Following its successful hosting of the ASEAN Travel Exchange, Lapu-Lapu City’s newest icon is set to welcome the region’s most distinguished leaders for the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit this May.
History has a way of coming full circle. Exactly 505 years after Ferdinand Magellan first stepped onto Philippine shores, a new landmark has been unveiled in Lapu-Lapu City that aims to bring the world back to Cebu—this time, on our own terms.
On March 16, 2026, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. officially inaugurated the Mactan Expo. This isn’t just another glass-and-steel box; it’s the architectural heartbeat of Megaworld’s 30-hectare Mactan Newtown township.
More Than Just a Meeting Space
The Mactan Expo is a masterclass in "Tropical Modernism." Eschewing the sterile aesthetic of traditional convention centers, this venue features surfaces embedded with local shells and indigenous textures that celebrate Cebuano craftsmanship. While it’s a pillarless giant capable of holding 3,000 people, it remains intimately connected to its surroundings via a veranda that opens directly toward the pristine Mactan Newtown Beach.
"The Mactan Expo serves as an important platform... a strong example of how the government and the private sector can work together—from start to finish—to deliver something meaningful and successful."
— Kevin L. Tan, CEO of Alliance Global Group
Why This Matters Now
This isn't just a "build it and they will come" project; the world is already arriving.
The Global Debut: Fresh off hosting the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), the Expo is already proving its operational mettle.
The Main Event: This May, it will serve as the official stage for the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit, welcoming heads of state from across Southeast Asia.
The Cultural Anchor: Positioned adjacent to the upcoming Mactan World Museum, the Expo is the cornerstone of a plan to cement Cebu as the Philippines' premier "MICE" (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) destination.
At a Glance: The Mactan Expo
| Feature | Detail |
| Capacity | Close to 3,000 guests (Theatre-style) |
| Versatility | One massive hall divisible into three smaller zones |
| Design | Collaborative work featuring Cebuano artists and natural finishes |
| Proximity | Located directly across from Mercure and Savoy Hotels |
By blending a beachside atmosphere with high-stakes international diplomacy, Megaworld is doing more than opening a building—they are defining a legacy for the region.
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