Ayala to launch Cebu’s first “Entertainment Mall”

CEBU, Philippines — Ayala Land Inc.’s (ALI) retail development arm, Ayala Malls, is set to open Cebu’s first "Entertainment Mall" in Mandaue City, marking the company’s third Ayala Mall in Metro Cebu.

ALI Senior Vice President Mariana Zobel de Ayala recently visited Cebu and expressed confidence in the Metro Cebu’seconomic stability. She highlighted that the new mall is one of many projects planned for Cebu in the coming years.

Dubbed the “Capital of Fun,” the new shopping and leisure destination will feature a four-story mall within the 17.5-hectare Gatewalk Central in Mandaue City. The development will also include a nine-story business process management (BPM) tower, among other amenities.

Zobel revealed that the mall’s concept draws inspiration from entertainment hubs in Spain, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

The development aims to elevate the shopping and leisure experience in Cebu, she added.

This investment complements the company’s ongoing renovation of Ayala Center Cebu, its flagship mall in Cebu, as part of a broader expansion plan here.

In addition to the mall projects, Zobel announced plans for a new international resort brand on Mactan Island, with details to be unveiled soon.

She also highlighted ALI’s strong office portfolio in Cebu, spanning Cebu Business Park (CBP) and Cebu IT Park, which continue to attract global companies establishing headquarters in the city.

As part of its infrastructure initiatives, ALI has invested P350 million in the first phase of CBP’s redevelopment, which includes road widening. This is part of a five-year plan to enhance living standards within CBP.

Further developments are underway at South Coast City in South Road Properties (SRP) and Seagrove on Mactan Island, both of which will include retail components launching soon.

“We are investing resources to bring the best of the world, Manila, and Cebu to Ayala Center Cebu. By the end of next year, you will experience a whole new Ayala Center Cebu,” said Zobel.

She also shared that the newly refurbished Ayala Center Cebu will introduce new dining and retail concepts, including the entry of Din Tai Fung, Shake Shack, Manam, and Wildflour. More high-end brands are set to join once renovations are complete.

The new activity center at Ayala Center Cebu is scheduled for unveiling by the end of 2024.

“We are extremely bullish about Cebu’s economy. The domestic market is strong, and we see tremendous opportunities to showcase the Philippines to the world, especially with Cebu’s excellent airport and growing tourism appeal,” Zobel said.

Earlier this year, ALI committed PHP 13 billion to refresh its flagship malls—Glorietta, Greenbelt, Trinoma, and Ayala Center Cebu—to adapt to post-pandemic consumer preferences.

Zobel added that Ayala Center Cebu would be transformed into the “Queen City of the South’s premier lifestyle destination,” catering to milestones and offering unparalleled retail experiences.

The mall’s expansion wing, set for completion by 2027, aims to attract international brands and appeal to both domestic and tourist markets.

“Many global brands are looking to expand in Cebu,” Zobel concluded.