Cebu's Biggest Shows Are Coming: SM Seaside Cebu Arena Opens a New Era of Entertainment

CEBU CITY— SM Cebu continues to redefine how Cebuanos shop, dine, celebrate, and experience world-class entertainment with its three most-loved destinations—SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Cebu, and SM J Mall. 

SM has become where communities gather, families create memories, and unforgettable moments come to life. Now, the excitement reaches new heights as Cebu counts down to the opening of the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, the region's next iconic destination for live entertainment.

The excitement is already building with a stellar lineup of performances set to inaugurate this new era and maxed out the experience. Fans can look forward to BINI's "Signals World Tour 2026" on July 11, followed by IV of Spades' "Andalucia Tour 2026" on July 18. Music lovers can also experience TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan's "In Between" concert on September 5, the uplifting Hillsong Worship Nights Asia Tour on September 18, and LANY's "Beautiful Mind World Tour" with two highly anticipated shows on November 6 and 12. These marquee performances affirm Cebu's growing stature as a premier destination for world-class concerts and live entertainment, with the SM Seaside Cebu Arena poised to become its biggest stage yet.

With an exciting lineup of world-class concerts, live entertainment, major sporting events, and international productions set to take center stage, the SM Seaside Cebu Arena is poised to become the region's newest entertainment destination. Every event promises not only unforgettable experiences for audiences but also a reason for visitors from across the country to make Cebu their next destination. Conveniently located across SM Seaside City Cebu and connected by a bridgeway, the arena allows guests to extend every show into a complete lifestyle experience with shopping, dining, and leisure all in one destination. 

“For years, SM has helped shape the country's live entertainment landscape by playing host to world-class events and bringing them closer to Filipinos. With SM Seaside Cebu Arena, we are extending that commitment to Cebu—creating a new beacon for live entertainment and sports events, bringing more international concerts, premier sporting events, and the best customer experience for fans that will inspire communities and place Cebu as the next global entertainment destination,” said Arnel Gonzales, Vice President and General Manager, SM Seaside Cebu Arena. 

Beyond the excitement of the performances, the SM Seaside Cebu Arena is expected to deliver a significant economic boost to Cebu. The influx of concertgoers and event attendees will drive tourism, increase hotel occupancy, boost local businesses across restaurants, retail, and transport services, and create new employment opportunities for local communities 

As more world-class events choose Cebu, the arena further strengthens the city's position as a premier destination for entertainment, business, and tourism, while reinforcing SM Supermalls' commitment to SM for Cebu by creating opportunities that benefit both local businesses and the economy. (Photos: SM)

Gov't, PLDT launch 4 new 'dialect-sensitive' Unified 911 command centers in Luzon, Visayas

CEBU CITY— Filipinos in distress will now be answered in their own language when they call 911, just as 

the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) with PLDT, PLDT Enterprise, and ePLDT, launched four new Unified 911 Satellite Command Centers in Batac, Ilocos Norte; Cauayan, Isabela; Leganes, Iloilo; and Tacloban, Leyte  in June this year— bringing dialect-sensitive emergency response to 20 more provinces across Northern Luzon and the Visayas.

The expansion follows last year’s launch of the National Command Center in Manila and the Regional Command Center in Cebu. Operators can now respond in Hiligaynon, Waray, Ilocano, and other local languages to cut delays in emergencies

"The answer will be in your language,” the DILG said.  The key upgrade—SCC operators are fluent in at least ten languages, including English, Tagalog, and their respective local languages.

"When you dial 911 in Iloilo, the answer will be in Hiligaynon. If you are in Tacloban, the answer is Waray; in Ilocos, Ilocano," said Philippine National Police Chief Melencio Nartatez Jr., who represented Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla at the flagship ceremony in Leganes, Iloilo. 

"That is how advanced our response is, faster, understood, and felt by every Filipino who calls in distress,”

he added. 

Officials said the dialect-sensitive system removes the need to route regional calls to Manila, reducing delays and miscommunication caused by translation errors. Callers can now speak naturally and get responders dispatched faster and more accurately.

Tech-powered and centralized

launched in September 2025, the Unified 911 system integrates police, fire, medical, and rescue services into one technology-enabled platform linking national agencies with local government units (LGUs).

