SM Cubao, Manila

SM Cubao, Manila

SM Cubao, situated in Manila, holds a notable position among the SM Supermalls, a prominent chain of shopping centers in the country. Under the ownership of SM Prime Holdings Inc., the leading shopping mall and retail operator in the Philippines, SM Supermalls boasts a wide network of 36 malls nationwide and four additional branches in China. The roots of SM Supermalls can be traced back to the 1950s when Henry Sy Sr. established the company, originally named Shoemart. Starting as a series of shoe outlets, the first store opened on Avenida Rizal in Manila in October 1958.

As time progressed, Shoemart transformed from its modest origins into a comprehensive department store. By the 1970s, it expanded its presence to key locations, including the Makati commercial center and Cubao. The inauguration of the Cubao branch, located at Harrison Plaza in Manila, marked a significant milestone in the company's expansion. This was followed by another branch in Delgado, Iloilo. The evolution of Shoemart into SM Supermalls represented an innovative step in the Philippine shopping mall industry, laying the groundwork for the growth of the retail sector.

The establishment of SM Cubao and other SM malls has had an impact on urban culture in the Philippines. For many Filipinos, visiting these malls, particularly on weekends, has become a part of their lifestyle, offering a diverse array of retail, dining, and entertainment options. The success story of SM Supermalls, transitioning from a single shoe store to a vast network of shopping centers, highlights its significant role in shaping the retail landscape in the Philippines.

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SM Cubao on Map

Sight Name: SM Cubao
Sight Location: Manila, Philippines (See walking tours in Manila)
Sight Type: Shopping

Walking Tours in Manila, Philippines

Create Your Own Walk in Manila

Create Your Own Walk in Manila

Creating your own self-guided walk in Manila is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches Walking Tour

Historical Churches Walking Tour

International surveys have repeatedly ranked Filipinos among the world’s most religious people. The archipelago’s colonization and evangelization by the Spanish, started in 1565, has left Manila with many shrines and churches sprawled around its streets, despite the destructions by wars and natural disasters. Some of these old churches are especially attractive due to their delicate mixture of...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Manila’s long history results from its situation as a natural port in a huge bay. With the Spanish conquest of the Philippines in the 16th century, it became united, along with Mexico City and Madrid, into the first truly globalised trade system. Intramuros, Manila’s old walled Spanish town, stood for 350 years before World War II came, and still houses many of the historic buildings.

For a...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Manila Introduction Walking Tour

Manila Introduction Walking Tour

The capital of the Philippines, Manila was officially founded in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. However, an organized polity, called Maynila (meaning "where indigo is found" in Tagalog), existed on the site since as early as 1258.

The earliest human life in the area dates to 3000 BCE, but much of the existing constructions found around the city were created...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Traditional Markets

Traditional Markets

Traditional markets showcase a unique aspect of life in any city. The ones featured in this walk offer a glance into the authentic life and habits of Manila’s people and play a vital role in the Philippines' capital's economic and cultural landscape. Traditionally, local markets sell a broader range of products than regular shops can provide: from veggies and fruits to dried fish and...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Manila Shopping: 20 Filipino Goods To Bring Home

Manila Shopping: 20 Filipino Goods To Bring Home

An archipelago of 7,000+ islands, The Philippines is a diverse nation populated by different tribes, each having their own culture and traditions. In Manila, one can find a whole lot of things worth keeping as a Filipino memento; it just might take one a little while to figure out what's best...