Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu is well-known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Now, it has entered a new phase of development with the addition of a modern convention facility, the Mactan Expo Center.
Property giant Megaworld began construction of the Mactan Expo Center with a capsule-laying ceremony at The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, on April 27, 2024. Celebrating its 35th anniversary this 2024, Megaworld is leading innovation with the Mactan Expo Center project, which is set to revolutionize the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry in Cebu and beyond.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. led the ceremony, accompanied by Alliance Global Group, Inc. CEO Kevin Andrew L. Tan, Megaworld Chief Operating Officer Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan, and other local officials at the actual construction site of the convention facility.
Prime development
“This township will further strengthen the city's position as a major destination for key business events, both local and international. The Alliance Global Group is set to build a world-class convention center that will be a source of pride, not just for Cebu, but for the entire country,” said President Marcos. “Through their pioneering live, work, play township development, they have cemented their role as a crucial player in shaping the Philippines as a hub of progress. The Mactan Newtown is the latest testament to their team's passion, dedication, and brilliance, and new concepts and ideas on how to develop our country.”
The P1.5-billion Mactan Expo Center is scheduled for completion by 2025, featuring theater and banquet-style set-ups with interiors reflecting the province’s culture. This first-of-its-kind development in Cebu will accommodate almost 3,000 people.
Mactan Expo Center is situated near the Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown and Belmont Hotel Mactan within the township, making this Cebu’s first and only standalone convention and exposition center that has its own beach.
“We commit to finish the Mactan Expo Center by next year in order to host big international summits and conferences. This is our company’s contribution to further boost Cebu’s growing MICE industry, and of course, to the overall tourism agenda and programs of the Marcos Administration,” says Tan, emphasizing Megaworld’s dedication to the country’s development and nation-building.
Global stage
The two-level Mactan Expo Center, managed by Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, will offer nearly 10,000 square meters of MICE space, featuring a convention hall which can be divided into three smaller halls, with amenities like a foyer, pre-function areas, and two drop-off zones. Additionally, it will also include a service kitchen, cafes, and an event showroom.
The mezzanine level will house two meeting rooms, each accommodating up to 100 to 150 guests, along with an outdoor balcony. Equipped with advanced audiovisual systems, including fixed video screens and video conferencing technology, the center is designed for seamless events.
Sustainable design
Megaworld's projects prioritize sustainability, meeting the standards set by the Philippine Green Building Council (PGBC). This project incorporates features such as the use of low emissivity facade glass, installation of low-flow water fixtures, and implementation of on-site rainwater recycling, sewage treatment, and materials recovery facilities
There’s also a new development to rise in the area, the Mactan World Museum, which will highlight the island's history, including the Battle of Mactan and the enduring Philippines-Spain friendship. The museum's four levels will feature exhibit galleries, artifacts, replica mementos, interactive displays, and two performance halls.
As the transformation of The Mactan Newtown takes place, Tan shares how he will continue to support the country’s tourism efforts. “We will continue to stand by our commitment to help and support the government’s vision to strengthen the Philippine tourism industry,” says Tan. “We will continue to build more hotels, facilities, and townships that will further boost this vision.”