The SCCs are hosted on ePLDT’s Pilipinas Cloud and feature 

multiple reporting channels including live video streaming

GPS-based location tracking of callers and responders

Geo-fencing for faster, more coordinated dispatch

Centralized data reporting

"The launch of the dialect-sensitive Unified 911 satellite command centers is a critical step toward more responsive, inclusive, and resilient emergency services," said PLDT Enterprise Head and ePLDT Chairman Blums Pineda. 

"We believe that technology, combined with local language and local knowledge, can further empower our responders to act faster and serve our communities better,” he added. 

Wider coverage coming

The four new SCCs in Batac, Cauayan, Leganes, and Tacloban cover the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas and Eastern Visayas regions. They joined the Leganes launch virtually to present their capabilities.

PNP Chief Nartatez also announced that two more SCCs are set to be launched soon in Cagayan de Oro and Maguindanao.

Also present at the Iloilo launch were Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas, Leganes Mayor Vicente Jaen II, New Lucena Mayor Carl Vincent Mondejar, BFP OIC Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu, and NGA CEO Ishka Villacisneros.

PLDT said its support for Unified 911 is part of broader efforts to modernize emergency response and build disaster-resilient communities through robust digital infrastructure.

For emergencies, the public is reminded to just dial ‘911’.

DOE, NGCP strong coordination delivers 40 completed energy projects in 2026

CEBU CITY – The strong coordination between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) delivered significant progress under Task Force 200 with 40 energy projects completed in 2026 and additional generating capacity moving steadily toward commercial operation.

Task Force 200 is a DOE-led initiative created to fast-track 200 power projects over the next three years, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his 4th State of the Nation Address.

The task force focuses on removing implementation bottlenecks, streamlining regulatory requirements, and ensuring grid readiness — with NGCP playing a central role as system operator in enabling timely connection and dispatch of new power supply nationwide.

“The cooperation between DOE, NGCP, and project developers has been critical. NGCP’s timely facilitation of testing, commissioning, and grid connection activities ensures that once these plants are ready, they can immediately deliver power to consumers,” Energy Undersecretary Mario Marasigan said.

Marasigan emphasized that the Task Force, together with NGCP, continues to closely monitor each project to keep implementation schedules on track.  To date, the completed projects have delivered 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity into full commercial operation.

Among these are nine Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects with a combined capacity of 169.7MW, which are now helping stabilize the grid and provide greater flexibility as more renewable energy enters the system — with NGCP integrating these facilities into grid operations and ensuring compliance with grid codes and reliability standards.

Another 14 projects totaling 371.8MW are in the advanced stages of testing and commissioning. These are expected to enter commercial operation soon, pending final technical and regulatory clearances in coordination with NGCP’s system impact studies and grid connection processes.

Among the major projects under active monitoring are the Bugallon and Terra Solar power facilities, with expected capacities of 530MW and up to 750MW, respectively. Both facilities are currently undergoing commissioning activities in close coordination with NGCP as system operator.

The DOE and NGCP are working with project proponents to expand testing capacity in the coming weeks as part of the phased commissioning toward full commercial operation.

“The steady progress of Task Force 200 demonstrates what can be achieved through strong coordination between government, the private sector, and our grid operator. Every project that NGCP successfully connects to the grid strengthens our energy security, improves system reliability, and ensures sufficient electricity to support economic growth and Filipino consumers,” Marasigan added. (Photos: DOE FB/Google Images)

 

 

PSA-7, PhilHealth ink MOA to strengthen National ID access

CEBU CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Central Visayas and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) continue to strengthen their collaboration to bring National ID services closer to the public through the implementation of National ID colocation activities in PhilHealth offices and participation in community-based service caravans across Cebu and Bohol provinces.

In a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed between PSA and PhilHealth provides for the establishment of National ID colocation sites in selected PhilHealth offices nationwide that aimed to improve access to National ID services while promoting efficient and citizen-centered government service delivery.

PSA-Central Visayas OIC-director, Wilma Perante bared that the PSA established National ID colocation sites in selected PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Offices (LHIOs) in Cebu, where weekly colocation activities were conducted for the month of June 2026.

These sites provide convenient access to National ID registration and issuance of the National ID on Paper (ePhilID), with priority given to current and prospective PhilHealth members, Perante said.

The PSA also deployed its National ID mobile registration teams to selected YAKAP mobile service caravans across Central Visayas where residents are able to avail themselves of National ID and PhilHealth services provided during the outreach activities, bringing essential services closer to the communities.

