President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially opened Megaworld Corporation’s brand new convention center called Mactan Expo on March 16, 2026, according to a disclosure filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
What is Mactan Expo?
Think of Mactan Expo as a really big meeting hall where thousands of people can gather for important events. It’s located inside Megaworld’s 30-hectare (that’s about 40 football fields!) project called The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
The building has two levels and even has a beach nearby. The main hall inside is so big it can fit almost 3,000 people sitting down like in a movie theater. What makes it special is that it has a very high ceiling with no columns or pillars blocking the view, so everyone can see what’s happening on stage.
The main hall can also be split into three smaller rooms if needed. The building also has meeting rooms, waiting areas called foyers, special VIP lounges, a showroom, and a veranda (a covered porch) that opens up to the beach.
Why is This Opening Special?
The opening ceremony happened on a historically significant date – exactly 505 years after Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the Philippines. First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos also attended the event.
Kevin L. Tan, who is the President and CEO of Alliance Global Group Inc. (Megaworld’s parent company), explained that Mactan Expo will help bring more tourism, business, and investment opportunities to the Philippines. He said it shows how the government and private companies can work together successfully.
What Will Mactan Expo Be Used For?
The convention center is designed for MICE events – that stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions. These are big gatherings where people from different countries come together for business or other important purposes.
Mactan Expo already hosted its first major event called the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX). Coming up in May 2026, it will host the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit, where presidents and prime ministers from 11 countries will meet. These countries include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Filipino Design and Culture
Megaworld worked with top designers and artists from Cebu to make the building reflect Filipino culture. The walls even have shells embedded in them from Cebu’s beaches. The design uses natural materials and textures that represent Cebu’s landscapes and craftsmanship.
Next to Mactan Expo, Megaworld is also building the Mactan World Museum, which will showcase Cebu’s history and its important role in Philippine heritage.
About Megaworld Corporation
Megaworld Corporation (PSE: MEG) is a major property developer in the Philippines. According to the disclosure, the company has 32,457,052,872 common shares and 6,000,000,000 preferred shares outstanding. The company is headquartered at the 30th Floor of Alliance Global Tower in Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Mactan Expo is located near two hotels developed by Megaworld Hotels & Resorts: Mercure Mactan Cebu and Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown.
Source Note:This article is based on the company’s official press release and disclosures filed with the Philippine Stock Exchange’s Electronic Disclosure Generation Technology (PSE EDGE) system. For the complete and official version of the announcement, readers may visit the PSE EDGE website and search for the company’s filing directly.
