Ayala Malls is set to transform the Cebu retail landscape with the launch of Ayala Malls Gatewalk, a vibrant 56,000-square-meter lifestyle destination rising in Mandaue within Ayala Land’s Gatewalk estate. Poised to become the region’s next must-visit hub, the development will bring together an exciting mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and family-friendly experiences—all under one roof. Leading the lineup is a major milestone for the region: the first-ever IKEA store in the Visayas, making Ayala Malls Gatewalk a game-changing destination for Cebuanos and visitors alike.

Ayala Malls Gatewalk Cebu

More than just a shopping destination, Ayala Malls Gatewalk is shaping up to be a dynamic lifestyle hub at the heart of Mandaue. The four-level, fully air-conditioned mall will seamlessly connect to an office tower and a public transport hub, creating a vibrant mixed-use destination where work, errands, dining, and leisure come together effortlessly. But what truly sets Gatewalk apart is its vision to surprise and inspire. With an exciting mix of retail concepts, inviting public spaces, and thoughtfully designed architecture, the mall is being crafted as a lively destination filled with new experiences, hidden gems, and countless reasons to explore.

(L-R) Meean Dy, Ayala Land Inc President & CEO; Thadeo Ouano, Mandaue City Mayor; Ricardo Pinheiro  IKEA Philippines Country Retail Manager; Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land Senior Vice President and Head of Leasing and Hospitality; Paul Birkett, Ayala Malls Chief Operating Of

IKEA will be one of Ayala Malls Gatewalk’s key anchors, marking the Swedish home furnishings retailer’s first store outside Metro Manila and its debut in Cebu and the wider Visayas region. Spanning around 4,000 square meters, the store will bring IKEA’s well-designed, functional, and affordable home solutions closer to one of the country’s most important regional markets.

Ayala Malls Gatewalk CORTE

Beyond IKEA, Ayala Malls Gatewalk will introduce a new kind of mall experience for Cebu. A bi-level food hall will bring together new dining concepts and everyday favorites, while Shopwise will serve daily grocery needs. Two cinemas will add to the entertainment offer. At the heart of the mall will be a central outdoor courtyard with an oversized play feature inspired by one of Cebu’s most beloved natural icons, while the main entrance will welcome guests through the ARTrium, an interactive digital art hallway designed to make arrival feel like part of the experience.

Ayala Malls Gatewalk New Food Hall

“Opening a store in Mandaue City Cebu, at Ayala Malls Gatewalk, is a truly important milestone for us,” said Ricardo Pinheiro, IKEA Philippines Country Retail Manager. “Cebu’s growing market, strong design interest, and role as a center for home and family life make it a natural location for our first store outside Metro Manila. Ayala Malls Gatewalk gives us the right setting to meet customers in a fresh, accessible, and highly engaging way. We are excited to bring IKEA closer to more Filipinos and to help serve the strong demand for well-designed, functional, and affordable home furnishings.”

“Ayala Malls Gatewalk represents a new frontier in retail for us, and a clear expression of our vision to create places that are experiential, relevant, and deeply connected to the communities they serve,” said Paul Birkett, Ayala Malls Chief Operating Officer. “Cebu continues to be one of the country’s most important growth centers, serving not only the city and province but the wider Visayas region. Our investment here reflects our long-term belief in its potential. With IKEA, new dining formats, entertainment, play spaces, and everyday conveniences coming together, Ayala Malls Gatewalk is designed to become one of the region’s most exciting new destinations.”

Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land Senior Vice President and Head of Leasing and Hospitality

“This is a meaningful milestone for Ayala Land, and for our continuing commitment to Cebu,” said Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land Senior Vice President and Head of Leasing and Hospitality. “Ayala Malls Gatewalk reflects the kind of places we hope to build more of: places that make daily life easier, but also more joyful; places that bring people together, and give them new reasons to explore the city they call home. This is where everyday life gets a little more extraordinary. With IKEA joining us in Mandaue, we are excited to help create a destination that feels fresh, useful, and full of possibility for Cebuanos and for the wider Visayas region.”

Ayala Malls Gatewalk is set to open to the public in December 2026.

Ayala Malls is the premier lifestyle mall network in the Philippines, known for creating vibrant, well-curated destinations that bring together shopping, dining, culture, and community experiences. With over 33 malls nationwide, Ayala Malls continues to lead in elevating the Filipino retail experience by offering a diverse mix of global and local brands, innovative spaces, and enriching events that celebrate local creativity and inclusivity. As part of Ayala Land, the country’s leading real estate developer, Ayala Malls is committed to building dynamic, sustainable spaces where people can connect, thrive, and enjoy life’s everyday moments. For more information, visit www.ayalamalls.com or follow Ayala Malls on social media via facebook.com/AyalaMalls360 or @iloveayalamalls in Instagram.