Through these collaborative efforts, Perante added that PSA Central Visayas and PhilHealth Region VII reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the reach of the National ID System and ensuring that more Filipinos are able to enjoy the benefits of a secure and reliable identity. (Photos: PSA-Central Visayas)

 

 

 

 

MCIA becomes first PH airport to join ACI Regional Operational Safety Committee

LAPU-LAPU CITY -- Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has made aviation history as the first airport in the Philippines to join the prestigious Asia-Pacific and Middle East Regional Operational Safety Committee (ROSC) of Airports Council International (ACI).

The milestone significantly reinforces MCIA's commitment to world-class aviation standards, operational excellence, and safer passenger journeys, cementing its position as a major regional tourism and transit gateway.

The ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East ROSC serves as a prominent, standing technical body responsible for promoting aerodrome operational best practices across the region.

Composed primarily of senior airfield operations managers and Safety Management System (SMS) experts from leading international gateways, the committee meets twice a year to formulate collective policy positions, advocate for safer air transportation grounds, and develop industry-leading safety initiatives.

By collaborating directly with global regulators like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the ROSC helps shape the very standards that govern airport safety, peer reviews, and airside crisis resilience across Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern skies.

By joining this elite committee, MCIA aligns itself alongside world-renowned aviation hubs like Singapore Changi, Hong Kong International, and Dubai International Airport.

For airline partners, the membership paves the way for direct collaboration on emerging operational challenges, airside safety priorities, and shifting industry regulations, allowing MCIA to benchmark its daily procedures against the region's most progressive gateways.

For travelers, active participation in the committee directly translates into safer, smoother, and more efficient travel experiences. MCIA will have direct access to specialized safety training resources, global standard updates, and peer-led safety improvement frameworks.

MCIA's operations are managed by Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group. Driven by its vision to upgrade regional connectivity, AIC also manages Laguindingan International Airport in Northern Mindanao and Bohol-Panglao International Airport, both serving as critical touchpoints for growing international tourism and economic trade in the country.

With MCIA leading the charge on the regional stage, the milestone establishes a new benchmark for aviation safety across all Philippine air assets. (Photos: MCIA/Aboitiz InfraCapital)

Ayala Malls Gatewalk set to spark Mandaue City’s retail scene with Visayas’ first IKEA

MANDAUE CITY-- Ayala Malls is betting heavily on “wonder over predictability” with the announcement of Ayala Malls Gatewalk, a massive 56,000-square-meter retail and lifestyle destination slated to open its doors on December 16, 2026, anchored by the highly anticipated first IKEA store in the Visayas region, the development promises to transform Mandaue City into the regional "capital of fun and flavor."

The project, nestled within Ayala Land’s broader Gatewalk estate, represents a collaborative vision between Ayala Land, Ayala Malls, and IKEA Philippines to move away from purely transactional shopping and lean into deeply emotional, experiential spaces.

Ayala Land’s relationship with Cebu spans over three decades, beginning with the landmark opening of Ayala Center Cebu in 1994 and continuing through the evolution of Ayala Malls Central Bloc, Ayala Malls executives view Gatewalk as the natural next frontier, a new chapter in Ayala’s Cebu legacy.

“Malls are often the first point of connection between our customers and the Ayala brand... places where people connect, celebrate milestones, and create memories,” said Paul Birkett, Ayala Malls Chief Operating Officer. “This is a new footprint for Ayala Malls, one that will help define the character of the area around it.”

Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land Senior Vice President and Head of Leasing and Hospitality, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing a commitment to elevating everyday Cebuano life. “Ayala Malls Gatewalk reflects the kind of places we hope to build more of: places that make daily life easier, but also more joyful. This is where everyday life gets a little more extraordinary.”

The most playful mall Ayala has ever designed

Spanning four air-conditioned levels, the mall will break traditional design molds to feel joyful, energetic, and a little larger than life. Key features driving this playful atmosphere include—the ARTrium, an interactive digital art hallway curated by Filipino artists near the main entrance, designed to give visitors a vibrant sense of arrival.

Giant Whale Shark Slide--a botany-inspired slide stretching from the highest level of the mall directly to the ground floor, paying homage to one of Cebu’s most famous natural icons.

Active Lifestyle Quarter-- a bustling wing complete with sports concepts, play areas, and two modern cinemas.  Bi-Level Food Hall-- a culinary hub showcasing a curated mix of local Cebuano favorites, international formats, and experimental food concepts.

For everyday essentials, the mall also features a Shopwise supermarket to serve the daily grocery needs of the community. To maximize urban convenience, the entire complex will be seamlessly integrated with an adjacent office tower and a public transport hub.

