SM Prime, AIA, open football stadium in Cebu

CEBU CITY — Football in the Queen City of the South just got a big boost as AIA Philippines and SM Prime Holdings unveiled on September 12 the new AIA Stadium at SM Seaside City Cebu, a new community sports facility built to give Cebuanos more space to play, train, and live healthier lives.

The launch, held through the AIA Healthiest Schools Football Clinic, brought together 100 students, 30 local coaches, Tottenham Hotspur’s Shannon Moloney, and AIA Philippines Brand Ambassador Nico Bolzico for a two-day celebration of grassroots football and wellness.

“The launch of AIA Stadium marks an important milestone in our commitment to helping Filipinos live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.  It will be a community space that reflects our purpose, and strengthens our long-standing presence and growing impact in Cebu,” said Katherine Wong, Interim Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Philippines.

This new stadium for Cebu football is located inside SM Seaside City Cebu and is SM Prime’s latest push to turn malls into hubs for sports and community life.

“AIA Stadium reflects the new era of SM Supermalls, creating spaces that elevate sports, champion communities, and help fuel the next generation of athletes. We believe the stadium will play an important role in strengthening Cebu’s football ecosystem and inspiring more young athletes to pursue their passion,” said Michelle Leslie Llanos, Vice President of Operations, SM Supermalls–Visayas.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. said the facility fills a critical need. “Cebu has long embraced sports to bring communities together, develop young people, and promote healthier lifestyles. The launch of AIA Stadium is a welcome addition to our city's growing sports infrastructure,” Archival said in his speech.

Archival officially welcome AIA Stadium Cebu as a new space that will help the young Cebuanos discover their potential, build confidence, and grow through football and sports.

The stadium opened with AIA’s flagship “Healthiest Schools program” that focused on physical activity, nutrition, mental wellness, and environmental awareness. The clinic is supported by the Philippine Football Federation, Tottenham Hotspur FC, DepEd Cebu City Division, and the Cebu City LGU.

Moloney, Head of International Development Asia Pacific for Spurs, led a “Training of Trainers” for coaches from 11 Cebu City schools, then ran drills for students on day 2, September 12. Adrian New, AIA Group’s Director of Football Initiatives, said the partnership brings Spurs’ coaching approach to the Philippines.

“We have combined Tottenham Hotspur’s coaching approach with the Philippine Football Federation’s grassroots leadership and local coaching expertise in Cebu to create lasting impact,” New said.

He added that four things are needed to develop future Azkals and Filipinas: role models, parental support, professional coaching, and dedicated playing spaces, “and this stadium provides that last piece.”

The event ended with a viral-style “1 pro vs 100 kids” exhibition match. Team AIA, led by Moloney, Bolzico, and Cebu-based former players, faced Team 100 Students in a 10-minute game that drew cheers from families at the mall.

For SM, AIA Stadium is part of a bigger vision to make SM Seaside an “active hub” for Cebu. “The facility serves as a new sports destination within the growing football and wellness landscape of Cebu. We continue to create vibrant, community-centered spaces where sports can thrive and communities can grow,” Llanos said.

With over 1.1 million policyholders nationwide, AIA Philippines said the investment reflects its health advocacy beyond insurance. SM Prime, meanwhile, positions the stadium as proof that malls can do more than shop, they can build athletes.

As the final whistle blew and kids chased the ball across the new pitch, the message was clear: Cebu now has a new home for bigger dreams. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

SHDA-CV calls for urgent reforms to tackle regional housing crisis

CEBU CITY— The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association – Central Visayas (SHDA-CV) Housing Summit 2026, called on key stakeholders and real estate developers, national government agencies, local municipalities, and utility providers across Central Visayas, to break down systemic delays and tackle the country’s deepening housing crisis and growing needs. 

Speaking at the conclusion of the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association – Central Visayas (SHDA-CV) Housing Summit 2026 on September 11 at Radisson Blu, SHDA-CV President Ken Salimbangon issued a rallying call for stronger public-private collaboration under the summit’s banner theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Forward”. 

