SM City Cebu: Growing With Cebu Through 30 Years of Progress and Transformation

Growing With Cebu: How SM City Cebu Continues to Drive Everyday Progress  

SM City Cebu stands as a longtime landmark in the city, continuing to evolve alongside Cebu’s growth while serving as a dynamic destination for shopping, dining, leisure, business, and community experiences.

CEBU, Philippines, 4th September 2026 - At the heart of Cebu’s urban life, SM City Cebu has grown alongside the city it has served for more than three decades. More than a pioneering shopping center, it has evolved into the face of modern Cebu—a landmark that reflects the city’s growth, changing aspirations, and dynamic way of life. Since opening in November 1993 as SM’s first mall outside Metro Manila, with a gross floor area of 158,432.51 sqm on a 19.7-hectare property, SM City Cebu has been part of Cebu’s transformation into a thriving center for business, tourism, culture, education, and modern living, growing alongside the aspirations of generations of Cebuanos. Through strategic expansion and redevelopment over the years, the mall has grown to a gross floor area of 377,967.12 sqm, with 414 long-term and 160 short-term tenants. It has continually transformed its spaces, facilities, retail mix, and experiences to meet the community's changing needs and keep pace with Cebu’s rapid growth. 

From welcoming first-of-its-kind brands in Cebu and expanding dining, leisure, lifestyle, and entertainment offerings to creating spaces for businesses, entrepreneurs, workers, talents, and organizations, the mall has helped shape the everyday experiences of a changing city. Today, SM City Cebu continues to move forward through further expansion and redevelopment, strengthening its position as Cebu’s most-loved mall.

SM City Cebu’s North Wing Atrium has grown into a vibrant hub where Cebuanos come together while enjoying the mall’s evolving retail, dining, and lifestyle offerings.

When SM City Cebu opened its doors in 1993, it ushered in a new era of modern retail and leisure in Cebu, bringing shopping, dining, entertainment, and services together in one destination. Its growth continued with the opening of the North Wing in 2007, which added new retail, dining, lifestyle, and parking spaces and expanded the mall’s reach to a wider, more diverse market. As Cebu developed, SM City Cebu also became a platform for major events, local talent, entrepreneurs, organizations, and community activities, becoming part of everyday life and attracting 200,000 in daily foot traffic. Its evolution took place alongside SM’s broader expansion in Cebu, delivering a maxed-out experience, including the openings of SM City Consolacion, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM J Mall, reinforcing Cebu’s position as a major regional lifestyle and commercial hub. 

For years, SM City Cebu has opened its doors to local entrepreneurs, helping MSMEs with spaces and opportunities to grow, connect with customers, and bring their products and ideas to a wider community. 

Beyond commerce, SM City Cebu has contributed to the city’s economic activity by generating employment and supporting a wider ecosystem of tenants, suppliers, service providers, contractors, entrepreneurs, and other businesses. Its spaces have provided opportunities for local enterprises, artists, performers, and organizations to reach wider audiences, while its partnerships and initiatives have contributed to the community and the surrounding urban environment. From entertainment shows and seasonal celebrations to cultural activities, community programs, and memorable gatherings, the mall has become a familiar venue for connection and shared experiences. The mall also introduced the first IMAX Theatre in the Visayas & Mindanao. Through changing consumer lifestyles, SM City Cebu continued to adapt, reinforcing its role as a resilient and trusted part of Cebu’s urban landscape. 

The mall is now entering another significant chapter through its ongoing redevelopment, transforming it into a more integrated urban destination. Currently, SM City Cebu has expanded its retail and dining spaces, outdoor and al fresco areas, covered parking that can accommodate up to 3,680 vehicles & motorcycles, gardens, a modern chapel, the National University Cebu campus, and soon-to-open new office spaces in the tower building with 72,147.02 sqm of leasable space. National University Cebu opened in 2025, bringing new educational opportunities closer to the heart of the city, while the planned office expansion is set to add more leasable space, further strengthening Cebu’s business ecosystem. The mall also provides a convenient public transport terminal, allowing shoppers, workers, students, and visitors to seamlessly connect to various parts of the city through readily accessible public transportation, with the North Bus Terminal serving over 2000 passengers daily, while the nearby 400-room Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu further complements the destination’s growing mix of retail, business, education, hospitality, and lifestyle offerings. Enhanced by new dining concepts, globally recognized brands, innovative attractions, and evolving lifestyle experiences, these developments demonstrate how SM City Cebu continues to provide a maxed-out experience that goes beyond traditional shopping.

