New on the Menu: This Month's Eats in Visayas at SM Supermalls

Your monthly food plans just got an upgrade! 🤤 From Iloilo to Cebu, SM Supermalls is welcoming three dining names that give you one less reason to reply 'any!' in the group chat. 

This month's lineup covers every kind of craving: bold Tex-Mex favorites, Filipino dishes built for sharing, and Japanese hamburg steaks served fresh off the grill. 

Whether you're planning a celebration, a quick catch-up, or a dinner that breaks the routine, here are three new tables worth checking out at SM Supermalls!

• Chili's  

Bring a big appetite and the whole barkada! Chili's is opening this September at SM City Iloilo, bringing its signature burgers, sizzling fajitas, ribs, and handcrafted drinks. Marking the brand's first branch in the region, it's an easy pick for family celebrations, casual dinners, or any day that calls for bold flavors and shareable plates.

• George & Onnie's 

Family recipes take center stage at George & Onnie's, opening soon at SM City Cebu. Its first branch in the Visayas brings modern Filipino comfort food made for sharing, perfect for long lunches, family gatherings, and those days when only a hearty, familiar meal will do.

• Niku Niku Oh!! Kome 

Ready for dinner with a little more sizzle? Niku Niku Oh!! Kome is coming to SM City Cebu for its first location in VisMin! Known for freshly made Japanese beef hamburg steaks grilled in front of diners and paired with Japanese rice, it turns comfort food into an experience you can customize with every bite. Come for the aroma, stay for the satisfying plate, and bring the friend who's always first to suggest Japanese food! 👀

One mall run, three ways to update your food plans! Go for Tex-Mex favorites in Iloilo, settle into Filipino comfort food in Cebu, or make room for a Japanese hamburg steak experience making its VisMin debut. 

Whichever table matches the mood, this month at SM Supermalls Visayas brings more reasons to gather, celebrate, and try something worth talking about. That's MY SM, always intentional with you! 💙

Check out these latest openings and see what's new at SM Supermalls. Follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for updates.

SM Group receives 15 Philippine Quill Awards for stakeholder communications

SM Foundation's health and wellness programs continue to bring basic healthcare services directly to communities nationwide.

PASAY CITY, Philippines, 07 September 2026 — SM Group companies received 15 Philippine Quill Awards, including six Excellence Awards, for communications programs spanning community engagement, customer service, financial education, investor relations and digital communications.

The awards went to SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, and businesses across the Group, including SM Foundation, Inc., SM Supermalls (Shopping Center Management Corporation), BDO Unibank, Inc., China Banking Corporation and Signature Series by SM Residences (Signatures Development Corp).

“Good communication helps people understand what our businesses do and why it matters to them,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments. “These awards reflect the work across the Group to communicate clearly with the customers, investors, partners and communities we serve.”

SM Foundation received four awards, including three Excellence Awards. Its “Utilizing Social Good as a Force for Transformation” campaign received Excellence Awards for Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility, while #SpreadingSocialGood Stories Online: Transforming Lives Through Heartfelt Storytelling received an Excellence Award for Social Media. Its social good report was also recognized under Publications.

“Communication is an important part of strengthening the impact of development programs,” said Debbie Sy, Executive Director of SM Foundation. “It helps communities understand the opportunities available to them, gives people a voice, and brings partners closer to our mission. That is what spreading social good means to us, using communication to help social good initiatives reach and engage more people.”

BDO received four awards, including three Excellence Awards. “Life Insurance: The Key to Heaven?”and “Tuloy ang Plano: Making Plan B a Family Necessity” received Excellence Awards for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication, while “Your Child’s Dreams Need a Plan B” received an Excellence Award for Audio/Visual Communication. BDO Remit’s “Alagang Kabayan: Where Every Kabayan Belongs” was also recognized for Social Media.

SM Investments was recognized for SM In Focus, a group-wide online channel as part of SM’s evolving approach to stakeholder communication, leveraging on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to provide timely, structured, and relevant insights on the group’s operations and impact.

SM In Focus host Rico Hizon (center) visits the Philippine Geothermal Production Company’s Tiwi site to gather groundbreaking business initiatives and sustainability stories for the online channel.

SM Supermalls received three awards for Active Hub, Mindanao and International Coastal 2025, covering Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Through Mindanao Art, SM Supermalls provides a platform for Filipino artists to showcase Mindanao's diverse creativity and cultural heritage.

“Our programs begin with understanding what our customers and communities need,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Communication helps us listen, respond and keep improving how we serve them.”

