By Age Adrian A. eva, reporter
TAN-LED Megaworld Corp. is stepping up preparations for the P1.5 billion Mactan Expo, its fiThe first convention center as the company provides facilities to host major events for the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit and expand into the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector.
Located within the 30-hectare Mactan Newtown township in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, the more than 9,000-square-meter facility is set to host the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) from January 28 to 30 and will serve as one of the venues for the ASEAN Leaders Summit in Cebu from May 8 to 9.
“We are already in the quality control phase. We will make sure we are ready to impress our guests and participants,” Megaworld Corp. first vice president Harold Brian C. Geronimo told reporters during the expo. fiFirst media preview last Thursday.
“We are also coordinating closely with the ASEAN Organizing Committee to ensure that we provide a world-class experience to the leaders,” he said.
Megaworld officially announced its entry into the MICE sector through the launch of Mactan Expo last week.
According to Mr. Geronimo, the creation of the Mactan Expo was inspired by the Philippines' hosting of the ASEAN Summit and is intended to complement the Mactan Newtown township.
“In every township we build, we see an opportunity to contribute to local tourism,” he said. “The new Mactan Expo is Megaworld's gift to the Philippines.”
Meanwhile, Louella Caridad, head of conferences and events and recently appointed lead for Mactan Expo, said the MICE sector remains vibrant with a positive outlook for 2026, as demand from both local and international markets is increasing.
As for the Mactan Expo, Mr. Geronimo said Ms. Caridad's team is working to secure bookings for 2030 ahead of the ASEAN Summit.
“The outlook is always positive. For Mactan, we will manage it with discipline and rigor,” Ms. Caridad said.
One of the major events scheduled at the convention center is the Ironman race on August 9, scheduled to take place in Lapu-Lapu City and presented by Megaworld.
Although new to the convention center business, Megaworld said it aims to demarginal forceExpand your features by incorporating local culture and history into your design.
“It's the character we put into these developments. Even in the convention center business, we're not just building a 'shoebox' facility,” Mr. Geronimo said.
Designed by JSLA Architects with interiors led by Leandro V. Locsin Partners, the Mactan Expo features three high-ceilinged convention halls that can be combined into a 2,500-square-meter space that can accommodate 2,500 guests.
The facility also includes meeting rooms, a showroom, a prayer room and a private suite for the President of the Philippines.
A large mural titled Echoes of Mactan welcomes delegates at the main entrance. The abstract expressionist work depicting the history and development of the island was created by artist Mamerto “Jojo” Guabalane, head of the Cebuano Arts Club.
Ms. Caridad said the expo was designed to showcase the cultural heritage of Cebu to international visitors.
He said, “Now is the time for us to focus on Cebu. Because it also shares Megaworld's vision of actively participating in nation building. And having a convention center is a way to promote trade as well as support tourism.”
The convention center is within walking distance of Macton Newtown's curated beach, which is accessible to the township's guests, residents and staff.
AI-powered home
On Monday, Megaworld said it would present AartifiCIL Intelligence (AI) powered homes this year.
The initial rollout will cover selected Megaworld developments starting from Park McKinley West in Taguig City under the partnership with Global Technology. fiRM Samsung.
Through the collaboration, Samsung will integrate a complete AI-powered ecosystem into these homes, the company said in a statement.
“This initiative is an important milestone in the Philippine real estate industry as it combines Megaworld's leading expertise in real estate innovation with Samsung's global leadership in AI-powered living.”
It adds, “Megaworld's AI-powered homes go beyond basic automation by leveraging the Samsung SmartThings ecosystem – an advanced digital hub that serves as the backbone of this technology integration.”
According to the company, the system allows residents to manage and customize their homes through a single mobile application, enabling automated “intelligent” routines based on factors such as time, weather conditions, device status, and user behavior.
“These AI-powered homes are precision-engineered living spaces that integrate functions like intelligent climate control, adaptive lighting, and voice-activated command centers – all seamlessly integrated to provide intuitive responses to occupants,” the company said.
“The entire ecosystem works to anticipate needs, adapt dynamically and optimize performance, as is the case with energy optimization and management, to make the experience more personalized, efficient and convenient for residents,” it says. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz