MANILA, Philippines — For the past 35 years, “Disney On Ice” has always held its Philippine shows in Metro Manila.

But the possibility of Cebu experiencing Disney’s spectacular ice skating concert is becoming more likely.

The Seaside Arena has been in construction across the SM Seaside City mall since the pandemic, and upon completion, the 16,000-seater will be the largest indoor arena in Cebu.

Arnel Gonzales, the vice president and general manager of the Mall of Asia Arena, told Philstar.com in an exclusive interview after the press conference for this year’s “Disney On Ice” show in the Philippines that the Cebu Arena is already 70% complete.

Both the mall and arena will make up the planned Seaside City Complex, which will also include a convention center and two bayfront hotels.

Having another major arena is, according to Gonzales, part of SM’s goal to “deliver the highest quality of live entertainment like no other to every Filipino nationwide.”

Counted among them is “Disney On Ice,” which has been staging shows in the Philippines since 1990. The shows have been handled by Feld Entertainment at the Mall of Asia Arena since 2016. 

New characters debut

A question that emerges is once the Seaside Arena is open, would “Disney On Ice” consider heading to Cebu?

Feld Entertainment’s vice president for Asia-Pacific Matthew Garrick explained to Philstar.com that the “Disney On Ice” show that comes to the Philippines is part of a regional tour that also goes to nearby countries like Japan, China, and Australia.

“That tour will continue each year. So, as new markets come on board, whether that’s Cebu or whether that’s another country, they’re going to fit into the tour,” Garrick teased.

Garrick pointed out that “Disney On Ice” was a staple holiday tradition now in the Philippines, so scheduling will be even more concentrated if there are other venues to be considered.

“We’re working together. We’re working together towards achieving that,” Gonzales upon being asked if Cebu could one day host “Disney On Ice.”

The new show debuting this December is “Magic in the Stars,” a concept that has been touring for three years and will feature more than 55 Disney characters, the biggest yet for a Philippine show.

These include fan favorites like Aladdin, Cinderella, Moana, Rapunzel from “Tangled,” Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog,” the Madrigals of “Encanto,” Anna, Elsa, and Olaf of “Frozen 2,” and, of course, Mickey Mouse.

Also debuting in the upcoming show are Lightning McQueen and Mater from “Cars,” Asha from “Wish,” and the titular character of “Raya and the Last Dragon.”

RELATED: ‘Cars,’ ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ to make ‘Disney on Ice’ Philippine debut