                                        IKEA debuts a global compact concept

For many locals, the crown jewel of the development is the arrival of Swedish home furnishings giant IKEA, marking its first location in the Philippines outside of Metro Manila.

IKEA Philippines Country Retail Manager Ricardo Pinheiro confirmed the store will span a compact 4,000 square meters—roughly the size of five basketball courts. This streamlined footprint serves as a testing ground for a new global retail format.

IKEA Gatewalk store features a total catalog access with 8,500 items via convenient ordering; immediate takeaway with 2,500 cash-and-carry products; inspiration Showcases with 41 fully curated room setups such as kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and specialized services for personalized planning for home and business storage.

Pinheiro noted that Mandaue City, widely regarded as the furniture capital of the Philippines, is the perfect gateway due to its strategic position between Cebu City and Mactan Island.

“Cebu’s growing market, strong design interest, and role as a center for home and family life make it a natural location. When I visited Mandaue for the first time, I went to the Lapu-Lapu statue in Mactan and said, ‘Lapu-Lapu, I’m Portuguese, I’m from IKEA, I come in peace.’ IKEA comes in peace,” Pinheiro said, adding with a smile.

Beyond retail, the project is poised to be a major economic driver for the province. The IKEA store alone is projected to generate approximately 100 new jobs—divided equally between 50 direct IKEA coworkers and 50 positions managed through local service partners.

Local officials have enthusiastically welcomed the development, viewing it as a testament to Mandaue’s rapid transformation into a dynamic, flourishing urban core. With construction progressing steadily within the Gatewalk estate, Cebuanos can look forward to exploring this new benchmark of retail and leisure when the doors officially swing open in December 2026. (Photos: MBCNewman)

DSWD7 steps up social protection campaign across Central Visayas

CEBU CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Field Office 7 intensified its social protection campaigns across Central Visayas, executing a massive twin-program rollout that addresses both economic inflation for transport workers and nutritional security for poor families.

As of June 21, 2026, the DSWD7 successfully distributed ₱362.4 million in financial assistance to 72,495 drivers in Central Visayas, while simultaneously preparing to dispatch critical food supplies to over 25,000 households under its flagship anti-hunger initiative.

Under its newly implemented HAPSAY (Harmonized Actions and Processes for Swift, Accountable Yield) framework, DSWD7 completely streamlined its payout process to eliminate unnecessary red tape.

By coordinating in advance with local government units (LGUs), transport network companies, the DICT, and the LTFRB-7, the agency reduced the massive distribution down to a strict two-step process: verification and immediate cash release.

A total of 72,495 public utility and delivery drivers received a flat rate of ₱5,000 in Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) to offset rising operational costs. Breakdown of driver beneficiaries included Tricycle Drivers: 36,575; Motorcycle Taxi Drivers: 16,364; Delivery Service Drivers: 11,647; Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) Drivers: 4,528 and Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) Drivers: 3,381.

To protect the massive influx of drivers from the dangerously high heat indices recorded across the region, DSWD7 partnered with SM Supermalls. Venues at SM Consolacion and SM Seaside City Cebu were provided entirely free of charge, offering air-conditioned, well-ventilated spaces for staggered payouts that spanned from April to June 2026.

"We want to deliver excellent public service, which means making things as straightforward as possible for our clients," said DSWD7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, noting that the HAPSAY framework aligns with the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) push for leaner government operations.

Walang Gutom Program targets 25,000 Households

Meanwhile, DSWD7 is also moving forward with its 6th Food Redemption Month (FRM), active from June 15 to July 3, 2026. The program targets 25,537 food-insecure families across 89 participating LGUs in Central Visayas.

Approved beneficiaries will be able to redeem food packages valued at ₱3,000.00 using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards at DSWD-accredited retailers. Expected beneficiaries include Cebu with 21,225 households composed of 53 Municipalities & Cities; and Bohol with 4,312 households in 36 Municipalities & Cities.

Lucero bared that there are critical eligibility guidelines with this program.  She clarified that for this specific sixth redemption cycle, only households registered under Listahanan 3 (the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction) are eligible to claim their packages. Redemptions for households registered under the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) are temporarily on hold.

Lucero urges beneficiaries to maintain close contact with their local barangays, LGUs, or Community Engagement Coordinators (CECs) to verify specific redemption schedules and retail locations to avoid logistical confusion. (Photos: DSWD7)