Yesterday, while driving home from southern Cebu, I found myself caught in an unusually heavy traffic buildup along the South Road Properties (SRP). At first, I wondered what was causing the congestion. Moments later, I realized that people were making their way to the grand opening of SM Arena Seaside Cebu.
The Arena is an impressive addition to Cebu’s urban landscape—a 19,000–square-meter indoor events venue with a seating capacity of up to 25,000, placing it among the largest event venues in the country. Its opening symbolizes how investment priorities in SRP have shifted over the past three decades—from an industrial growth strategy toward one centered on commerce, tourism, entertainment, institutional uses, and other service-oriented activities.
Continue reading “From MEPZ III to SM Arena: What the South Road Properties Tell Us About the Philippine Economy”
