Megaworld Corporation has unveiled more than just an exposition center; it has introduced a cultural showcase that brings the best of Cebu and the Philippines to the world. Opened last month, the Mactan Expo marks the property giant’s first stand-alone convention center within the 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown in Cebu. Positioned as a pioneering events venue with direct beach access, it expands the township’s evolving role as a regional hub for tourism, business, and global exchange.

From its striking façade and architecture to its interiors and ambiance, Mactan Expo integrates Cebu’s cultural identity at every level. Local artistry and craftsmanship take center stage, infusing the venue with a distinct Cebuano character that transforms the convention center into more than a functional space. It becomes a destination in itself.

The venue recently demonstrated its global potential by hosting the ASEAN Travel Exchange, its first major international gathering. The three-day event brought together more than 600 foreign buyers, sellers, and exhibitors, reinforcing ASEAN’s push toward a unified and competitive tourism landscape. Philippine hotels and resorts, travel and tour agencies, MICE venues, airlines, and government institutions used the platform to expand regional partnerships, strengthen market access, and reaffirm the country’s leadership in tourism.

More than a state-of-the-art events space, Mactan Expo is envisioned as a cultural statement—one that celebrates Cebuano identity through design, craftsmanship, and creative collaboration. Leading architects, designers, artisans, and cultural advocates worked together to weave heritage into a contemporary convention setting, creating an environment that reflects both tradition and innovation.

“You'll see a lot of elements that tell the story of this locality and the history of Mactan,” said Megaworld Corporation First Vice President Harold Geronimo. “We want to showcase what the Philippines can offer to the world and contribute to the country’s tourism industry, particularly in MICE. This is our gift to Philippine tourism.”

Renowned industry names such as JSLA Architects and Leandro V. Locsin Partners shaped the building’s architectural and interior direction, while Cebu-based creatives brought the cultural narrative to life. The Cebuano Arts Club, led by Jojo Gubalane; PONT Studio, under Jonas Pacifico; and designer Vito Selma contributed distinct expressions of Cebu’s artistic spirit, ensuring that the venue resonates with authentic local identity.

“By weaving Cebu’s culture into a modern convention space, Mactan Expo reinforces Megaworld Corporation’s vision of creating developments that go beyond infrastructure—spaces that tell stories, foster identity, and bring people together,” says Louella Caridad, head of Events and Conventions, Megaworld Corporation. “With Mactan Expo, we are creating a venue where global events can take place in a setting that proudly reflects Cebu’s heritage, a space where culture, commerce, and community converge.”

Architecturally, the building features dynamic, slanted elements along its façade that symbolize motion and progress while mirroring Cebu’s rise as a regional economic and tourism hub. Beneath this sense of movement lies a strong structural core, representing stability and continuity.

Its interior further tells the design narrative through the theme “A Tapestry of Cebu: Uniting Nature, Culture, and Celebration.”Local craftsmanship takes center stage through surfaces, earthy palettes, and thoughtfully composed layers–design elements that mirror Cebu’s seaside character and celebratory spirit.

With these, Mactan Expo is built for versatility. The venue houses three high-ceiling convention halls that can be combined to host up to 2,500 guests, complemented by expansive pre-function areas, foyers, meeting rooms, VIP lounges, and a showroom. Modern audio-visual systems, reliable back-up power, and comprehensive event support ensure that the facility meets international standards for large-scale gatherings.

The ₱1.5-billion development marks Megaworld Corporation's strategic entry into the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector. According to Geronimo, MICE facilities will become a core component of the company’s township strategy over the next decade, complementing its expanding hospitality portfolio.

“We see that in every township that we build, there is an opportunity for us to be able to contribute to the local tourism,” said Geronimo. “That is the reason why we are building a lot of hotel properties all over the country because that's where we can help and entice more foreign tourists to the country. And now, there is another area of tourism, which is MICE tourism, that we want to help.”

Caridad added that the launch comes at an opportune moment, as the local MICE sector rebounds following pandemic-era disruptions. Many existing convention centers, she noted, are already fully booked through 2027, with strong demand from international organizers seeking new venues in emerging destinations.

Megaworld Corporation aims to address this gap by integrating convention facilities into its 37 townships across the country, diversifying its developments to support both tourism and economic growth.

With more global leaders, delegates, and international audiences gathering in Cebu, Mactan Expo positions itself not just as a venue but as a gateway that offers visitors a first-hand encounter with Cebuano creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural pride