SM City Cebu’s Chapel of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary offers a serene space for prayer and reflection, reflecting the mall’s commitment to nurturing faith, community, and meaningful experiences alongside its evolving lifestyle offerings. 

After more than 30 years, SM City Cebu’s story is ultimately a story of growing with Cebu. From its pioneering opening in 1993 and the Northwing expansion in 2007 to its ongoing transformation today, the mall has consistently adapted to the way Cebuanos shop, work, dine, learn, celebrate, and spend their leisure time. Its most-loved brands, new experiences, community initiatives, economic contributions, and emerging retail, education, and business spaces continue to make it relevant to succeeding generations. As Cebu moves toward an even more vibrant future, SM City Cebu remains committed to innovation, community, and connection—continuing to grow for Cebu, with Cebu, and with the generations that will shape the city’s future. As the face of modern Cebu, your most loved mall, SM City Cebu, looks ahead to more opportunities to evolve, create meaningful experiences, and contribute to the city’s continued growth. And with more exciting developments on the horizon, there is still so much more to come as SM City Cebu continues to shape what’s next. 

SM Seaside Cebu Arena Ignites the Rise of Cebu’s New Lifestyle and Entertainment District

 

SM Seaside Cebu Arena lights up the Cebu skyline, marking a new chapter in the city’s growing entertainment and lifestyle landscape.

CEBU, Philippines, 19th August 2026 - Cebu continues to evolve as one of the Philippines’ leading destinations for business, tourism, and lifestyle, with new developments steadily expanding the ways people experience the city. Along the South Road Properties, this transformation is becoming particularly visible as retail, dining, leisure, hospitality, and entertainment come together to shape a new destination for both Cebuanos and visitors. At the center of this emerging landscape is the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, which brings a new scale of live entertainment to the city. Designed to host major concerts, sporting events, live performances, and large-scale gatherings, the arena strengthens Cebu’s capacity to welcome productions that draw audiences from across Visayas and Mindanao.

SM Seaside Cebu Arena welcomed BINI and IV of Spades for two of its first major concerts, with the Signals World Tour on July 11 followed by Andalucia Tour on July 18.

The arena has already begun establishing its place in Cebu’s entertainment and events calendar. Its first slate of events featured BINI’s Signals World Tour, followed by IV of Spades’ Andalucia Tour. The lineup continues with TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan’s In Between concert on September 5, Hillsong Worship Nights Asia Tour on September 18, Yeng Constantino’s Biyaheng Bente 20th Anniversary Concert on September 20, and Bida Sa Arena: The Rematch, a celebrity basketball game, on September 26. The calendar continues into the final months of the year with international pop-rock band LANY’s Soft World Tour on November 6 and 12, and Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance! from November 28 to December 6. Beyond entertainment, the arena is also set to host the 2027 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in July 2027, marking the first time the premier women’s basketball competition in Asia will be staged in Cebu, with eight national teams competing for the continental title. From concerts and family entertainment to celebrity sports and major international sporting events, the arena’s growing lineup is giving Visayas and Mindanao more opportunities to experience major events closer to home while further strengthening Cebu’s position as a destination for large-scale entertainment and sporting events.

SM Seaside Cebu Arena marks another milestone in the continuing development of South Coast City, setting the stage for more entertainment, lifestyle, and leisure experiences to come.

