PBBM Inaugurates Megaworld’s Mactan Expo: Cebu’s Newest Icon Set to Host the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. formally inaugurated Megaworld’s Mactan Expo, a landmark two-level standalone convention center within the 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown township. The event, graced by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, marks a pivotal milestone in positioning Cebu as a premier global destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE).

The inauguration comes on the heels of the Expo’s successful hosting of the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) and ahead of its most prestigious engagement yet, the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit this May, where heads of state from across Southeast Asia will convene.

A Strategic Platform for Growth
Megaworld’s Mactan Expo is designed as a world-class venue that can accommodate up to 3,000 guests in a theatre-style setup. Its high-ceiling pillarless hall, divisible into three smaller spaces, is complemented by expansive foyers, meeting rooms, VIP lounges, and a veranda overlooking the Mactan Newtown Beach.

Kevin L. Tan, President and CEO of Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), emphasized the Expo’s role in driving economic and tourism growth:
“The Mactan Expo serves as an important platform for Cebu and for the Philippines, opening new opportunities for tourism, business, and investment in our country. It is a strong example of how the government and the private sector can work together—from start to finish—to deliver something meaningful and successful.”

Bridging Heritage and Modernity
Beyond its imposing structure, the Expo reflects Cebu’s cultural identity. Indigenous textures, natural finishes, and embedded shells from Cebu’s shores were integrated into the design by top Filipino designers and Cebuano artisans, blending heritage with modern functionality.

Adjacent to the Expo, Megaworld is also developing the Mactan World Museum, envisioned as a tribute to Cebu’s rich history and its role in shaping the nation’s story. Together, these projects reinforce Cebu’s position as both a cultural gateway and a global business hub.

A Global Stage for the Philippines
With the ASEAN Summit on the horizon, the Mactan Expo is set to showcase the Philippines’ readiness to host international gatherings of the highest caliber. As President Marcos noted during the inauguration, the development symbolizes progress and collaboration, bridging the country’s storied past with its aspirations for a globally competitive future.