Highlighting the untapped potential of the regional real estate sector, Salimbangon outlined five critical takeaways aimed at transforming regional growth and driving sustainable community development.

Salimbangon said that while reaffirming support for government oversight and buyer protection, he emphasized that prolonged permit approvals, particularly for Licenses to Sell (LTS) and evolving policies under the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA) pose serious financial strains. 

"For developers, time has a real cost," Salimbangon noted, warning that delayed timelines inflate financing costs and reduce market supply, expenses that ultimately cascade down to home buyers. The industry’s call is not for less regulation, but for clear, predictable, and efficient governance. 

The region faces a severe shortage of affordable units, alongside significant national delivery gaps, with the local housing demand in Cebu City alone stands at 40,000 units, with even higher demands recorded in surrounding component cities and rural countryside areas.

Previous national campaign targets of delivering six million houses over six years, actual progress fell drastically short, with fewer than 500,000 units delivered, the Summit presentation noted.

Developers are required to fulfill a mandatory 15 percent counterpart requirement for socialized housing despite slim profit margins, Salimbangon told Manila Standard adding that in metropolitan areas, high land acquisition costs make single-family developments unsustainable, forcing developers toward Medium-Rise Buildings (MRB). Traditional lot developments remain viable primarily in countryside regions.

Addressing expanding urban centers, the summit highlighted the necessity of aligning housing projects with basic utility availability. Salimbangon urged national agencies, local government units (LGUs), and power and water providers to coordinate with developers early in the planning stage rather than reacting after infrastructure bottlenecks occur. 

“Synchronized infrastructure and utility planning is very important for developers and all key players in the industry,” he added.

In an economic landscape squeezed by rising fuel, material, labor, and logistics costs, homeownership is becoming increasingly difficult for the average Filipino family. Developers are challenged to look inward and adopt innovations in design, construction efficiency, and financing models to maintain quality without pushing price points out of reach. 

Salimbangon said that with infrastructure investments, carving out new economic centers, developers are encouraged to look beyond congested major hubs like metropolitan Cebu. By anticipating population shifts and establishing connected, eco-friendly, and livable communities in emerging corridors, the real estate sector can help shape, rather than merely follow balanced regional growth. 

The Summit underscored a unified public-private approach, underscoring that "no single sector can solve the housing challenge alone," SHDA-CV reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with government agencies to translate summit insights into actionable reforms. Recommended measures include streamlining local permitting processes, addressing infrastructure gaps early, and refining housing policy implementations.  

“What we are building is more than houses. We are building communities. We are building opportunities for families. And collectively, we are helping build the future of Central Visayas,” Salimbangon said in his closing message and reminded leaders that the ultimate goal extends far beyond physical construction.

With the summit concluded, SHDA-CV plans to submit specific policy recommendations to national and regional government bodies, ensuring the dialogue leads to tangible solutions for developers and home buyers alike. 

Policy recommendations are focused on accelerating LTS approvals, easing taxation burdens under the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA), and securing early utility integration to national and regional government bodies. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

Cebu Bakery World 2026 aims to help bakers beat rising industry costs

CEBU CITY — As the scent of fresh bread filled the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, the opening of Bakery World 2026 on Wednesday, September 10, brought together more than just flour, sugar, and celebrity chefs.

Beneath the flurry of live cooking demonstrations and cake competitions, the premier three-day Visayas bakery and foodservice expo tackled a pressing reality facing food entrepreneurs today--surviving in an era of soaring ingredient costs.

Organized by the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), the biennial event, running from September 10 to 12, has returned to give regional bakers, café owners, and home-based startups direct access to tools, international suppliers, and cost-saving techniques without needing to travel to the capital.

"Measure Everything", the survival guide for modern bakeries.  With butter, sugar, and flour prices on a steady upward trajectory, industry veterans at the expo warned that passing every price increase on to consumers is a recipe for losing loyal regulars. Instead, speakers urged operators to optimize their margins through strict systems, localized ingredients, and smarter sourcing.

