Marissa Fernan is the top honcho of SM in Cebu. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to meet her and discuss an exciting opportunity for Cebu: hosting the first-ever FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.
This historic event, scheduled for November 2025, had the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) considering Cebu as a co-host alongside Metro Manila. Together with CVFA President Rodney Orale, I met PFF President John Gutierrez to discuss Cebu’s hosting.
The only venue capable of meeting the international standards required? The SM Seaside Arena.
Ms. Fernan followed up with a meeting with Mr. Hans Sy in Manila to discuss the proposal. Unfortunately, the timing was too tight. With the coliseum’s opening set for late 2025 — there wasn’t enough lead time to prepare.
A similar story played out with the FIVB Men’s World Championships, scheduled for September 2025. The SM Seaside Arena would have been a perfect third venue alongside the SM MOA Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Not meant to be. Not yet. These setbacks only highlight the potential of the SM Seaside Arena. Starting late this year, Cebu will finally have a world-class sports and entertainment venue. (Consider that the Cebu Coliseum was built in 1962 — 63 years ago!)
The SM Mall Of Asia (MOA) Arena is the prime example. Since its opening in 2012, it has hosted mega-events, including the NBA Global Games, the SEA Games, and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. The FIBA World Cup was a testament to the Philippines’ ability to organize global sporting spectacles, with the SM MOA Arena drawing thousands of fans and worldwide attention.
Now, Cebu is ready to take its place on the global stage. The SM Seaside Arena will give us the ability to host events we could previously only dream of: a Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer tennis showdown, NBA exhibition games, a future Futsal World Championship. How about Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and international volleyball games?
Locally, the arena will transform events like the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) opening ceremonies and semis/finals games, giving athletes and fans a world-class venue to celebrate the best of Cebu sports.
I’m sure Cesafi Commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy and the university presidents are excited for 2026.
Sports is not the only winner with the SM Seaside Arena opening. It goes beyond sports — and beyond Cebu because the venue will cater to the Visayas and Mindanao markets. Like its Manila counterpart, it’s expected to host concerts by international stars. The opening act for SM MOA Arena in 2012 was none other than Lady Gaga.
Who will headline in Cebu? When I met the SM Seaside officials two weeks ago, I offered a suggestion: Bruno Mars!
