CEBU CITY, Philippines — AIA Philippines, formerly Philam Life, and SM Prime Holdings unveiled AIA Stadium in Cebu, a new community destination for football, wellness, and active living on Sept. 12. The launch underscores AIA’s commitment to helping Filipinos live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives by creating more opportunities for communities to move, play, and connect through sport.
“The launch of AIA Stadium, through our partnership with SM Prime Holdings, marks an important milestone in our commitment to helping Filipinos live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives. It will be a community space that reflects our purpose, and strengthens our long-standing presence and growing impact in Cebu, where we serve thousands of policyholders and are supported by hundreds of AIA Life Planners who help families protect their health, finances, and future,” said Katherine Wong, Interim Chief Marketing Officer, AIA Philippines.
SM Seaside City Cebu welcomes a new era for football and community sports with the opening of AIA Stadium, a dedicated sports facility designed to bring quality football experiences closer to athletes, enthusiasts, and families in Cebu. The new stadium also marks another milestone in SM Supermalls’ continuing efforts to create spaces that elevate sports, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation of athletes.
Michelle Leslie Llanos, Vice President of Operations, SM Supermalls–Visayas, shared, “AIA Stadium reflects the new era of SM Supermalls—creating spaces that elevate sports, champion communities, and help fuel the next generation of athletes. As one of Cebu’s premier lifestyle destinations, SM is proud to host a facility that advances sports development, promotes healthier lifestyles, and brings people together through shared experiences. We believe the stadium will play an important role in strengthening Cebu’s football ecosystem and inspiring more young athletes to pursue their passion for the sport. Through partnerships like this, we continue to create vibrant, community-centered spaces where sports can thrive, and communities can grow.”
“Cebu has long embraced sports to bring communities together, develop young people, and promote healthier lifestyles. The launch of AIA Stadium is a welcome addition to our city’s growing sports infrastructure, providing a venue where aspiring athletes and residents can learn and play. We are grateful to AIA Philippines and SM Prime Holdings for investing in Cebu to help inspire more Cebuanos to lead active and healthy lives,” shared Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Sr.
Advancing grassroots football and building healthier habits for students
The stadium opens with the AIA Healthiest Schools (AHS) Football Clinic, a two-day grassroots football and wellness program for 100 students and 30 local coaches and teachers. The AIA Healthiest Schools is AIA’s health education program that helps young people build healthier habits through engaging, practical learning, focusing on physical activity, nutrition, mental wellness, and environmental awareness.
The AHS Football Clinic in AIA Stadium is made possible by the support of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, the Department of Education Cebu City Division, and the local government of Cebu.
Adrian New, AIA Group’s Director of Football Initiatives, said: “AIA Group has been Tottenham Hotspur’s Global Principal Partner since 2013, enabling us to bring world-class football expertise and youth development opportunities to communities across the region. Through the AHS Football Clinic, we have combined Tottenham Hotspur’s coaching approach with the Philippine Football Federation’s grassroots leadership and local coaching expertise in Cebu to create lasting impact. By expanding access to quality football and wellness programs, we are helping build a more sustainable, community-led pathway for children to stay active and thrive.”
Highlights included a Training of Trainers session attended by PFF and AHS local coaches from 11 schools in Cebu City, and led by coach Shannon Moloney, Head of International Development Asia Pacific, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. Sessions, which are designed to strengthen the capabilities of coaches who can bring their learnings back to young players in their respective communities, also include philosophy, coaching fundamentals, and holistic player development. On the second day, Moloney, together with PFF and AHS coaches, led a football clinic for 100 students from schools across Cebu, providing hands-on learning through football drills and skill-building activities.
The event concluded with a 10-minute exhibition match — inspired by the viral “1 pro footballer versus 100 kids” challenge — pitting Team AIA against Team 100 students. Team AIA was led by Coach Shannon Moloney, alongside AIA Philippines Brand Ambassador Nico Bolzico, and Cebu-based former football players, creating a fun and memorable finale that showcased teamwork, skill, and the unifying power of football.