"To maintain profitability amidst rising prices, you need strict measurement and systems," shared Chef Buddy Trinidad, President of the Pastry Alliance of the Philippines and founder of Park Avenue Desserts, during an opening day talk. "Find your magic number for portion control... It prevents waste and keeps costing consistent per gram."

Trinidad urged owners to utilize modern Point of Sale (POS) systems to track exact ingredient usage and recipe costs, noting that high overall sales numbers can hide thin or non-existent profit margins.

He also cautioned young bakery owners against blindly copying international trends that don't fit local tastes, pointing to regional innovations like Ube Cheese Pandesal as proof that local ingredients can create global hits.

His advice for owners squeezed by capital costs? Collaborate. "Small bakeries can share expensive equipment like dough sheeters. Test the market first before making a big investment," he suggested.

Smarter sourcing and product innovations can greatly help bakers bridge the gap between premium quality and manageable margins, food service distributors showcased practical product alternatives, Trinidad said.

Global Pacific Distribution highlighted Bravo Butterich, a professional butter equivalent positioned between standard margarine and high-cost European butter. Tested by Trinidad in his classic croissant and traditional butter cake recipes, the alternative allows high-volume bakeries to maintain taste, aroma, and crumb quality without prohibitive expenses.

Similarly, Chef Joseph Leong, Technical Chef for Malaysian chocolate brand Beryl's Gourmet, emphasized the necessity of cost control and brand identity in a crowded marketplace.

"In a crowded market, a clear identity—whether through flavor, presentation, or the experience you create for customers—is essential," Leong noted.

Bringing business growth outside Manila is the goal of Bakery World 2026. First launched in 2018, Bakery World has established Cebu as a vital hub for culinary growth in the central and southern Philippines.

By bringing over 70 exhibitors, B2B ingredient suppliers, and machine manufacturers directly to Cebu, MCCI aims to level the playing field for Visayas and Mindanao entrepreneurs.

"In the past, bakery exhibitions were always held in Manila," said Kelly Ko, MCCI past president and Bakery World Committee Chair. "By holding Bakery World in Cebu, MCCI can help bakers not only in Cebu, but also those based in other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. We believe that the demand for baked goods will continue to grow as consumers look for healthier alternatives and new products."

          

MCCI Past President and Bakery World founder Stanley Go echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the event's ongoing focus on grassroots business development. "The goal was to help home-based bakers grow their businesses," Go said. "With Bakery World, we can bring in ways to help these small bakers... access ingredients and equipment they can use to increase productivity, improve product quality, and create new innovations."

Cebu Bakery World 2026 is a packed three-day showcase alongside business insights. The expo features star-studded masterclasses, headlined by Celebrity Chef Boy Logro, Chef Alvin Ong, and members of the Pastry Guild, alongside bread art and wedding cake decoration competitions.

MCCI President Barbara Gothong Tan highlighted the collaborative effort driving the event, noting that initiatives like Bakery World reinforce the chamber's mission of "creating a stronger and more connected business community capable of responding collectively to emerging economic challenges."

Bakery World 2026 runs through September 12 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino. (Photos: MBCNewman)

DSWD’s project Katha selects 2 enterprises in Central Visayas for national market push

 CEBU CITY — A rattan weavers’ group in northern Cebu and a camote chip maker in Bohol are getting a shot at bigger markets after being chosen as Central Visayas’ flagship products under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Project Katha.

The initiative, run by DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), aims to take “good” community products and turn them into brands that can compete on supermarket shelves and online marketplaces.

The Project Katha validation team toured the two enterprises endorsed by DSWD-SLP Field Office 7--the Sandayong Local Weavers Association in Sogod, Cebu, and Rochel Datoy of Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

In Sogod, the team watched members of the Sandayong Local Weavers Association bend, strip, and weave locally sourced rattan into chairs, tables, and décor.

For years, the group has relied on SLP for training and starter capital. Now, it wants to scale up. "Sa paglabay sa mga tuig, padayon kaming gigiyahan ug gisuportahan sa SLP. Mapasalamaton kami nga nakita sa programa ang potensyal sa among mga produkto ug gihatagan kami og mga oportunidad aron mapauswag ug mapalambo pa kini.” (Over the years, SLP has continued to guide and support us. We are grateful the program saw the potential in our products and gave us opportunities to improve them.) said association president Neolito Densing.