Chinabank received two awards. Its Investor Relations: Focused on Value campaign was recognized for Financial Communication and Investor Relations, while My CBC Campaign: An App Fit for Beauty Queens was recognized for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication.

Signature Series was recognized for “Setting a New Mark in Premium Residential Living” under Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication.

Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines (IABC), the Philippine Quill Awards recognize communication programs and practices across organizations in the country. This year’s winners were selected from more than 800 entries evaluated against IABC standards.

Strong performance, stronger trust: SM Supermalls evolves for the next generation of customers

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan speaks at the My SM Business Media Roundtable, highlighting SM’s strong 2026 performance and its continued drive to create more meaningful experiences for shoppers and communities.  

CEBU, Philippines, 9th September 2026 - SM Supermalls continues to build momentum in 2026 as it responds to the evolving needs of Filipino communities, posting record revenues of P41.8 billion in the first half of the year, an 8% increase from P38.6 billion during the same period last year. The strong performance was supported by higher leasable space and tenant sign-ups, as well as steady shopper visits. Total gross leasable area grew 3% to 5.1 million square meters from 5.0 million square meters, while the number of tenants increased 4% to 23,174 from 22,192. Average daily foot traffic remained steady at 3.7 million, underscoring the enduring appeal of SM’s malls as destinations for shopping, dining, entertainment, leisure, and community experiences.

Signature offerings from Din Tai Fung and Wolfgang’s Steakhouse highlight the diverse dining experiences now available at SM City Cebu, giving shoppers access to globally recognized culinary names closer to home. 

In Cebu, this growth story comes to life through the evolving offerings of its most-loved SM malls—SM City Cebu, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM J Mall. Recognizing that customers increasingly seek diverse experiences beyond traditional retail, SM has enhanced its spaces with sports, leisure, entertainment, and other lifestyle offerings, and has introduced first-in-the-Visayas brands and concepts that further elevate Cebu’s retail and dining landscape. Among these are Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, Din Tai Fung, Manam, 8Cuts Burgers, Ooma, Mo’ Cookies, Hoshino Coffee, Ramen Nagi, Love, Bonito, Bath & Body Works, and Victoria’s Secret, giving Cebuanos and visitors access to sought-after names without having to leave the region. These additions, alongside SM’s growing mix of experiences, further strengthen its commitment to creating destinations that reflect Cebu's evolving tastes and lifestyles, reinforcing that SM is for Cebu.

15,500 runners came together for the SM2SM Run 2026, reflecting SM’s continued commitment to promoting active, healthy lifestyles across communities. 

Nationwide, SM added 41 pickleball courts during the first half of the year, bringing its total to 102 courts across 32 properties. In Cebu, initiatives such as the SM2SM Run further demonstrate SM’s commitment to active and healthy lifestyles, bringing communities together through movement, camaraderie, and shared experiences. This is complemented by a growing calendar of sports, wellness, and creative activities hosted at SM malls, including the Cebu Marathon, Singlife Cebu International Marathon, the East Asia Super League (EASL) 2026-2027 season, and the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup next year. These activities bring together athletes, enthusiasts, families, students, and spectators, reinforcing SM’s role as a venue for sports, creativity, and community engagement while complementing Cebu’s growing tourism appeal.

Driving toward a more sustainable future, SM Supermalls in Cebu provide free EV charging as part of SM’s nationwide rollout of EV Charging Stations across all 90 malls. 

“Our growth reflects the enduring trust of our tenants and shoppers. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, they continue to find value in the variety of our offerings and the strong sense of community in our malls,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “This gives us confidence to keep investing in spaces and experiences that respond to their changing needs.” This customer-defined approach is also evident in SM’s sustainability and community initiatives. From 100 MWp of solar power generated through mall rooftop solar PV systems, SM increased its capacity to 122 MWp, with further expansion planned through the end of the year. SM also reached 100% coverage for free EV Charging Stations across all 90 malls, with 203 EV charging stations nationwide.

In recognition of its sustained innovation and customer-centric vision, SM Supermalls was named the Philippines’ Strongest Brand for the second consecutive year by Brand Finance, scoring 95.3 out of 100 on the Brand Strength Index and retaining its AAA+ rating in the Philippines 50 2026 report.