The arena’s growing lineup also reflects the broader transformation taking place around it. As major events continue to draw audiences from across Cebu and beyond, the destination is increasingly becoming part of a wider mix of entertainment, dining, retail, business, hospitality, and leisure experiences. This evolving landscape is also where South Coast City, the emerging district taking shape beside SM Seaside City Cebu, comes into the picture. As the development progresses, it is envisioned as a connected destination where these different experiences can come together, complementing the existing lifestyle offerings of SM Seaside City Cebu and the entertainment draw of the SM Seaside Cebu Arena. Together, these developments are contributing to the gradual transformation of the South Road Properties into a more dynamic and diverse urban destination.

Future developments, including the SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu and the dual-branded Park Inn by Radisson and Radisson Hotel, are expected to further complement this evolving mix as they progress. Their planned presence will add opportunities for conventions, meetings, accommodations, and business and leisure travel, supporting the district’s potential to serve different audiences and occasions.

The convergence of these destinations reflects how SM continues to contribute to Cebu's evolving lifestyle and tourism landscape. By bringing together spaces for entertainment, retail, dining, business, and leisure, SM developments create more opportunities for Cebuanos to enjoy meaningful experiences closer to home while giving visitors more reasons to explore and spend time in the city. In doing so, these destinations contribute to Cebu’s continued growth while creating more reasons for people to live, work, visit, and experience the city.

SM Seaside Cebu Arena officially opened its doors to Cebuano audiences, establishing a new venue for concerts, live entertainment, sporting events, and other major gatherings.

With the SM Seaside Cebu Arena already welcoming major acts and audiences, and South Coast City continuing to take shape alongside SM Seaside City Cebu, the district is gradually becoming a destination where people can gather for business, leisure, and entertainment. For SM, being part of this transformation goes beyond developing spaces; it is about helping create places and experiences that respond to how Cebu continues to grow, while contributing to a city that offers Cebuanos and visitors more ways to discover, connect, and make the most of Cebu.

Disney On Ice “Let’s Dance!” Makes Philippine Debut at SM Seaside Cebu Arena This November

Feel the electric atmosphere as Mickey and his pals remix favorite Disney tunes into colorful worlds.

[PASAY CITY, & CEBU CITY - AUGUST 3, 2026] – Disney On Ice is bringing the party to hometowns across the country, and the guest list is jam-packed with audience’s favorite Disney characters! Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy have become DJ’s, remixing Disney tunes into colorful stories at this all-new state-of-the-art ice show. Get ready to turn up the fun when Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance! visits for the very first time—SM Seaside Cebu Arena from November 28 to December 6 and at the SM Mall of Asia Arena from December 18 to January 3.

This production invites guests to belt out Disney’s chart-topping tunes, as their favorite stories are brought to life on and above the ice. Fans are sure to be wowed by the cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, thrilling special effects, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs. 

Audiences will experience a nonstop party that encourages them to journey to unforgettable places, laugh, sing, dance, and make magical memories together. Through the magic of music, what started as a party transforms into a fantastic adventure!

This all-new and thrilling Disney On Ice production features fan-favorite stories, including:

WISH

Now, the entire Kingdom of Rosas will magically come to life, featuring even more characters from Wish. Asha, Valentino, Star, and King Magnifico come together to bring to life “This Wish,” “I’m a Star,” and “This Is The Thanks I Get?!”

Wish upon a star with Asha and Valentino.

FROZEN 2

Journey to Arendelle and the Enchanted Forest in Frozen 2 with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf as they are reminded that “Some Things Never Change.”  Visit the river full of memory, Ahtohallan, as Elsa asks memories of the past to “Show Yourself,” and Olaf thinks this will all make sense “When I’m Older.”

THE LION KING

Escaping to the Pride Lands with Simba and Nala from The Lion King, audiences should “Be Prepared” as Scar and the hyenas plot to take over the throne. Timon and Pumbaa remind us that it’s best to just say “Hakuna Matata” as everyone celebrates the “Circle of Life.”

Join Simba and Nala as they escape to the Pride Lands.

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Skilled maestro, Sebastian, strikes a chord “Under the Sea” when he conducts Ariel, her seven sisters, and a colorful orchestra of sea creatures from The Little Mermaid. Guests will be singing along as Ariel serenades Prince Eric with a wish to become “Part of Your World,” and a symphony of lagoon insects performs “Kiss the Girl.”

