Ayala Malls Arca South Opens as a New-Generation Community Anchor in Taguig

From Left: Jaime Zobel Urquijo, Ayala Land Inc's Head of Urban Estates; Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land Inc's SVP & Head of Leasing & Hospitality Group; Meean Dy, Ayala Land Inc's President & CEO; Lani Cayetano, Taguig City Mayor; Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land Inc's Chairman; Paul Birkett, Ayala Malls COO

Ayala Malls Arca South opens as the first in a new generation of Ayala Malls, bringing a more integrated, community-centered retail experience to one of Taguig’s emerging growth districts. It reflects Ayala Land’s evolving understanding of public space: that malls work best when they are woven into daily life, giving residents, workers, and visitors places to gather, dine, pause, and connect throughout the day.

“At Ayala Malls, we have learned that retail works best when it becomes part of people’s everyday routines,” says Paul Birkett, Ayala Malls Chief Operating Officer. “Ayala Malls Arca South was designed around that belief. By giving people more reasons to come often, stay longer, and move naturally through the space, we create stronger conditions for our merchants to be discovered, visited, and woven into the life of the community.”

This thinking is built into the mall’s architecture and interior design. Moving away from the traditional enclosed mall format, Ayala Malls Arca South is designed as an open, layered environment that makes shops more visible, circulation more intuitive, and transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces feel more natural. Industrial materials are softened by natural finishes and ambient lighting, creating spaces that feel contemporary, legible, and warm. The mall unfolds as a series of connected places that people can move through easily throughout the day.

Designed for Everyday Use: Key Spaces for Connection

Central to this vision is the mall’s layout, organized around distinct zones for regular, informal gatherings:

  • Fresh Grounds, Ayala Malls’ first dedicated coffee roastery zone, draws from global café culture and the Filipino tradition of merienda. Designed as a shared café space and natural meeting point, it supports everyday routines, from morning conversations to unplanned afternoon catch-ups.
  • Kulinarya Food Hall brings together diverse cuisines in a single, open dining space. Designed for communal meals and discovery, it reinforces food as a central part of daily connection.
  • Main Street introduces a generous outdoor green space where people can slow down, take a break, and spend time without needing a fixed plan. Its current mix of food trucks and stalls brings energy to the space, while its flexible layout allows for pop-ups, light programming, and everyday moments of pause in response to the community’s desire for more open, breathable spaces within the estate.

Specialty zones such as The Crates and The Souk are designed as flexible, open-format spaces that can adapt as Arca South grows and its community becomes more established. Over time, these areas allow the mall to refresh its mix of concepts, services, and price points, ensuring it remains useful to the community it serves today while staying relevant to a broader mix of residents, workers, and visitors the district is expected to attract.

Beyond its physical spaces, Ayala Malls Arca South is designed to support the growth of the local economy. Through employment, merchant partnerships, and access to a new and growing market, the mall helps establish the commercial foundations of the district. As Arca South matures, businesses within the mall have the opportunity to grow with the community, building familiarity, trust, and relevance over time.

As Ayala Malls’ first new-generation estate mall, Ayala Malls Arca South reflects a broader ambition: to create places that are not only visited, but woven into the everyday life of the communities around them. In one of Taguig’s next growth districts, it opens as a shared public space, a platform for enterprise, and a community anchor built to evolve with the city around it.

For more information, visit www.ayalamalls.com or follow Ayala Malls on social media via facebook.com/AyalaMalls360 or @iloveayalamalls in Instagram.

Conrad Manila Celebrates Mothers with Curated Dining Experiences 

A Feast of Grace, Curated for Mother at China Blue by Jereme Leung

From indulgent buffets at Brasserie on 3 and an elegant Hermès‑inspired afternoon tea at C Lounge, to a bespoke lauriat menu at the Michelin‑selected China Blue by Jereme Leung complemented by delightful creations from Bru Coffee Bar, the iconic luxury destination along Manila Bay presents refined ways to celebrate and thank mothers.

This May, Conrad Manila pays tribute to a mother’s boundless love and devotion with an exclusive line-up of gastronomic experiences thoughtfully crafted to make her feel truly celebrated. Available over Mother’s Day weekend, the offerings include hearty buffets at Brasserie on 3, an elegant Hermès‑inspired afternoon tea at C Lounge, a refined lauriat feast at the Michelin‑selected China Blue by Jereme Leung, and exquisitely made cakes and pastries from Bru Coffee Bar, each a heartfelt expression of appreciation for all that she does.