SM’s transformation journey also supports its broader My SM platform, its five-year initiative to evolve malls to meet the changing needs, lifestyles, and aspirations of Filipino communities. “Our growth plan for the rest of 2026 and beyond is to continue evolving for our customers. SM will continue building business momentum by introducing exciting new brands, cinema and entertainment acts, and leisure offerings to sustain market interest. With the upcoming opening of our 91st mall, SM Nuvali, we are expanding our business footprint in the emerging growth corridor of South Luzon and Calabarzon with an innovative upscale mall concept never experienced in the Philippine market before,” said Tan.

For Cebu, SM continues to create destinations that contribute to the province’s dynamic lifestyle and tourism ecosystem, offering more ways for people to shop, dine, play, connect, and experience all that Cebu has to offer. Through the My SM campaign, SM in Cebu brings together relevant and meaningful experiences across retail, dining, sports, entertainment, recreation, and community activities—reflecting how people live, travel, and spend time today. As Cebu welcomes more visitors and communities find new ways to connect and enjoy, SM remains committed to making every visit a maxed-out experience, with more ways to discover, dine, play, shop, and celebrate Cebu.

Transforming Spaces into Destinations: How SM Drives Cebu Forward

 

SM City Cebu continues to serve as a cornerstone of Cebu's commercial landscape, bringing together retail, dining, entertainment, and quality education through National University Cebu in one integrated destination. 

CEBU, Philippines, 3rd August 2026 - As Cebu continues to emerge as one of the country's strongest engines of economic growth, SM is reinforcing the province's momentum by creating integrated destinations that go beyond retail. Through developments that seamlessly connect shopping, lifestyle, entertainment, tourism, hospitality, and education, SM is delivering a maxed-out experience where people can shop, dine, learn, stay, and be entertained in one destination. Beyond creating places to visit, these integrated developments attract investment, create jobs, support local businesses, and enhance overall quality of life, demonstrating how thoughtfully planned spaces can be powerful catalysts for regional progress.

From shopping and dining to everyday moments with family and friends, SM Supermalls bring together diverse experiences that enrich communities and create destinations for every lifestyle. 

At the core of this transformation are SM's most-loved malls, each strategically located to serve thriving communities and economic centers. SM City Cebu remains a cornerstone of the city's commercial landscape, further strengthened by the presence of National University Cebu, where education, retail, and community life converge in one vibrant destination. In Mandaue City, SM J Mall stands at the heart of the city's flourishing business district along A.S. Fortuna Street, placing it within one of Metro Cebu's fastest-growing commercial corridors. Its strategic location makes it a convenient lifestyle destination for professionals, residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors, complemented by its distinctive dining concepts, modern retail offerings, and inviting public spaces. Meanwhile, SM Seaside City Cebu continues to elevate the waterfront destination experience by offering a dynamic mix of premier shopping, diverse dining, world-class attractions such as Cebu Ocean Park, Cebu Fun Park, and Thirsty Pickle, expansive open spaces, the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod, and more exciting developments in the pipeline. More than a mall, it is a thriving lifestyle destination where recreation, relaxation, entertainment, and everyday moments converge in a single setting.

The NU Cebu lobby offers a warm and modern welcome to students, faculty, and visitors alike. Designed as the campus' primary reception space, it reflects the university's commitment to providing an inspiring and conducive learning environment while serving as the gateway to one of Cebu's newest educational landmarks within the SM integrated development. 

SM is likewise positioning Cebu as a premier destination for entertainment, tourism, and business events through its expanding integrated developments. The SM Seaside Cebu Arena is ushering in a new era for the region by attracting world-class concerts, sporting events, and international productions, reinforcing Cebu's status as a leading events destination in the Visayas. Complementing this is the upcoming SMX Convention Center at the South Road Properties, which will further strengthen the province's Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, while the dual-branded Park Inn by Radisson and Radisson Hotel Cebu will provide quality accommodations for business and leisure travelers. Together, these interconnected developments create a seamless destination where visitors can stay, meet, shop, dine, and enjoy world-class entertainment, all within one thriving district.

OPM band IV of Spades delivers an electrifying performance at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena on July 18, 2026, reflecting SM's commitment to bringing world-class entertainment closer to Cebuanos and visitors alike. 

SM's integrated developments reflect a long-term commitment to helping Cebu realize its full potential. By bringing together retail, lifestyle, entertainment, tourism, and education within a connected ecosystem, SM continues to strengthen the province's competitive advantage while supporting inclusive and sustainable growth. More than transforming spaces, SM is creating destinations where opportunities flourish, communities thrive, and every visit becomes a maxed-out experience. Through this multi-sector destination advantage, SM continues to drive Cebu forward—building not only today's destinations but also thriving communities for generations to come.

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.

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 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.