Discover Art Beyond the Gallery as Award-Winning "Art for Everyone" Returns to SM Seaside City Cebu

Following the successful run of Art for Everyone at SM J Mall, the award-winning, advocacy-led initiative continues its celebration in Cebu at SM Seaside, reinforcing SM's commitment to making creativity more accessible by transforming malls into vibrant cultural spaces where everyone can discover, create, connect, and experience art to the max. 

From July 19 to August 2, 2026, the Upper Ground Level, Cube Wing at SM Seaside City Cebu transforms into a creative destination, featuring an inspiring art exhibit alongside interactive workshops and community activities that invite visitors of all ages to discover, create, and connect through art. 

This year's exhibit showcases the works of 49 artists from Artist Beyond Borders and 5 artists from the Calbayog City Visual Arts Association (CCVAA), bringing together diverse artistic styles and perspectives in a celebration of Filipino creativity. Visitors can also take part in the remaining activities, including the Kiddie Art Workshop by Everlasting Hope Philippines on July 25 and the Visual Storytelling Workshop by Kristine Lim of Artist Beyond Borders on August 2.

More than an exhibition, Art for Everyone champions accessibility, inclusivity, and creative empowerment by providing artists with opportunities to exhibit their work and encouraging more people to appreciate and engage with original art.

The initiative has earned international recognition, receiving Gold at the 2025 Asia Pacific Stevie Awards and Gold at the 2025 International Business Awards, reflecting its success as a community-driven platform that makes art more accessible to Filipinos.

Its impact continues to grow. In 2025, Art for Everyone brought together 1,222 artists, showcased 6,002 artworks, generated over ₱5.8 million in art sales, and engaged communities across 21 SM malls nationwide. This year, the initiative expands to 26 participating SM malls, further strengthening SM's commitment to supporting local artists and making art more visible and accessible across the country.

Visit Art for Everyone until August 2, 2026, at the Upper Ground Level, Cube Wing, and discover an award-winning celebration of creativity where art truly goes beyond the gallery, only at your most loved SM Seaside City Cebu.

SM Seaside Cebu Arena Set to Transform Entertainment, Tourism, and Economic Growth in the Visayas

An architectural landmark within the South Coast City, the SM Seaside Cebu Arena is poised to redefine the region's entertainment landscape while driving tourism, economic growth, and new opportunities for Cebu and the Visayas.

CEBU, Philippines, 1st July 2026 - Creating destinations that inspire connections, unlock opportunities, and elevate everyday experiences has long been at the heart of SM’s journey in Cebu. This is reflected in the continued evolution of SM City Cebu, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM J Mall, which help strengthen Cebu’s position as one of the country’s leading centers for tourism, business, and culture while bringing world-class experiences closer to the communities they serve.

“Cebu has always been a place of immense potential, and our goal has been to create destinations that grow with the communities around them. Beyond providing spaces for retail and entertainment, we want to build platforms where people can connect, businesses can thrive, and new opportunities can emerge,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls.

Located within the South Coast City complex along SRP, the SM Seaside Cebu Arena builds on SM’s successful experience in creating world-class live event destinations in Manila, bringing the same integrated entertainment concept closer to audiences in the Visayas. Directly connected to SM Seaside City Cebu through a dedicated bridgeway, the Arena allows guests to seamlessly move between the mall and the venue, combining shopping, dining, entertainment, and live experiences within one dynamic destination.

As one of the country’s premier event venues outside Metro Manila, the SM Seaside Cebu Arena strengthens Cebu’s capacity to host world-class concerts, sporting events, and live entertainment—opening new opportunities for tourism, business, and economic growth across the region.

The grand entrance of the SM Seaside Cebu Arena features a modern, welcoming design that sets the stage for world-class events, creating an exceptional arrival experience for guests and visitors. 

The Arena's impact extends far beyond its walls. Major events create opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, retailers, entrepreneurs, and service industries across Cebu and the wider Visayas. As more visitors travel to the city for concerts, competitions, and special events, businesses throughout the region benefit from increased economic activity while local communities gain greater access to globally recognized experiences closer to home.