POP MART is bringing its globally popular blind-box experience to Cebu City, marking another milestone in the brand’s growing presence in the Philippines. On June 5, the collectible toy giant will open its first-ever pop-up store in the Visayas at Ayala Center Cebu, expanding beyond its Metro Manila footprint and tapping into one of the country’s fastest-growing consumer markets.

POP MART Brings Global Blind-Box Phenomenon to Cebu

The Cebu debut will showcase one of POP MART’s most beloved characters, CRYBABY, offering fans in the region direct access to the brand’s highly sought-after collectibles and exclusive releases.

Cebu mall goers at POP MART Cebu

The launch follows a period of rapid expansion in Metro Manila, where POP MART has established locations in major shopping destinations including SM Megamall, SM Aura, SM North EDSA, and Mall of Asia. The move underscores the company’s confidence in the Philippine market as demand for character-driven collectibles continues to gain momentum among younger consumers.

Visayas is poised as an increasingly attractive growth market, supported by rising household incomes, a strong tourism rebound, and the continued expansion of the business process outsourcing sector. Cebu, in particular, has emerged as a key retail hub outside the capital, drawing both local and international brands seeking new avenues for growth.

POP MART in Cebu

Known worldwide for pioneering the blind-box retail concept, POP MART has cultivated a dedicated fan base through designer toys, limited-edition collaborations, and surprise-based purchases that transform shopping into an engaging collecting experience.

Moon Gelato at POP MART Blind-Box Phenomenon in Cebu

The Cebu expansion also reflects broader trends across Southeast Asia, where collectibles culture continues to thrive through vibrant fan communities, social media engagement, and sustained demand for exclusive merchandise.

For Cebu’s retail landscape, the arrival of POP MART adds another internationally recognized lifestyle brand to the city’s growing portfolio of experiential and trend-driven concepts. As consumers increasingly seek unique and interactive shopping experiences, the company’s entry into the market signals confidence in the region’s long-term retail potential.

As the year reaches its halfway point, many people start reassessing their finances. After months of juggling bills and daily expenses, sticking to a budget doesn’t have to mean giving up the meals and conveniences you enjoy. Instead, it’s about making smarter spending choices — finding practical, budget-friendly ways to make every peso go further while keeping your wallet in check.

Cebu Tasty Lechon

To help everyday consumers beat the midyear pinch, foodpanda’s Pro Weeks is back with budget-saving deals. From June 1 to 7, pandapro subscribers can unlock exclusive perks and discounts  across food delivery and groceries.

pandapro offers up to 50% off

Whether you’re ordering a solo lunch, stocking up the pantry, or feeding the whole family, Pro Weeks cuts down your expenses significantly, with up to 50% off on select restaurants such as Andoks, Shakey’s, Gong Cha, from June 1 to 7. Those savings also extend beyond meals, allowing pandapro subscribers to get up to 50% off on select pandamart items and up to 20% off on select Puregold items—helping users manage grocery restocks and household essentials more conveniently from home.

Cebu Tasty Lechon

Good Habits Coffee Cebu

Jafars Cebu

For those planning bigger orders, additional discounts make the experience even more sulit. From June 5 to 7, users can enjoy ₱200 off on select food and grocery vendors with varying minimum spends, adding even more value to barkada meals, family orders, or weekly restocks.

Ultimately, sticking to a budget doesn’t have to feel limiting. With bigger savings on food delivery, groceries, and everyday essentials, Pro Weeks shows that enjoying your favorites and staying stocked up can still be both convenient and budget-friendly.

As daily costs rise, making intentional, money-saving choices is the smartest midyear reset you can do.  Don’t let these budget-friendly perks pass you by – make your money work harder for you during this limited two-week savings event.

Novo Nordisk Philippines has partnered with Rose Pharmacy to strengthen obesity care and improve access to patient-centered weight management solutions in Cebu City and across the Visayas.

Novo Nordisk obesity care table at Rose Pharmacy Capitol Square Cebu City

The collaboration aims to help address persistent barriers in obesity care, including limited awareness and stigma, while making it easier for people living with obesity to connect with trained healthcare professionals and access more seamless support throughout their treatment journey.

Wei Sun, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines

“Obesity is a chronic, complex disease that requires sustained care and support,” said Wei Sun, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines. “By partnering with Rose Pharmacy, we hope to help more Filipinos in Cebu and nearby communities access the right treatment and long-term care they deserve.”

Through Rose Pharmacy’s trusted retail network, patients will gain greater awareness of obesity as a medical condition and benefit from more convenient access to science-based, patient-centered care.

Michael So, General Manager of Rose Pharmacy and Wei Sun, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines

“We believe pharmacies play an important role in helping patients take the first step toward better health,” said --- Michael So, General Manager of Rose Pharmacy. “By working with Novo Nordisk, we hope to make it easier for more Cebuanos to access reliable information and the support they need to manage obesity with confidence and dignity.”

