Philippines property giant Megaworld – part of Alliance Global Group (AGI) whose subsidiaries also include Newport World Resorts operator Travellers International Hotel Group Inc – has opened its first stand-alone convention center inside its 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown township in Cebu.
The Php1.5 billion (US$25.3 million) Mactan Expo represents Megaworld’s entry into the MICE business, it said, in its continuing bid to further help boost the country’s tourism industry through tourism-related developments.
AGI President and CEO Kevin Tan has previously confirmed the group will also develop a small-scale integrated resort with casino gaming within The Mactan Newtown township, as well as another in its Boracay township.
In a filing, Megaworld said Mactan Expo will serve as one of the venues for the upcoming ASEAN Summit hosted by the Philippines, beginning with the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) – one of the major events under the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026, scheduled from 28 to 30 January.
According to information from the company, the new facility is a celebration of Cebuano identity, with every element reflecting the island’s culture and natural beauty while supporting seamless large-scale gatherings.
It features a pillarless main hall allowing for uninterrupted exhibitions, conferences and celebrations, plus sculptural wall installations adorned with seashells from Cebu’s pristine beaches. Visitors are welcomed by a light-filled foyer featuring abstract artwork inspired by the movement of Cebu’s coastline, while the main lobby showcases commissioned works by Cebuano artists, it explained.
Other features include a VIP lounge, Muslim-friendly prayer rooms and an integrated showroom showcasing its conference spaces.
“One of Megaworld’s opening salvos in nation-building was the expansion of our hotels, and now we are entering the MICE business with the main goal of providing essential developments and world-class convention facilities,” said Lourdes T. Gutierrez-Alfonso, President and CEO of Megaworld.
“After Cebu, we will explore other key growth areas to expand this business as we aim to attract more international conventions and events, just like the ASEAN Summit, which will become a landmark hosting for Megaworld’s first-ever convention center.”
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