“At Conrad Manila, we want every mother to feel deeply cherished, especially this Mother’s Day,” said Rupert Hallam, General Manager of Conrad Manila. “We invite families to gather around the table and create meaningful moments together, experiences that every mom will truly treasure.”

Mom Takes Center Seat at Brasserie on 3

This Mother’s Day, the heart of the home is celebrated with a complimentary buffet at Brasserie on 3. With every four full-paying guests, mom dines for free and enjoys a thoughtfully curated spread featuring highlights such as roasted lamb leg, salt-crusted salmon, slow-roasted Ohmi beef leg, lamb biryani, fresh seafood selections, and themed desserts.

Adding an extra touch of elegance to the celebration, a special limited-edition Mother’s Day gift will also be presented, available while supplies last.

Mom Takes Center Seat 
10 May 2026 | Lunch & Dinner
PHP 3,988 nett per person

Another sweet destination to celebrate mom this Mother’s Day is Wonderland Reverie, the Philippines’ biggest dessert buffet at Brasserie on 3. Featuring seven thoughtfully curated stations inspired by Lewis Carroll’s timeless Alice in Wonderland, the experience is reimagined through an irresistible spread of delectable sweets and savory bites. Each station of this weekend-only indulgence unfolds like a chapter brought to life with decadent tastes and enchanting visuals. Available every Saturday and Sunday from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, Wonderland Reverie promises an afternoon of playful discovery and heartfelt celebration.

A Feast of Grace at China Blue by Jereme Leung

An exquisite celebration awaits at the Michelin-selected China Blue by Jereme Leung with a lauriat menu designed for sharing with loved ones. Crafted to honor mothers with refined flavors and masterful presentation, the menu features signature dishes such as roasted Hong Kong suckling pig with crispy snow crab claw, roasted sesame duck with black pepper barbecue sauce, and braised abalone, fish maw, and sea cucumber with dry shrimp fried garlic sauce, among other culinary highlights.

A Feast of Grace, Curated for Mother
9 to 10 May 2026 | Lunch & Dinner
PHP 49,998 nett (ideal for 10 persons)

An Hermès-inspired Afternoon Tea at C Lounge

For a refined Mother’s Day celebration, C Lounge presents Heures d’Orange, an Hermès‑inspired afternoon tea experience curated in collaboration with The Amenity Studio. The experience is ideal for two persons, perfect for honoring mom with something beautifully personal.Inspired by the world of Hermès, Heures d’Orange elevates afternoon tea into a celebration of scent, flavor, and craftsmanship, where every Hermès fragrance profile featured is paired with a complementary tea. The immersive journey begins with a gentle, sensory‑led introduction, followed by harmoniously composed teas and confections designed to delight the senses.
Thoughtful in every detail, it is a Mother’s Day experience defined by care, elegance, and lasting memories.

Heures d’Orange
27 April to 31 July 2026 l 12:00pm to 6:00pm, daily
PHP 3,288 ++ per set

Sweet Ode for Mom at Bru Coffee Bar

Crafted with love and elegance, the artisanal confections at Bru Coffee Bar offer a delightful way to honor mom. Ideal for gifting or taking home, each thoughtfully designed pastry and cake is a sweet expression of gratitude for someone truly special.

Sweet Ode for Mom
25 April to 10 May 2026 l 8:00am to 7:00pm, daily
Pastries start at PHP 280 nett
Cakes start at PHP 2,400 nett

This Mother’s Day, celebrate with indulgence and heartfelt moments at Conrad Manila.

For more information on the hotel’s dining exclusives and other offerings, please contact +632 8833 9999 or email MNLMB.FB@ConradHotels.com

MR.DIY returns to Negros for “Padayon sa Paglaum” initiative

MR.DIY employee volunteers together with MR.DIY’s “PanDIY” mascot, pose with the beneficiaries of the Padayon sa Paglaum CSR initiative in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

Leading home improvement retailer MR.DIY Philippines returned to Negros Province for the second phase of its “Padayon sa Paglaum” (Carry on with Hope) initiative– aimed at helping communities on the road to recovery.

The second phase of the initiative focused on providing essential support through the distribution of “Padayon” Relief Kits to families and “Paglaum” Student Kits to school-aged children following the aftermath of natural calamities that heavily impacted Canlaon City, Negros Oriental and Victorias City, Negros Occidental. 

A total of 1,500 kits were distributed across the two locations last January 30-31, benefiting over 800 families and 500 children. 