Designed to host international concerts, sporting events, and large-scale entertainment, the SM Seaside Cebu Arena is set to become a premier venue that elevates Cebu's position as a leading destination for world-class experiences in the Visayas. 

The continued evolution of SM City Cebu, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM J Mall, alongside the development of the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, reflects SM for Cebu's commitment to creating destinations that enrich the Cebuano experience. More than a venue for world-class entertainment, the arena serves as a catalyst for tourism, investment, job creation, and economic activity that benefits communities across the region. By attracting major events and drawing more visitors to the city, it strengthens Cebu's position as a leading destination in the Visayas while creating sustained economic opportunities, increasing business activity, and contributing to the long-term growth objectives of the local government unit.

Craving Satisfied: Andok's Returns to foodpanda After an Eight-Year Absence

If you've ever typed "Andok's" into the foodpanda search bar only to come up empty, you're not alone, and you're finally getting the answer you've been waiting for.

foodpanda welcomes back Andok's

foodpanda Philippines has officially brought Andok's back onto its platform, ending nearly a decade-long wait for fans of the beloved litson manok chain. For Cebuanos who've grown up with the smell of roasted chicken and smoky liempo from the neighborhood Andok's branch, the news lands like a long-overdue homecoming.

The timing isn't accidental. foodpanda's own data showed that Andok's consistently ranked among the most-searched brands on the app in Cebu and nationwide, even during the years it wasn't available. People were still looking. That kind of unwavering, sustained demand doesn't just reflect habit; it points to something deeper, a real emotional attachment that outlasted the brand's absence from the platform.

Patricia Jacinto of foodpanda Philippines and Maverick Leonardo T. Javier of Andok's Litson Corporation marked the partnership between the two brands during Pista ng Sarap

"At foodpanda, we're always looking for ways to bring customers closer to the brands and meals they love," said Patricia Jacinto, Marketing and Growth Director of foodpanda Philippines. She noted that the enthusiasm surrounding the relaunch speaks to how deeply rooted Andok's is in Filipino food culture, and how the platform can make those everyday cravings more accessible.

To start, 50 high-traffic Andok's branches have been onboarded across the Visayas region, with hundreds more expected to follow in the coming months. For a densely packed urban province like Cebu, where hunger strikes between back-to-back meetings, after late shifts, or mid-binge during a family movie night, that kind of availability matters.

Order or pick up your Andok's favorites through the foodpanda app at your nearest participating branch

Maverick Leonardo T. Javier, President of Andok's Litson Corporation, put it plainly. As modern lifestyles keep Filipinos busier than ever, the partnership bridges the gap between nostalgic comfort and modern convenience. Satisfying a sudden craving for familiar favorites is now, he said, just a few taps away.

That framing rings true in Cebu's fast-moving urban centers. In Cebu City, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu City, food delivery has quietly gone from weekend treat to weekday essential. It's woven into how people eat and is increasingly expected. Andok's re-entry into foodpanda puts one of the Philippines' most iconic rotisserie brands right inside that routine.

For anyone who's already got the app open, Andok's is live now. For everyone else, this is a good enough reason to download it.

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 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 Seaside Cebu Ice Skating Rink Reopens with New Look, Honors Filipino Skating Champions

 SM Skating Seaside Cebu reopens with fresh looks, honors Filipino skating champions

Revitalized rink offers a cooler, more vibrant experience while bringing together a growing skating community

Step into a cooler experience at SM Skating Seaside Cebu. With its refreshed look and inviting design, it’s your go-to spot to skate, connect, and make the most of every moment.

CEBU, Philippines, 13th April 2026 – A fresh and more exciting skating experience awaits as SM Skating at SM Seaside City Cebu officially reopens to the public. Following its temporary closure for upgrades, the newly improved rink now welcomes guests with refreshed facilities, a brighter ambiance, and new maxed-out experiences that make every visit more engaging, reinforcing its role as a space where winning begins.

