Celebrate 12 years of SM MOA Arena! The iconic venue in Manila continues to bring unforgettable experiences with its commitment to customer service excellence.
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 not only due to world-class events, but because of employees’ efforts in providing customer service excellence—the DNA that shapes the company's present growth. As the SM MOA Arena looks back 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 up quality events with partnered clients to assisting attendees with their needs until the end of the show, 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.
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 to 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. Trainings and personnel improvement programs are also a key focus of the management as it reinforces 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 are 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. Tennis icons wowed the crowd at the first International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) where Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Andy Murray, and Ana Ivanovic played.
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. 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. The IPTL returned to the arena with the world famous and crowd favorite Rafael Nadal.
2016: The SM MOA Arena emphasizes its dedication to host 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 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 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 continues to bring delightful moments for the 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 repurposed as a mega swabbing facility in partnership with the national government through Bases Conversion Development Authority and 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.The SM MOA Arena and SM Tickets team beamed with pride and joy as they gathered for "Disney On Ice 100 Years of Wonder" in 2023. With their collective effort, they provided magical experiences for families and Disney fans.
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.
Exemplary customer service embeds in SM MOA Arena’s DNA
“In the past 12 years, the SM Mall of Asia Arena team has continuously evolved to excel in the successes and challenges that surround hosting a wide array of events—from learning best global practices through interactions with various international and local organizers to developing facility improvement programs to keep up with the demands of our guests and content partners. The passion and desire to deliver exemplary customer service is embedded in the Arena Team’s DNA—from our dedicated event staff, security services, safety marshals, guest service teams, tenants and all our aligned service teams,” said Arnel Gonzales, the general manager for the SM MOA Arena.
With the commitment to deliver outstanding customer service, the SM MOA Arena was honored to receive significant recognition by credible awards organizations. At the SPIA (Sports Industry Awards) Asia gala night in 2015, the SM MOA Arena took home the gold award for "Sport & Recreation Facility of the Year." This year, The Stadium Business Awards announced that FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 is one of finalists for the “Event of the YearAward” and as a newly adorned venue, the SM MOA Arena played an immense contributing role to the accomplishment.
Gonzales also expressed gratitude to the executives of SM who served as a lighthouse that helped illuminate the path for the SM MOA Arena. Thanks to them, the SM MOA Arena team is looking forward for more opportunities to reach the pinnacle of success.
“I also recognize the unwavering support and guidance we get from the Sy Family, SM Prime and SCMC Senior Executives, they have empowered to work under the principle of partnership and challenged the team to continue to be the best venue to experience live sports and entertainment events.”
“Lastly, we (the SM Mall of Asia Arena team) assure our beloved patrons and partners that we are committed to deliver the best of what they deserve as they watch and enjoy the events happening at the venue—a customer service mantra that is known to SM. Consistent pursuit of excellence that goes beyond,” Gonzales added.
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