Padayon sa Paglaum is about being present beyond the immediate response,” said Ms. Roselle Andaya, Chief Executive Officer of MR.DIY Philippines. “With our return, we hope to continue easing daily challenges and help families, children, and their communities carry on with renewed strength and hope.”

In December 2025, MR.DIY first launched the initiative by providing free health services in the cities of Canlaon and Victorias, serving over 500 individuals who received medical, dental, prenatal and optical services–addressing urgent health needs during a critical period of recovery. 

Padayon sa Paglaum was made possible through close coordination with the local government units of Canlaon City and Victorias City, as well as the support of MR.DIY employee volunteers and community partners.

Through this initiative, MR.DIY reinforces its belief that recovery is not a one-time effort, but a continuing journey—one that is built on care, dignity, and long-term support for the communities it serves.

To learn more about MR.DIY’s CSR initiatives, visit MR.DIY’s official website at www.mrdiy.com/ph or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for more details.

Hill Residences: Where Homeownership Meets Opportunity

With strong rental potential and a location poised for growth, Hill Residences in Novaliches offers both a place to live and a way to move forward financially.

One of the key factors behind the growing appeal of Hill Residences is its Ready-for-Occupancy (RFO) offering.

For buyers, this means no waiting—just the flexibility to move in or start earning almost immediately, reflecting how SM Development Corporation (SMDC) delivers homes that are ready when you are.

This flexibility makes RFO units especially attractive not only to end-users, but also to overseas Filipino workers and investors seeking properties that can generate income right away. In a market where timing matters, having a home that’s ready when you are becomes a clear advantage.

Everyday Living, Made Better

But moving up isn’t just about location or timing. It’s also about how life feels day to day.

Hill Residences is designed as a space where residents can enjoy more than just their units. With generous open areas and thoughtfully planned amenities, the development creates room for movement, relaxation, and connection.

Here, mornings can start with a walk outdoors. Evenings can wind down in shared spaces. And weekends don’t require going far to feel like a break from routine.

It’s a kind of living that balances practicality with comfort—something increasingly valued in today’s fast-paced environment.

A Smart Move for the Long Term

Beyond lifestyle, Hill Residences also presents a strong case as an investment.

Its location in the northern corridor places it near ongoing and upcoming infrastructure developments, helping improve accessibility and unlock future growth potential. As connectivity improves, so does the value of properties in the area—making it an attractive option for those thinking ahead.

Combined with steady rental demand from nearby workforce sectors, the property offers opportunities not just for homeownership, but for income generation as well.

More Than a Home, A Step Forward

At its core, Hill Residences reflects a shift in how people define progress.

Moving up today is no longer just about size or status. It’s about making choices that improve everyday life—choices that are practical, timely, and aligned with long-term goals.

By offering ready homes, accessible living, and a balanced community environment, Hill Residences makes that step forward more achievable.

Because sometimes, the best way to move up… is simply to start now.

To learn more, visit www.smdc.com or call the SMDC Hotline at (02) 8858-0300.

BingoPlus drives excitement at Liberica 2026 Invitational

The country’s number one online entertainment platform BingoPlus was at the helm of sponsorship at the Liberica 2026 Invitational golf tournament held last April 16 to 19 at the Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Batangas City.

The Liberica 2026 Invitational, or the Mount Malarayat Liberica Invitational Golf Tournament, is a leading social golf tournament that blends competition, networking, and recreation in one signature event. The name itself pays homage to the iconic Liberica coffee, locally known as kapeng Barako.

Chairman Arch. Antonio Toti Turalba Jr. led the ceremonial tee-off together with Juha Turalba, GM Argy Garcia Jr., the Board of Directors, and the organizers. Their attendance highlighted the strong community spirit while reinforcing its reputation in the Philippine golf community.

As a gold sponsor for the tournament, BingoPlus elevated the player experience with exclusive BingoPlus merchandise, including golf balls, umbrellas, and arm sleeves as memorabilia for the tournament.

Tournament participants during the Liberica 2026 Invitational

With its successful run this year, the Liberica Invitational proved that golf is more than just a rising sport in the country, but a shared experience that allows people to connect, celebrate culture, and create stronger and lasting relationships.

About BingoPlus

BingoPlus is the Philippines’ leading and most comprehensive digital entertainment platform. It has redefined digital gaming in the country. Launched in January 2022, it introduced the first-ever interactive, live-streaming digital bingo platform. BingoPlus is an affiliate of DigiPlus Interactive Corp. and is an advocate for responsible gaming. BingoPlus is licensed by PAGCOR. For more information, visit www.bingoplus.com.

