Megaworld, a pioneering developer of township projects, is constructing a contemporary museum within its 30-hectare property Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
This museum will be called the Mactan World Museum.
The museum’s collection, curated by Dannie Alvarez, will emphasize the historical ties between the Philippines and Spain, showcasing significant events including Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s arrival in Mactan and the Battle of Mactan.
The museum will include exhibit galleries, performance halls for Spanish dance and theatrical productions, and immersive experiences highlighting the Spanish colonial era. Additionally, the museum will feature life-size monuments of key historical figures during the era, Lapu-Lapu, King Philip II and Magellan, and host various activities rooted in Filipino-Spanish traditions.
The museum will feature five main exhibit galleries on the second-floor showcasing collections, artifacts, replica mementos, and interactive virtual displays related to various influences and historical events between the Philippines and Spain. These subjects include Spain’s quest for spices, the Kingdom of Sugbu, Magellan’s early expeditions, and the Battle of Mactan, among others.
“It has always been part of our townships’ mission and identity to celebrate the arts, culture, and heritage of every location where we are present,” said Graham M. Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.
“We are excited to bring our plans to fruition for the Mactan World Museum here in Lapu-Lapu City, a destination that plays a big historical significance as far as the Philippines-Spanish heritage is concerned. Being at the center of The Mactan Newtown, this museum will provide locals and tourists with a creative avenue to connect, share interests as a community, expand knowledge, and form a deeper appreciation not only for Mactan but also for our nation’s history,” added Coates.
Megaworld, which is the property arm of business tycoon Andrew Tan, said it will spend P1.2 billion for this project.
Apart from its collection of historical items and art, the museum will also host several other activities rooted in Filipino-Spanish traditions and culture, such as a seasonal bazaar showcasing Cebu’s main delicacies, a guitar-making and retail area, and a self-operated Filipino-themed photo studio.
Here, visitors can enjoy watching traditional Spanish dance performances and short play productions. An immersive hall also provides guests with an audio-visual experience of historical events during the Spanish regime in the country.
This project represents Megaworld’s commitment to celebrating local heritage within its townships, joining similar initiatives like the Chinatown Museum in Lucky Chinatown, Manila, the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) and the Brandy Museum in Iloilo Business Park.
The Mactan World Museum is slated to open within the next three years, adding to the diverse offerings of The Mactan Newtown, which already includes residential, commercial, hospitality developments and a two-level standalone convention center.
The township is currently the home to several residential condominium developments, such as the 547-room Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, the 550-room Belmont Hotel Mactan–both managed and operated by Megaworld Hotels & Resorts–and the Mactan Newtown Beach.
Also inside the township are schools led by the Newtown School of Excellence, retail shops, service outlets, and restaurant.