In Bohol, the team sampled batches of camote chips and camote delight from Rochel Datoy. Her small food business has already made waves — she placed 2nd in the 2025 National Gawad Sulong Awards and has joined regional trade fairs.

"Dili pa ko katuo sa mga panghitabo, gikan sa recognition last year ug karon sa project Katha. Mapasalamaton kaayo sa padayon nga suporta ug pag giya sa SLP," Datoy said. (I’m still amazed. From last year’s recognition to Project Katha now, I’m very grateful for SLP’s continued support.)

Project Katha doesn’t stop at praising craftsmanship. The next step is to send product samples to four partner universities where experts will help improve packaging, design, and market positioning.

"Maganda na ang kanilang mga produkto. Ngunit para sa Project Katha, hindi nagtatapos sa pagiging ‘maganda’ ang layunin nito. Nais nitong maging mas kompetitibo, mas mabenta sa merkado, at mas handa para sa mas malawak at mas malaking merkado," said Alieen Dizon, Project Development Officer III.

DSWD-7 regional director Shalaine Marie Lucero said, the program is shifting focus from livelihood grants to product development. "There are a lot of products here that need to be developed," she noted. “It’s not just about making the product better. It’s about how we present, position, and introduce it to consumers.”

Launched under Mandaue Business Month initiatives, Project Katha is DSWD’s answer to a common problem that many SLP enterprises make quality goods, but struggle with branding and market access.

By pairing community producers with universities and market experts, DSWD hopes to turn local creativity into sustainable businesses — one rattan chair and one pack of camote chips at a time. (Photos: DSWD-7)

Dyson brings biggest trade to upgrade sale of the year to SM City Cebu

CEBU CITY-- Got an old, clunky vacuum gathering dust, or an outdated hairdryer that has seen better days? Starting tomorrow, that old equipment—working or completely broken, any brand—could be your golden ticket to upgrading your home for a fraction of the cost.

Dyson is officially rolling out its biggest Trade to Upgrade Sale of the Year at the SM City Cebu North Wing Atrium, running for three days only from September 11 to 13, 2026.  The event promises deep price cuts across Dyson's flagship home and hair care tech, featuring trade-in discounts, limited-stock freebies, and exclusive multi-device bundles.

Among the standout deals are the Dyson Cool™ AM07 Tower Fan, now available for just ₱14,750 from ₱29,500, and the Dyson V8 Slim™ Vacuum, reduced to ₱14,450 from ₱28,900.

Dyson's popular hair care technology is also part of the event. The Dyson Airwrap i.d.™ Ceramic Patina, a best-selling styling tool, will be available for ₱22,140 from ₱36,900, while the Dyson Airstrait™ Straightener will be offered for ₱20,340 from ₱33,900 upon Trade-in.

Beyond the discounted machines, shoppers can also take advantage of exclusive bundle offers designed to give customers even more value.

The Dyson WashG1™ Wet Floor Cleaner comes with a FREE Dyson V8 Slim™ Vacuum for only ₱45,900, offering a complete cleaning solution for tackling everyday wet and dry messes.

Meanwhile, customers can take home two Dyson AM07 Tower Fans for only ₱29,500 through a special Buy 1, Get 1 offer.

The event will also feature free gifts with selected purchases, but with limited stocks available only. Customers are encouraged to visit early to make the most of the offers before stocks run out.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your cleaning routine, refresh your hair styling tools, or keep your home cool and comfortable, the Dyson Trade to Upgrade event offers an opportunity to experience Dyson technology at significantly reduced prices.

With high trade-in discounts, exclusive bundles, free gifts, and limited-stock offers, Dyson's three-day event at SM City Cebu is set to be one of the biggest opportunities for Cebu shoppers to upgrade to Dyson. (Photos: Dyson)

 

 

MCIA soars again with back-to-back global customer experience awards

LAPU-LAPU CITY — Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) Airports, has once again solidified its standing as one of Asia-Pacific’s premier air hubs, securing top honors for customer experience from Airports Council International (ACI).

