Culture and creativity take over in SM Malls Cagayan de Oro
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Higalaay Festival 2026 came alive in full color, creativity and camaraderie as SM CDO Downtown and SM City CDO Uptown brought together a vibrant lineup of experiences that celebrated what makes Cagayan de Oro’s biggest festival a true celebration of friendship, culture, and community.
From art and fashion to cosplay, music and fitness, the My SM Higalaay Experience turned the city’s most-loved mall destinations into lively spaces where everyone could create memories, express themselves and celebrate Higalaay to the max.
At SM CDO Downtown, creativity took center stage through the Digital Graffiti Art Play, inviting shoppers and festival-goers to unleash their imagination and leave their own colorful mark. The interactive experience transformed digital screens into a canvas where participants could color, style, and create their own works of art—proving that there is always room for self-expression when you #GalaToTheMax.
The celebration also highlighted Mindanao’s rich cultural heritage through the Tela Mindanao Fashion Show, one of the Higalaay Festival 2026 highlights. Designed by renowned Mindanao-based designer Gil Macaibay III, the showcase featured 72 pieces across six collections, spotlighting Mindanao silk, Hinabol, Malong, Landap and Balud. Emerging designer Martha Rodriguez also brought a fresh perspective to contemporary Mindanaoan fashion, celebrating the region’s artistry, heritage, and creativity.
Over at SM City CDO Uptown, the Higalaay spirit took on a different kind of energy as the Uptown Cosplay Meet brought characters, costumes, and fellow fandom enthusiasts together. Cosplayers showcased their creativity through expressive looks and performances, transforming the mall into a colorful gathering place for fans and friends to meet, connect, and celebrate their passions.
The celebration was set to turn the volume all the way up with the Downtown Vibe Fest at SM CDO Downtown. Bringing together music, entertainment, and the city’s unmistakable Higalaay energy, the event featured performances by AJAA and Angela Ken, giving festival-goers another reason to gather with their higalas and celebrate the season together.
And as Higalaay reached its peak, the festivities continued with an unforgettable burst of movement and color through Run and Rave, where participants turned the Higalaay celebration into a high-energy experience filled with vibrant colors, music, smiles and nonstop fun.
The event brought together runners, friends, families, and festival-goers for an energetic celebration that captured the youthful and dynamic spirit of Cagayan de Oro.
More than a series of activities, the My SM Higalaay Experience reflects the many ways people celebrate friendship and community—from expressing creativity through art, embracing heritage through fashion, and celebrating individuality through cosplay, to moving together through fitness and singing along to live entertainment.
Through its Higalaay 2026 celebration, SM CDO Downtown and SM City CDO Uptown continue to create spaces where culture, creativity, entertainment, and community come together—making every visit more than just a trip to the mall, but an experience worth remembering.
This Higalaay, the memories are colorful, the moments are meaningful, and the celebration is undeniably MAXED OUT at SM CDO—All for You and your most-loved mall destination.
Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by SM. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.
