MOA: The Philippines’ First True Experience-Centered City
• 4 min. read
How SMDC is building within Metro Manila’s most connected commercial and lifestyle district
29 April 2025 – Historically, cities have been built around commerce, governance, or industry. Today, however, the most dynamic cities are being built around experiences—where business, leisure, culture, and daily life move in a seamless flow.
The Mall of Asia (MOA) complex is leading this transformation in the Philippines. Across a single district, MOA integrates experiences that once existed in separate pockets of a city: global trade exhibitions hosted at SMX and soon at SMXCITE, major concerts and sporting events at MOA Arena, luxury stays at Conrad Manila, and everyday leisure across retail, dining, and waterfront spaces—all within walkable reach.
Business conferences no longer happen in isolation from leisure. Delegates can move from an international trade show to a bayside concert within the same day. A family weekend blends shopping, seaside dining, and live entertainment without crossing districts. Commerce, culture, and connection coexist, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of activity and value.
This convergence is being further accelerated with the development of the SMX Center for International Trade and Exhibitions (SMXCITE). Rising within the MOA estate, SMXCITE will be the largest and most advanced trade and exhibition venue in the country, accommodating up to 18,000 guests. With sustainability-driven design and versatile world-class facilities, SMXCITE positions MOA as Metro Manila’s most important platform for global conventions, exhibitions, and major business events.
SMDC’s residential projects are built right into MOA’s growing ecosystem. Ice Tower Residential- Office, located beside SMXCITE, is designed for today’s new way of living—where work and home often share the same space. Units come fiber-connected and ready for either personal or business use, with co-working areas, meeting rooms, and easy access to MOA’s commercial and events hubs. Sail Residences offers a daily waterfront lifestyle just steps from the city’s energy, while Shore 3 Residences creates a private, resort-style community in the middle of everything.
This is urban orchestration in action—where work, leisure, culture, and everyday living come together naturally. At MOA, everything you need is connected, making the experience of city life smoother, richer, and closer to home.
As global trends continue to favor proximity, mixed-use ecosystems, and experience-first living, MOA stands today as the Philippines’ most complete realization of this future. Those who live and invest here are not waiting for a new model of urban life to arrive. They are already living it.