About DigiPlus

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced the leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging interactive gaming and sports entertainment experiences. DigiPlus also operates GameZone, with more to come. For more information visit www.digiplus.com.ph.

ArenaPlus becomes the NBA’s first Official Betting Partner in the Philippines

ArenaPlus, a leading PAGCOR-licensed online sportsbook, announced a multiyear collaboration that makes ArenaPlus the NBA’s first Official Betting Partner in the Philippines. This marks a significant milestone for ArenaPlus and strengthens its position as a leader in the country’s evolving sports entertainment landscape.

As a global sports and media organization, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories and has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 2.5 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms. In the Philippines, where basketball is deeply embedded into everyday culture, the NBA continues to inspire one of its most passionate fan bases worldwide.

Through this collaboration, ArenaPlus will integrate NBA marks across its online gaming platforms, execute local activations, and be featured across the NBA’s localized social and digital platforms in the Philippines. In addition, ArenaPlus and the NBA will promote responsible gambling and best-in-class practices to protect the integrity of NBA games.

ArenaPlus will further engage fans in the Philippines through NBA-themed free-to-play games and promotions that will offer participants the opportunity to win special prizes, culminating each season with an NBA Playoffs bracket game. This includes ArenaPlus’ “Playoffs MVP: Battle for the Most Valuable Predictor”, a free-to-play contest launched on March 21, 2026, that allows participants to submit their picks for the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

“Becoming the Official Betting Partner of the NBA in the Philippines is a landmark moment for ArenaPlus,” said Erick Su, Head of ArenaPlus. “The NBA represents the highest standard in global sports, and its connection with Filipino fans is unmatched. Through our collaboration, we aim to elevate how fans experience basketball – bringing them closer to the action in ways that are more immersive and engaging and built around how they follow the game today.”

“Sport continues to be a driving force in the Philippines’ rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape, and our collaboration with ArenaPlus reflects our commitment to engaging fans across the country in new and creative ways,” said Kuljeet Sindhar, NBA Head of International Gaming and Data Distribution. “We look forward to working together to deliver an authentic gaming experience that responsibly channels the passion of Filipino fans and deepens their connection to the league.”

As ArenaPlus expands its presence in the Philippine sports ecosystem, the collaboration ushers in a new chapter in local basketball fandom, bridging the NBA’s global reach with an innovative digital experience built for today’s Filipino fan. Fans can download the ArenaPlus app or visit www.arenaplus.ph for more information.

About DigiPlus

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced the leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging interactive gaming and sports entertainment experiences. DigiPlus also operates GameZone, with more to come. For more information visit www.digiplus.com.ph.

About ArenaPlus

ArenaPlus is the No. 1 PAGCOR-licensed online sportsbook in the Philippines, providing a secure and engaging sports betting and streaming experience. Launched in 2023, ArenaPlus features live streams of local and international sports.

SMDC Nature Opens Visayas Hub in Iloilo, Strengthening Regional Presence

SMDC executives and local partners gather for the opening of the Nature Visayas Hub in Iloilo City. (From Left: Edwin Yabut, Vice President, Head of Planning, Innovation and Design; Erickberth N. Calupe, Senior Vice President, Head of Property Management; Hiyasmin Isiderio, Assistant Vice President, Regional Operations Head, SM Supermalls; Jessica Bianca T. Sy, Vice President, Head of Design, Innovation and Strategy; Councilor Miguel Treñas, Iloilo City; Susan G. Nicdao, Vice President, Head of Nature Segment; and Pam De Guzman, Assistant Vice President, Project Development and Management)

The new hub strengthens SMDC Nature’s footprint in the Visayas, bringing its community-centered approach closer to one of the country’s most dynamic regional markets.

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) has opened its SMDC Nature Visayas Hub in Iloilo City, marking a significant step in the company’s continued expansion beyond Metro Manila and its commitment to serve more homebuyers in key regional centers.

Located at SM Strata Tower 2 along Benigno Aquino Avenue, the new hub provides a dedicated regional space for SMDC Nature, the company’s segment focused on creating more balanced, livable, and thoughtfully designed residential communities.

More than a sales office, the Visayas Hub serves as SMDC Nature’s regional anchor in Western Visayas. It operates as a full-service hub with customer service and back-end support functions, bringing SMDC closer to existing homeowners, prospective buyers, local partners, and communities. This enables the company to respond more directly to the way people in the region live, move, and plan for the future.

