The SM Mall of Asia (MoA) Arena has long been the premier venue for international world-class acts, creating unforgettable experiences and setting the standard for the local entertainment scene.

The iconic venue is celebrating its 13th anniversary this month.

As it celebrates this milestone, SM MoA Arena has reached significant achievements while embracing its commitment to deliver world-class experiences.

From its distinctive “eye-conic” architecture to its versatile event bowl, expansive seating capacity, and prime location, the arena has been crafted to serve as a premier entertainment landmark.

Over the years, it has seamlessly blended architectural innovation, world-class facilities, and customer excellence, hosting a diverse array of events that captivate audiences and set new standards in the entertainment industry.

Thus, the sports and entertainment arena proves each SM mall offers everything: entertainment, health and fashion, food, furniture and appliances and groceries.

In other words, SM is the destination of choice, certainly for shopping and, as often the case, also for hanging out. However, SM is more than just a retail and mall operator. It is also heavily engaged in banking, and integrated property development.

Malls make up 70% earnings

As of the first quarter, the SM chain of malls generated 69 percent of the earnings of SM Prime Holdings, the property arm of SM Investments Corporation, the Sy family’s holding company.

The SM logo looms large everywhere. It is imprinted in the collective consciousness of people.

In 1985, SM City North EDSA opened its doors to the public. As it turned out, it was only the first mall of what would become the largest chain of malls in the country. Eighty-eight SM malls operate in the Philippines right now. The group has since branched out to China, where it operates eight SM Malls.

For the genesis of the chain that has gained a commanding market share, look back to 1958, when Henry Sy opened a small shoe store on Rizal Avenue in downtown Manila.

That store, selling locally made and imported shoes, has since evolved, first into department stores, and then, as previously mentioned, into the yet uncharted mall business territory.

Although the business has undergone various incarnations and rebirths, the Sy family is keeping the Shoemart memory alive, thus the famous SM initialism.