Rose Pharmacy Capitol Square Cebu City

This partnership forms part of Novo Nordisk’s broader Live Lighter movement, which aims to improve how obesity is understood and treated in the Philippines. As part of these efforts, Novo Nordisk continues to expand partnerships that integrate clinical expertise, patient support, and innovation, complemented by science-based treatments such as semaglutide-based GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies—helping more Filipinos live lighter, healthier lives.

Metrobank has launched Moneygurado, a campaign in line with its goal of instilling financial mindfulness among Filipinos and a docuseries that brings practical money guidance closer to Filipinos by grounding it in real-life stories, cultural realities, and everyday experiences.

Direk Joey Reyes, Audrey Cruz, and Digs Dimagiba exchange insights from the Moneygurado docuseries, deepening the conversation on financial mindfulness and building resilience in the face of uncertainty.

Derived from “manigurado,” which means “to make sure” in Filipino, Moneygurado blends “money” and “sigurado,” capturing the goal of being confident, informed, and protected in every financial decision. It brings together everyday money management and fraud awareness, while taking a different approach—starting not with rules or tips, but with real Filipino experiences that reflect how people think and feel about money.

This builds on Metrobank’s long-standing advocacy of helping Filipinos grow and take control of their finances by translating concepts into everyday behaviors: planning ahead, spending with intention, protecting what they have, and staying open to opportunities for growth. Moneygurado positions financial mindfulness as a practical mindset that empowers individuals to navigate uncertainty with greater clarity, confidence, and control.

Metrobanks's Moneygurado

This initiative comes at a time when financial pressures are becoming more pronounced. Rising fuel prices, increasing cost of goods, and shifting economic conditions continue to affect household budgets, reinforcing the need to move from reactive habits to more deliberate financial decisions—from “bahala na” to “sigurado.”

“Moneygurado is about helping Filipinos become more intentional with their money by understanding the ‘why’ behind their decisions,” said Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer Digs Dimagiba. “By starting with real stories that reflect everyday realities, we make these conversations more relatable—and ultimately more actionable.”

Moneygurado Etymology

Moneygurado: A docuseries grounded in real Filipino experiences

At the heart of the campaign is the Moneygurado docuseries, which explores money through real-life Filipino stories, unpacking how culture shapes financial behavior across debt, spending, saving, and resilience.

Moneygurado Episodes

Instead of prescribing rules, the series examines how deeply rooted values—such as katatagan (resilience), hiya (shame), pakikisama (fellowship), and utang na loob (debt of gratitude)—influence how Filipinos save, spend, borrow, and give. While these values define identity, they can also lead to habits that put short-term social obligations ahead of long-term financial resilience.

The premiere episode, “Kapit Lang: The Filipino Way of Surviving,” features entrepreneur Audrey Cruz, founder of OnlyPans Taqueria in Poblacion, Makati. What began as a pandemic food delivery concept quickly grew into a thriving business—until a fire forced them to start over.

Her story highlights a familiar Filipino trait: katatagan or resilience. But it also underscores a deeper insight—survival alone is not enough without preparation. True financial resilience comes from intentional habits built before a crisis, not during it. By grounding insights in stories like this, Moneygurado reframes resilience from simply enduring challenges to preparing for them with purpose.

Upcoming episodes continue this exploration through different lenses: “Utang sa Pelikula: Self-Worth and Borrowing,” featuring director Jose Javier Reyes; “The Price of Hiya,” featuring historian Xiao Chua; and “Alkansya: The Filipino Art of Waiting,” featuring author Michelline Suarez.

While Moneygurado begins with stories, its purpose is to help Filipinos translate insight into action. Across the series, familiar financial behaviors are revisited through a more mindful lens—encouraging more purposeful borrowing, disciplined spending, goal-based saving, and a more intentional approach to resilience.

“Real progress starts when people see themselves in the story,” Dimagiba added. “Moneygurado is designed to meet Filipinos where they are—acknowledging their realities and helping them move forward with practical, meaningful actions.”

In the coming months, Metrobank will roll out additional Moneygurado episodes alongside accessible learning materials for students, families, and communities through its Earnest website, https://earnest.metrobank.com.ph/moneygurado.

About Moneygurado 

Moneygurado is Metrobank’s financial mindfulness campaign designed to help Filipinos become more confident, informed, and protected in their everyday money decisions. Derived from the Filipino word “manigurado,” meaning to make sure of something, Moneygurado combines “money” and “sigurado” to reflect a mindset of intentional and secure financial behavior.

Bringing together financial mindfulness and fraud awareness, Moneygurado translates practical money concepts into relatable, real-life experiences—empowering individuals to plan ahead, spend with purpose, save consistently, and protect what they have. Through initiatives such as its docuseries and learning platforms, Moneygurado aims to make financial guidance more accessible, actionable, and grounded in the realities of Filipino life.

About Metrobank

Metrobank is the country's second largest private universal bank in terms of assets that empowers both retail and business clients with customized financial products and services fit to help reach their goals and full potential. To know more and get the latest on Metrobank, visit our website, https://www.metrobank.com.ph/home and follow our official social media pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Tiktok.