After twelve years of operations, the SM Mall of Asia Arena continues to evolve and maintain its status as home of the biggest events in Manila. Since its grand opening on June 16, 2012, the team behind this “eye-conic” venue continuously delivers unforgettable experiences for everyone.

It has indeed been achievable due to world-class events and employees’ efforts in providing customer service excellence—the DNA that shapes the company’s present growth. As the SM MOA Arena reflects on its 12-year success, the company wants to highlight customer service excellence as its strong foundation.

Going beyond the patrons’ needs and expectations is always a priority at the SM MOA Arena. From staging quality events with partnered clients to assisting attendees with their needs until the show’s end, the team ensures the highest quality of service. As part of the “eye-con,” they consistently step into their customers’ shoes and see their point of view so they can give them the best experience possible.

A state-of-the-art venue that captivates worldwide audiences

The SM MOA Arena was designed with an eye-shaped facade to deliver the message that all events held will be a “feast for the eye.” The versatile venue can alter its seating layout and center stage to cater to a variety of events, ranging from music concerts, fan meets, sports events, and family shows.

Moreover, the SM MOA Arena is where the eyes of the world witnessed monumental events. From hosting the 2015 Papal Visit and other religious congregations to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Gala Dinner, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit, and other intergovernmental forums for corporate social responsibility (CSR) events like Gabay Guro, the venue makes it possible to hold the most notable events of local and international interest.

As part of the SM MOA Arena’s CSR program, it partners annually with SM Cares and Autism Society Philippines to host the Angels Walk for Autism, with its culminating gathering held at the SM MOA Arena. This year, over 24,000 advocates including esteemed leaders SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans T. Sy, SM Supermalls’ President Steven T. Tan, and SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President for Marketing Hanna Carinna T. Sy showed support and solidarity for the autism community.

To maintain its world-class standards, the SM MOA Arena has been undergoing a three-year upgrade program of its facilities that started in early 2022. Prior to the hosting of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, SM Prime Holdings (the SM MOA Arena’s parent company) allocated more than US$ 10 million to upgrade key features like its turnstiles, center-hung scoreboard, Media Mesh, PA system, dugouts and back-of-house rooms, spectator seating, internet connectivity, 5G capacity, among others. All these improvements are to ensure it stays ahead of the growing demands of world-class events. Training and personnel improvement programs are also a key focus of the management as they reinforce its customer service excellence.

Remarkable milestones for the past 12 years

2012: Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way Ball” tour debuted at the SM MOA Arena, which opened a world-class venue for the Filipino people and headlined JLO, Jonas Brothers, David Guetta, Nicki Minaj and Big Bang for the rest of the year.

2013: The SM MOA Arena ensured all efforts were made to host major sporting events such as NBA Global Games (the first and only NBA-sanctioned event in Southeast Asia), FIBA Asia Championships, UAAP Basketball and NCAA Basketball opening, and UAAP Volleyball. International artists Aerosmith, Alicia Keys, Paramore, Linkin Park, Swedish House Mafia, Pitbull, Super Junior, 2PM, and Psy also performed in 2013.

2014: The SM MOA Arena unveiled the Media Mesh—a 700 sqm. LED digital billboard that is considered the first and biggest one in the country. With a promise to showcase world-class shows, the venue headlined BTS, 2NE1, Mariah Carey, Bruno Mars, and Taylor Swift with the amazing talent of OPM icon, Gary Valenciano’s electrifying “Arise” concert.

2015: The SM MOA Arena welcomed prominent world leaders such as Pope Francis and members of the APEC. The team also ensured the success of the first-ever UFC Fight Night Manila and International Premier Tennis League where world’s tennis icons Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal wowed the crowd. All of these while serving the fans of Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Michael Bublé, Maroon 5, Incubus, Backstreet Boys, Chris Brown, The Vamps, The 1975, and more.

2016: The SM MOA Arena emphasizes its dedication to hosting family shows such as the 2nd Monster Jam Live and Disney On Ice, which played at the venue for the first time. Top-tier fans of Madonna, Andrea Bocelli, Selena Gomez, Il Divo, and EXO, enjoyed celebrating with their idols for the rest of the year. Internationally sanctioned FIVB and FIBA competitions were also held during the year.

2017: The SM MOA Arena hosted several international beauty pageants including the 65th Grand Coronation Night of the prestigious Miss Universe competition. Britney Spears, Shawn Mendez, Ariana Grande, Seventeen, The Chainsmokers, and Regine Velasquez were the top billers for the year. Cirque du Soliel and Disney On Ice continue to bring delightful moments for Filipino families.

2018: The year the SM MOA Arena gave homage to parent company SM, which celebrated its 60th anniversary for providing “AweSM” experiences for every Filipino family. It was also the year when Filipino fans witnessed the spectacular two-night performance of Celine Dion, one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Other top billers include Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Katy Perry, Sam Smith, Paramore, Niall Horan, Seventeen, Super Junior, iKON, Winner, and EXO.

2019: Year of proud and long-standing affinity to the SM group, as the SM MOA Arena hosted Blackpink, Twice, EXO, Josh Groban, Maroon 5, Lany, Shawn Mendes, Boyzone, and the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

2020: The SM MOA Arena was repurposed as a mega swabbing facility in partnership with the national government through the Bases Conversion Development Authority and the Philippine Red Cross to contribute to the nation-building mission of helping everyone navigate the global pandemic.

2021: The SM MOA Arena launches the #ArenaSafe program. Guided by international protocols, being safe while enjoying live entertainment and sports events was a consideration for the venue.

2022: Uplifting the venue’s standards to accommodate more events was the goal for the SM MOA Arena after transitioning out of the pandemic bubble. Since then, the venue has hosted over 150 shows, including Lany’s sold-out, five-day concert, as well as global chart-topper Billie Eilish’s first Manila show.

2023: Continuously, the SM MOA Arena strives to be the best when hosting top-tier events such as FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Group and Finals Phase, Volleyball Nation’s League, and Disney On Ice 100th Year Celebration.

Stronger together for a brighter future

After more than a decade, the future looks even brighter for the SM MOA Arena as it welcomes its doors to more versatile events in the coming months and years. For the first time ever in the Philippines in June 2024, the SM MOA Arena assembled the stage for Marvel Universe LIVE!—an action-packed stunt show with cutting-edge special effects and immersive video projection that many families enjoyed!

The SM MOA Arena’s commitment to delivering unparalleled customer service remains for the second half of 2024. Recently, the team has geared up for the electrifying Men’s Volleyball Nations League and they are now preparing for more exciting K-pop group performances, world-class concerts of Filipino talents, and the sold-out Hillsong Church London Worship event. Come the festive season in the latter part of the year, Disney On Ice will be ready to skate back with a new enchanting show.

Besides having a customer-centric approach, the team’s strength is based on assurance, readiness, efficiency, niftiness, and adaptation. Working together with many hearts and minds, the SM MOA Arena continues to be a strong organization that is always ready to give the best arena experience as they change the game and elevate entertainment for their patrons.