and landscaped spaces bring balance to the pace of urban growth, supporting productivity while safeguarding personal well-being. As business districts and service hubs continue to expand, these growth centers reflect sound property positioning with steady potential for capital appreciation.

Azienda rises with Cebu’s momentum, offering thoughtfully planned homes near emerging business and lifestyle hubs. It is where urban energy meets balanced, future-ready living.

Leveraging infrastructure for lasting value

With infralink developments such as Azienda in Talisay, Camella aligns its communities with major road networks and regional connectors, improving mobility and connecting suburban areas to everyday living, working, and investing patterns. From a business perspective, early positioning allows investors to benefit from compounding value as these developments unfold.

Designed for rest, play, and connection, Camella’s amenities, such as the clubhouse and pool, bring families together—creating spaces where memories are made, and community thrives. 

A place-led philosophy that lasts

The enduring strength of the Sinulog Festival lies in its ability to stay meaningful while continuing to move forward, a principle echoed by Camella’s presence in Cebu. Across tourist destinations, growth centers, and infralink corridors, Camella has shown a place-based approach to residential development, recognizing how culture, location, and infrastructure come together to support community living and long-term value. Camella communities are thoughtfully positioned addresses that grow with progress, today and for generations to come.

A home for generations

Camella is the flagship brand of Vista Land, with more than 1,250 thoughtfully designed communities across 49 provinces and 147 key cities and municipalities nationwide. Guided by innovation and progress, Camella develops thriving neighborhoods that place family and community life at the heart of every development, creating lasting value for generations to come.

Know more about Camella developments. Visit www.camella.com.ph and follow @CamellaOfficial. 

SM Foundation holds medical mission in quake-hit Cebu

Following the recent earthquake in Cebu, SM Foundation conducted a medical mission for affected residents in SM Cares Village, Bogo City, and San Remigio.

The resident physician of SM Foundation conducts patient consultations and offers comprehensive guidance on post-treatment care.

Held on October 14 and 15, 2025, the mission provided medical and surgical services to a total of 460 patients, including checkups, X-rays, ECGs, and laboratory tests for blood sugar, cholesterol, uric acid, and hemoglobin levels.

Volunteer healthcare professionals actively participate in the medical mission, providing their support to serve more patients.

Among the surgical cases treated were a suture removal for a motor vehicle accident patient and the suturing of a 9-year-old child’s leg wound caused by debris.

SM employee-volunteers prepare the SM Mobile Clinic, which opens its doors for free X-ray and ECG.

The October 15 activity, held amid ongoing aftershocks, was a social good initiative carried out in partnership with volunteer and healthcare professionals.

SM Foundation implements health and medical programs that promote preventive healthcare and help decongest hospitals, especially in vulnerable and disaster-affected communities. (SM Foundation)