MOANA

The audience will immediately “Know The Way” when Moana shows them “How Far I’ll Go,” as she journeys from the island of Motunui to save her home from Te Kā.  Along the way, she meets Maui, who reminds everyone, “You’re Welcome.” The duo comes face to face with Tamatoa, who hasn’t always been this “Shiny.”

WHERE: SM SEASIDE CEBU ARENA

WHEN:

Date	Day	Showtimes
November 28, 2026	Saturday	3:00 PM • 7:00 PM
November 29, 2026	Sunday	3:00 PM • 7:00 PM
December 3, 2026	Thursday	7:00 PM
December 4, 2026	Friday	7:00 PM
December 5, 2026	Saturday	11:00 AM • 3:00 PM • 7:00 PM
December 6, 2026	Sunday	3:00 PM • 7:00 PM

Official Seat map for Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance! at SM Seaside Cebu Arena.

WHERE: SM MALL OF ASIA ARENA

WHEN:          

Date	Day	Showtimes
December 18, 2026	Friday	3:00 PM • 7:00 PM
December 19, 2026	Saturday	11:00 AM • 3:00 PM • 7:00 PM
December 20, 2026	Sunday	11:00 AM • 3:00 PM • 7:00 PM
December 22, 2026	Tuesday	1:00 PM • 5:00 PM
December 23, 2026	Wednesday	1:00 PM • 5:00 PM
December 25, 2026	Friday	11:00 AM • 3:00 PM • 7:00 PM
December 26, 2026	Saturday	11:00 AM • 3:00 PM • 7:00 PM
December 27, 2026	Sunday	11:00 AM • 3:00 PM • 7:00 PM
December 29, 2026	Tuesday	1:00 PM • 5:00 PM
December 30, 2026	Wednesday	11:00 AM • 3:00 PM • 7:00 PM
January 1, 2027	Friday	1:00 PM • 5:00 PM
January 2, 2027	Saturday	11:00 AM • 3:00 PM • 7:00 PM
January 3, 2027	Sunday	11:00 AM • 3:00 PM • 7:00 PM

Official Seat map for Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance! at SM Mall of Asia Arena.

TICKETS: www.ticketmaster.ph

It’s easier than ever to experience the Disney magic. With a variety of ticket options, choose the one that best fits your enchanted experience. 

As the official bank partner of Disney On Ice presents Let's Dance!, Metrobank, together with Mastercard, gives Metrobank Mastercard credit, debit and prepaid cardholders exclusive first access to tickets through a special presale from August 7 at 10:00 AM until August 10 at 10:00 AM. 

Cardholders can secure the best available seats before tickets are released to the general public.

Following the exclusive Metrobank Mastercard presale, tickets will be available to the general public beginning August 10 at 12:00 PM.

Tickets may be purchased online via www.ticketmaster.ph.

To purchase tickets online, simply log in to www.ticketmaster.ph and create an account. If you are already a registered member, proceed to the Disney On Ice event page and select either Manila or Cebu to view available seats and choose from the full range of ticket prices.

This spectacular ice-skating show is made possible through the support of its Official Bank Partner, Metrobank, together with Mastercard.

For more info about Disney On Ice, follow Disney On Ice’s social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & TikTok.  Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce  

SM Mall of Asia Arena 

SM Mall of Asia Arena is the preferred venue for world-class shows and premier sporting events, delivering best-in-class facilities, seamless service, and game-changing experiences that elevate the live entertainment industry.

For more information, visit www.sm-arena.com or follow @MOAArena on social media.

SM Seaside Cebu Arena

Your preferred venue for world-class shows and sporting events is now in Cebu. SM Seaside Cebu Arena brings to the Visayas and Mindanao the same best-in-class facilities, seamless service, and game-changing experiences that elevate live entertainment.

For more information, visit www.sm-arena.com or follow @SMCebuArena on social media.

SM-ARENA.COM | #DisneyOnIce #MOAArena #SMCebuArena #ChangingTheGameElevatingEntertainment 

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.