In the Philippines, a mall represents more than just a space for retail and leisure. They have become an all-in-one destination that brings together dining, entertainment, culture, and even essential services—allowing visitors access to everything they possibly need within one place.
This shift reflects the ever-changing lifestyle of the modern dweller. These days, the success of a mall is measured not only by how many people pass through its doors. How long they stay and how often they choose to return are indicators of how accurately a mall responds to the needs of the community around it.
With this in mind, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls has entered a promising new chapter, with Javier Hernandez stepping in as its new head—succeeding Graham Coates, who has led Megaworld’s lifestyle mall business for the past eight years.
New chapter, new goals
In his new role, Hernandez brings over three decades of experience in the real estate industry—cutting across property development, retail, hospitality, and tourism, with most of those years spent in the malls sector.
Javier Hernandez brings over three decades of experience in the real estate industry—cutting across property development, retail, hospitality, and tourism, with most of those years spent in the malls sector
Under his leadership, the company also sets its sights on a substantial milestone: to reach one million square meters of gross leasable area by 2030.
The plan calls for new lifestyle malls, expansions to existing developments, and the exploration of new commercial formats across its different townships located in different parts of the country. Between 2026 and 2027, Megaworld expects to break ground on new malls in Cavite, Rizal, Pampanga, and Bacolod City.
Intention matters just as much as scale
What’s interesting to think about is what those spaces will make possible: the business owners they help succeed, the experiences they make more accessible to the public, and the ordinary everyday moments people will find valuable.
The approach is not about having an exact formula but rather, fine-tuning each mall’s strategy around the identity of the people it serves
Because this forecasted growth is as much about intention as it is about scale.
For Hernandez, the approach is not about having an exact formula but rather, fine-tuning each mall’s strategy around the identity of the people it serves. Beyond establishing urban centers, Megaworld looks into creating self-sustaining spaces that continue to take shape, consistently broadening the opportunities in which people can spend their time within its properties.