“The opening of the SMDC Nature Visayas Hub is about presence with purpose,” said Jessica Bianca T. Sy, Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation and Strategy. “It allows us to be closer to the region, more responsive to local needs, and more intentional in how we build communities that support everyday life.”

Hub in Iloilo City, including welcome remarks by Jessica Bianca T. Sy, the ribbon-cutting ceremony, blessing, and symbolic activities marking the company’s growing presence in the Visayas.

Iloilo plays a strategic role in SMDC’s regional growth. With its strong local identity, steady economic momentum, and continued urban development, the city has become an important market for thoughtfully planned residential communities that prioritize accessibility, convenience, and quality of life.

SMDC’s growing portfolio in the Visayas includes Glade Residences and Style Residences in Iloilo, as well as Smile Residences and Parkville in Bacolod. These developments reflect the company’s broader commitment to building accessible, well-connected communities that respond to the needs of modern Filipino families.

SMDC Nature carries the segment principle “Where Nature Lives,” guiding developments that feel more open, more breathable, and more aligned with everyday routines. Its communities are designed to support a more balanced way of living, with spaces that allow residents to move, gather, recharge, and grow.

“SMDC Nature has always been about creating communities that feel connected to how people want to live today,” said Susan G. Nicdao, Vice President and Head of the Nature Segment. “With our stronger presence in the Visayas, we are able to bring that vision closer to more homebuyers, creating homes that are accessible, livable, and meaningful.”

With the opening of the Visayas Hub, SMDC Nature reinforces its role in shaping residential communities beyond Metro Manila, bringing its thoughtful approach to more regions and more Filipino families.

To learn more, visit www.smdc.com or call the SMDC Hotline at (02) 8858-0300.

BingoPlus boosts the fun and entertainment at Neon Music Festival

BingoPlus mascot BingBing takes the stage at the Neon Music Festival

The country’s number one and most trusted online entertainment platform BingoPlus multiplied the fun and entertainment at the recently concluded Neon Music Festival 2026 held on April 11 at SM Fairview in Quezon City.

A tenant of its offline operations in the mall, BingoPlus joined the festivities by partnering with event organizers and setting up an interactive booth aimed at connecting with a younger audience.

The DigiPlus-owned platform brought some of its popular games on-site, including the Color Game, Spin the Wheel, and Slot Machine, giving festivalgoers a chance to play and win exclusive BingoPlus merchandise.

Partygoers took home BingoPlus merchandise by visiting the booth

Complementing the high-energy performances on stage, the BingoPlus booth added another layer of fun and engagement, helping make this year’s Neon Music Festival a resounding success.

The BingoPlus booth at the Neon Music Festival 2026

About DigiPlus

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced the leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging interactive gaming and sports entertainment experiences. DigiPlus also operates GameZone, with more to come. For more information visit www.digiplus.com.ph.

About BingoPlus

BingoPlus is the Philippines’ leading and most comprehensive digital entertainment platform. It has redefined digital gaming in the country. Launched in January 2022, it introduced the first-ever interactive, live-streaming digital bingo platform. BingoPlus is an affiliate of DigiPlus Interactive Corp. and is an advocate for responsible gaming. BingoPlus is licensed by the PAGCOR. For more information, visit www.bingoplus.com.

Rakuten Viki Unlocks Full Season of Phantom Lawyer for Free Streaming Following Breakout Success

Chart-topping legal fantasy drama Phantom Lawyer becomes fully available for free on Rakuten Viki 

Rakuten Viki, the global streaming destination for Asian entertainment, announced on April 24 expanded access to Phantom Lawyer, making the series available to stream for free with ads across Southeast Asia. 

Ahead of the May 2 finale, episodes 1–14 of Phantom Lawyer are available on Viki through its advertising-based video-on-demand (AVOD) offering. Beginning May 2, all 16 episodes will be released, allowing both new and returning viewers to enjoy the complete season without a subscription.

The decision follows strong performance across Southeast Asia, where the legal fantasy drama debuted at No. 1 on regional charts in viewership during its first week and has maintained a Top 3 ranking for six consecutive weeks– including five straight weeks at No.1 in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. The series currently holds a 9.6/10 viewer rating, reflecting sustained widespread appeal across the region.

