For over three decades, Ayala Center Cebu has stood as more than just a shopping mall—it has been a vibrant social hub, a cherished landmark, and a testament to Cebu’s dynamic spirit. As the first Ayala mall outside of Metro Manila, it has grown alongside the city, evolving from a simple retail destination into a premier lifestyle center that captures the very essence of Cebuano life.
A Legacy Born in 1994
Ayala Center Cebu opened its doors in November 1994, one year after its rival SM City Cebu. This four-level super regional mall was the Ayala Group’s bold first venture beyond the capital, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history. For more than 20 years, it proudly held the distinction of being the only Ayala Mall to bear the “Ayala” name in its title until Ayala Malls Serin opened in March 2015.
The mall has always been deeply woven into the fabric of Cebu City. At an average day, more than 85,000 people visit, with the figure swelling to 135,000 on weekends—a clear indicator of its role as a central gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
Location and Accessibility
Strategically situated within the Cebu Business Park, Ayala Center Cebu enjoys a prime location at the corner of Archbishop Reyes Avenue and Cardinal Rosales Avenue in Barangay Luz. Its central position makes it incredibly accessible for both locals and visitors.
Getting to the mall is straightforward, with numerous jeepney routes serving the area, including routes 03Q Mabolo, 04L and 04M Lahug, 06H Guadalupe, and many more. For those preferring modern convenience, ride-hailing services like Grab are readily available. The mall’s location near IT Park and other tourist attractions makes it an ideal stop for travelers exploring the city.
The Shopping Experience
With 680 stores and services spread across a total retail floor area of 250,000 square meters, Ayala Center Cebu offers an unparalleled shopping experience that caters to every taste and budget.
International and Local Brands
The mall boasts an impressive lineup of international brands. Shoppers can find global giants like Zara, Marks & Spencer, and Uniqlo, alongside premium names such as Lacoste, Michael Kors, and Ralph Lauren. The mall has also introduced new-to-market brands like Bangkok-based fashion label Pomelo and Manila-grown beauty retailer Issy & Co.
For those seeking locally-flavored shopping, the mall features beloved Philippine brands including BENCH, PENSHOPPE, Kamiseta, and Plains & Prints. ISLAND SOUVENIRS is a favorite among tourists for its “I ? Cebu” merchandise and other memorabilia.
The Terraces: A Dining Destination
In 2008, Ayala Center Cebu unveiled The Terraces, a P600-million multi-level dining enclave featuring a beautifully landscaped park. Today, this al fresco dining destination houses over 100 restaurants, coffee shops, and pastry shops. Whether you’re craving international cuisine, local delicacies, or a simple coffee break, The Terraces offers a delightful dining experience under the stars.
From Japanese buffets at YAKINABE to the premium capsule coffee at Nespresso, and from Mang Inasal to rooftop bars like The Social Bar, the dining options are as diverse as they are delicious.
Entertainment and Leisure
Museum of Emotions
One of the mall’s newest attractions is the Museum of Emotions, located on the fourth level. This interactive experience invites visitors to explore emotions through color, with Instagram-worthy photo corners, billiard tables, jingga puzzles, inflated slides, and even wall climbing. The unlimited free ice cream and candy corner are definite crowd-pleasers—a perfect activity for kids and kids at heart.
Cinemas and Events
The mall features state-of-the-art movie theaters, and its Activity Center regularly hosts events, exhibitions, and performances. Recent highlights include art exhibitions featuring celebrated Filipino painters and special events tied to the annual Sinulog Festival.
The Ongoing Transformation
Ayala Center Cebu is currently undergoing its most ambitious transformation yet. In 2024, the mall embarked on a major redevelopment project designed to reflect a new era of shopping and leisure experiences.
A P12.7 Billion Investment
Ayala Land Inc. has committed a staggering P12.7 billion to expand and upgrade its Cebu malls, with Ayala Center Cebu leading the charge. This includes P10.5 billion to enlarge Ayala Center Cebu and develop Ayala Malls Gatewalk in Mandaue City, plus another P2.2 billion for renovations at Ayala Center Cebu and Ayala Central Bloc.
What’s New
The renovation, now 75-80 percent complete as of late 2025, is slated for completion by end-2025. The mall’s Activity Center has already been expanded with a four-floor-high LED wall and a redesigned grand atrium. Upcoming features include:
- A reimagined food hall with upgraded dining concepts
- Upgraded cinemas for a premium viewing experience
- A new wing featuring global brands and dining favorites
- A lush outdoor park in the heart of the city
- Entertainment and leisure zones expanding five-fold, with VR and AR attractions, gaming hubs, and active play areas
An adjacent expansion covering 18,000 square meters of gross leasable area is targeted for premium “bridge brands”—affordable luxury labels that sit between mass-market and high-end luxury. This expansion is expected to be delivered by 2027.
Paul Birkett, COO of Ayala Malls, emphasized the vision: “Cebu deserves big, two-level flagships with international-standard design. We don’t want people to have to fly to Manila, Hong Kong, or Singapore for the best retail experience—we want them to find it here”.
More Than Just a Mall
What truly sets Ayala Center Cebu apart is its role as a community space. As Paul Birkett noted, “Our malls have always been more than just places to shop; they are vibrant social centers, deeply woven into the daily lives of Filipinos”.
The mall’s redevelopment places a strong emphasis on sustainability and green spaces. Lush greenery and open spaces—a signature Ayala Malls feature—remain central to the design, with outdoor parks and al fresco spaces seamlessly integrated. The goal is to create what Ayala calls “third spaces”—places outside of home, work, or school where people want to spend time.
Practical Information for Visitors
Address: Cebu Business Park, Archbishop Reyes Avenue cor. Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Barangay Luz, Cebu City
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Money Changers: Several 24-hour currency exchange services are available within the mall, making it convenient for international visitors
Looking Ahead
As Ayala Center Cebu celebrates over 30 years of service to the Cebuano community, its future looks brighter than ever. The ongoing transformation promises to elevate the mall into a world-class lifestyle destination that competes with leading global retail destinations like Bangkok, Dubai, and London.
Yet amidst all the change, the mall’s core mission remains unchanged: to be a place where Cebuanos and visitors alike can create lasting memories. As General Manager Jia Sadol put it, “We’re reimagining the mall to offer exciting new experiences while celebrating Cebuano heritage”.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor looking for the perfect souvenir, a food lover exploring The Terraces, a shopaholic hunting for the best deals, or simply someone seeking a comfortable space to unwind, Ayala Center Cebu welcomes you with open arms. It’s not just a mall—it’s the heartbeat of the Queen City of the South.a