Guests are greeted by a newly designed entrance arch featuring cool, ice-inspired elements that create a striking, inviting first impression. Inside, the rink has been refreshed with a cleaner, brighter look, offering a more enjoyable space for both beginners trying skating for the first time and experienced skaters looking to glide with ease.

SM Skating Seaside Cebu brings people together on the ice, creating shared moments, new memories, and a growing community where every glide is a step forward.

More than just a place to skate, SM Skating remains where many first steps on ice begin. From casual visitors to aspiring athletes, it offers a space where people can learn, improve, and grow, whether for fun or to compete on a bigger stage.

A highlight of the reopening is the Wall of Champions, a dedicated space honoring Filipino skaters who have excelled in major competitions and proudly represented the country on the international stage. It serves as both a tribute and a reminder that every champion starts somewhere.

The Wall of Champions at SM Skating Seaside Cebu celebrates Filipino skating excellence, 

designed to inspire more people to learn, play, and fall in love with the sport.

“At SM, we want more Filipinos to experience skating, not just for fun, but as something they can grow in,” said Joseph Francis Silva, Senior Assistant Vice President for SM Skating. “At the same time, we’re proud to recognize the athletes who have brought honor to the country and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

Turning the Rink into a Celebration

Bringing the energy of Gala to the Max, the reopening transformed the rink into a lively celebration with a Disco on Ice experience. Guests enjoyed a vibrant mix of music, lights, and sounds, along with low-fog effects, creating a fun, immersive atmosphere that turned every glide into a moment worth sharing.

A special on-ice performance by skilled skaters heightened the excitement, drawing in the crowd and showcasing the sport's artistry. The performance created a shared experience for families, friends, and skating enthusiasts, highlighting SM Skating's continued ability to bring communities together.

Where Winning Begins

Every champion starts somewhere. With guidance from certified coaches, beginners take their first steps through SM Skating Academy as they build confidence one glide at a time.

For those ready to take skating beyond leisure, guests can enroll in the SM Skating Academy’s Learn to Skate Program, developed in partnership with the Philippine Skating Union (PHSU).

The program offers structured, professionally guided lessons led by certified coaches that introduce skaters of all ages to the fundamentals in a safe and supportive environment. With a step-by-step progression from beginner basics to essential techniques, it serves as the official pathway for those looking to build confidence, improve their skills, and eventually pursue higher-level or competitive skating.

Grace, power, and passion on full display. SM Skating Seaside Cebu sets the stage for performances that inspire the next generation of skaters.

As part of its opening-week offerings, your most-loved mall, SM, is also giving guests a free 30-minute skating lesson—perfect for beginners who want to take their first glide on the ice and start their skating journey.

SM City Cebu Launches Immersive VR Racket Sports Experience at XP Arena in North Wing Atrium

SM City Cebu is taking interactive entertainment to the next level with the launch of an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) racket sports experience at the North Wing Atrium. Designed for active achievers, gamers, and tech enthusiasts, the attraction transforms the space into a futuristic playground called the XP Arena, where real-world movements directly control the action in a fully digital environment.

Blending sports and extended reality technology, the XP Arena lets players experience high-energy matches of pickleball, badminton, and tennis—no physical court required. Every swing, serve, and rally is tracked in real time, challenging players to test their speed, precision, and stamina in a dynamic virtual setting.

Whether you’re aiming for leaderboard rankings or simply looking for a fun and unique activity, the experience delivers an exciting mix of fitness and gaming that feels both physical and futuristic.

This initiative is part of SM’s Active Hub, a lifestyle program that encourages movement, wellness, and recreation by turning mall spaces into interactive activity zones. It aims to make sports and fitness more accessible and engaging for everyone.

The XP Arena VR experience is open to the public at SM City Cebu’s North Wing Atrium until May 31. Don’t miss the chance to step into the future of sports entertainment—where every move brings you closer to next-level play.