“What makes Phantom Lawyer resonate is how it pairs compelling cases with a deeper emotional core,” said Karen Paek, Vice President of Marketing at Rakuten Viki. “As audiences spend more time with the series, that balance becomes even more meaningful. Making the full season available for free allows more viewers to experience that journey from start to finish.”

Led by Yoo Yeon Seok and Esom, Phantom Lawyer follows Shin Yi Rang, a timid lawyer who gains the ability to see and communicate with restless spirits after moving into an office once owned by a shaman. As he takes on cases tied to unresolved grievances, Yi Rang navigates a mix of legal challenges, supernatural encounters, and personal transformation.

The series has also drawn attention for Yoo Yeon Seok’s range in portraying Yi Rang’s evolving character, balancing comedic timing with emotional depth. This mix has helped the show stand out among recent legal dramas, particularly among audiences seeking more layered storytelling.

“I’m excited for fans to see how each case concludes. There is a real sense of satisfaction in seeing the spirits find peace, and in watching Yi-rang grow through those encounters,” said Yoo Yeon Seok. “It’s not just a ghost story or a courtroom battle. You might come for the comedy, but you’ll stay for the emotional reflection on life and death.”

By opening the full season to free streaming, Rakuten Viki creates a wider entry point for new viewers while allowing existing audiences to revisit the series in full. The move reflects a growing preference for more flexible, accessible ways to engage with content across the region.

With strong momentum in Southeast Asia, the expanded availability of Phantom Lawyer is expected to further extend its reach and introduce the series to a broader audience.

Phantom Lawyer is now available to stream for free on the Rakuten Viki app or online across viewers in Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. 

Visit www.viki.com to watch.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation Appoints Sherwin Lucas as General Manager of SMX Convention Center and Upcoming SMXCITE

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. welcomes a new chapter in leadership. Sherwin Lucas steps in as General Manager of SMX Convention Center Manila and SMXCITE.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) announces the appointment of Mr. Sherwin Lucas as General Manager of SMX Convention Center Manila and SMXCITE (SMX Center for International Trade and Exhibitions), the company’s new landmark venue which is slated to open in 2027 within the Mall of Asia Complex.

A proven leader within the SMHCC brand portfolio, Mr. Lucas previously served as Area General Manager of Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo and Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod since 2021, where he consistently delivered strong business results, enhanced operational excellence, and elevated guest satisfaction while steering both properties toward significant industry recognitions.

With over two decades of distinguished leadership in the hospitality industry, Sherwin brings a wealth of expertise to the SMX brand and endeavors to continuously elevate its presence both locally and internationally. He began his career as an Operations Supervisor at Olympia Courtyard Suites before advancing through key leadership roles across international markets. Prior to joining SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., he served as Director of Events Service at Sheraton Grand Macao and The St. Regis Macao, where he received the APAC Regional Event Leadership Award in 2016. Sherwin holds degrees in Commerce from the University of Muntinlupa and the University of the Philippines, further strengthened by extensive international training in leadership and management, which is an educational and professional foundation that reflects his strategic and operational depth as a leader. 

Strategically located in the Mall of Asia Complex, SMX Convention Center Manila has been hosting world-class events and shaping the future of meetings, exhibitions, and global connections since 2007.

“In my new role, I am committed to lead SMX Convention Center Manila’s continued growth by driving excellence across operations, innovation, and exceptional client experiences, while helping reinforce its leadership as the Philippines’ largest convention center operator and a key force in the M.I.C.E. industry. I also look forward to help shape the successful opening and establishment of SMXCITE in 2027, ensuring its positioning as a world-class hub for international trade, exhibitions, and large-scale events that will further strengthen the Philippines’ role in the global MICE landscape,” said Mr. Lucas. 

With his appointment, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. reaffirms its commitment to advancing world-class M.I.C.E. destinations in the Philippines, while strengthening its portfolio of convention and exhibition venues, and supporting the continued growth of the country’s business tourism industry.

About SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC)

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) is the hospitality arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc.

Currently, the SMHCC portfolio is comprised of ten (10) hotel properties with a combined inventory of more than 2,600 rooms and over 42,000 sqm. of leasable convention space. The list of properties under SMHCC includes Taal Vista Hotel, Pico Sands Hotel, Conrad Manila, Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Radisson Blu Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson Clark, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, and the SMX Convention Centers (SMX Manila, SMX Aura, SMX Bacolod, SMX Davao, Olongapo City Convention Center, SMX Clark) and trade halls (Megatrade Hall and Sky Hall Seaside Cebu).

For more information, please visit https://smhotels.com.ph/