SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM Group, announced plans to further strengthen its entertainment ecosystem across its businesses to meet the growing appetite for experiences among younger Filipino consumers.
“At SM, we recognize the younger generation’s increasing preference for experiences. This shift creates new opportunities for growth across our businesses. By listening closely to our customers, we are expanding our entertainment offerings to deepen engagement and create long-term value across the SM ecosystem,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments.
A Groupwide Approach to Entertainment
SM’s entertainment reach goes beyond its malls and arenas. Through SMIC SG Holdings, the group became the first Philippine company to invest in Klook, a leading Asia-based travel and experiences platform. Its logistics arm, 2GO, offers karaoke lounges and video arcades onboard vessels, rare amenities in inter-island travel. Meanwhile, BDO Unibank and China Bank integrate lifestyle and travel-related perks into their customer rewards programs.
This broad presence positions SM to capture opportunities in the country’s ₱1.94-trillion creative economy, which grew 8.7% in 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Next-Gen Entertainment Hubs
SM is reimagining malls, convention centers, and arenas into multi-dimensional hubs designed for the experience-driven preferences of millennials and Gen Z.
“Malling in the past was more straightforward with shopping, dining, and leisure. Today’s younger consumers, raised on the Internet and social media, prioritize inclusivity, community, and sustainability,” said Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls.
He added, “That’s why our entertainment efforts are now focused on communities, or ‘tribes’ such as gamers, geeks, foodies, and fandoms seeking interactive and personalized experiences. For them, the mall has become both an entertainment hub and an escape.”
The MOA Arena, built to meet global production standards, continues to host world-class acts and will soon be complemented by a larger arena in Cebu.
“Production value is significantly elevated at MOA Arena because the venue accommodates the creative demands of top-tier events, especially multi-sensory experiences. Building world-class venues in key cities supports both cultural and economic growth,” said Arnel C. Gonzales, Vice President for Arena Operations, MOA Arena.
Meanwhile, SMX Convention Center has seen a surge in bookings for fan meets, gaming expos, and pop culture conventions, with attendance rising sharply since late 2023.
“Over the past year, we’ve observed remarkable growth in event bookings, ticket sales, and turnout, particularly for entertainment-led gatherings. Even weekday events are attracting strong audiences, showing that consumers are carving out both time and budget for these experiences,” said Mike Albaña, Vice President and General Manager of SMX Convention Center.
Entertainment as a Growth Enabler
For SM, entertainment is more than an add-on. It is a key driver of traffic, partnerships, and community value. The group continues to create shared spaces for leisure and wellness, such as the FIFA-grade football pitch at SM MOA Sky, while also strengthening ties with global content providers.
“Our role is to serve as an enabler, bringing world-class content into our properties, giving back to stakeholders, and ensuring fans always have something to look forward to,” said Gonzales.
With its scale, integration, and customer-first mindset, the SM Group is positioning itself as a leader in the Philippines’ fast-growing experience economy where business growth, consumer satisfaction, and community value converge.