The Philippines' busiest gateway outside Manila earned dual recognition at the recent ACI Airport Experience Summit 2026 held in Istanbul, Türkiye:

Best Airport in Asia-Pacific (5–15 Million Passengers Category): Marking its second consecutive win in the ACI Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Customer Experience Awards, grounded in passenger evaluations across 50+ airport touchpoints worldwide.

Level 3 Airport Customer Experience Accreditation: Upgraded from Level 2, MCIA becomes the first and only airport in the Philippines to reach Level 3, recognizing its advanced strategy in engaging passengers, staff, and service professionals to enhance the overall travel experience.

"These recognitions affirm our commitment to making every journey through MCIA a positive and meaningful experience. Our investments and improvements at the airport are ultimately about creating better experiences for the public, strengthening connectivity, and helping Cebu and the Philippines capture more opportunities in tourism, trade, and investment,” said Rafael  Aboitiz, AIC Vice President and Head of Airports.

Since assuming management in 2024, AIC Airports has heavily invested in MCIA’s infrastructure, service systems, and digital technology. AIC Airports Chief Executive Officer Athanasios Titonis noted that MCIA’s passenger-first standard will serve as the benchmark as AIC expands operations to Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan International Airport.

Present to receive the accolade in Istanbul were MCIA General Manager Ricia Vinelli Montejo and Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority GM & CEO Julius Neri, Jr.

The double distinction underscores the impact of public-private synergy in elevating Philippine infrastructure onto the global stage while driving economic growth across the Visayas and Mindanao. (Photo: MCIA)

Cebu secures historic hosting bid for MICECON 2027

Cebu secures historic hosting bid for MICECON 2027

CEBU CITY — Thirteen years after last hosting the country's premier event industry gathering, Cebu is gearing up to welcome the Philippine Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) Conference back to its shores in 2027.

The official announcement was made on September 8, during the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2026 hosted dinner at the Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Manila, signaling Cebu's comeback as a leading hub for regional business tourism and event innovation.

The winning bid was the culmination of months of intensive preparation and cross-sector collaboration under a unified "One Cebu" campaign. Spearheaded by the Cebu MICE Alliance, the bid brought together key regional stakeholders, including the Department of Tourism Central Visayas (DOT-7), the Hotel Resort & Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc. (HRRACI), the Cebu Alliance of Tour Operation Specialists Inc. (CATOS), local business chambers, and the leadership of the Cebu Provincial Government alongside the tri-cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu.

Josef Chiongbian, Vice President for External Affairs of the Cebu MICE Alliance and General Manager of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the effort.

“Months of rigorous preparation went into building this proposal, but our greatest strength was bringing our local leaders together. Engaging the Cebu Provincial Government and the Mayors of our tri-cities to unite under one single Cebu bid proves how Cebuanos collaborate and step up to position Cebu as a global powerhouse. This win belongs to the entire community,” Chiongbian said.

As the Philippine MICE industry continues to expand, MICECON 2027 is slated to draw international buyers, event planners, trade delegates, and global tourism leaders. Beyond showcasing the region’s expanding modern infrastructure, convention centers, and hotel capacity, the event aims to highlight Cebu’s cultural heritage and sustainable, regenerative event practices.

Cleofe Albiso, President of the Cebu MICE Alliance, noted that returning the conference to the province marks a significant milestone for the local tourism economy.

"Bringing MICECON back to Cebu after more than a decade is both a milestone and a strong validation of our industry's enduring strength and growth," Albiso stated.

This hosting duty allows the alliance to demonstrate how Cebu harmoniously combines top-tier business infrastructure with deep-rooted cultural experiences and regenerative, forward-thinking event practices, she added.

The arrival of MICECON 2027 is expected to drive substantial economic activity across Cebu’s hospitality, transport, food and beverage, and retail sectors, further bolstering the region's position as a competitive venue for major international conventions in Asia.

Further details regarding event programming, venue selections, and registration timelines will be announced in upcoming official briefings. (Photos: MICE Alliance)