No winter, no problem! Enjoy an exciting recreational activity at the SM Seaside Ice Skating Rink.
(Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels)
Are there any ice skating rinks in the Philippines? Despite what the country’s tropical weather may lead you to believe, there are three you can go to.
They are all located in three big SM Malls: the SM Mall of Asia (MOA), SM Megamall, and SM Seaside Cebu. They pride themselves on being the home of the country’s up-and-coming ice sports scene.
The SM Seaside Ice Skating Rink is the newest among the three, and the first outside Metro Manila. Aside from being a training ground for aspiring figure skaters and hockey players, it’s also an avenue for casual play among SM shoppers.
It allows you to learn how to ice skate, with the help of certain inclusions that make skating around the rink easier. Experienced ice skaters can also further hone their craft with the establishment’s world-class training program.
It’s definitely on our list of the most unique indoor activities in Cebu and a must-try at the city’s biggest mall. Here is what you can expect at the SM Seaside Ice Skating Rink.
THE SM SEASIDE ICE SKATING EXPERIENCE
The skating rink is located on the 3rd Level of the City Wing, right across from the mall’s food court. Take note that the City Wing is the side directly facing the Cebu SMX Convention Center and Seaside Arena.
They offer two passes: one for two hours, and another for the entire day.
Here are the time slots for both passes:
- 2-Hour Pass
Monday to Thursday:
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
12:15 PM – 2:15 PM
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
4:45 PM – 6:45 PM
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday to Saturday:
10:15 AM – 12:15 PM
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday:
10:15 AM – 12:15 PM
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Day Pass
Monday to Thursday:
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday to Saturday:
10:15 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday:
10:15 AM – 9:00 PM
Skaters are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The SM Seaside Ice Skating Rink is considered “Olympic-sized,” with a total area of 1,800 square meters. It’s the same size as the one in MOA, which can accommodate around 300 skaters at a time.
The intervals between time slots are reserved for cleaning and sanitation, and the Zamboni, which shaves the ice to ensure a smooth, clean surface.
Day passes include a protective helmet and a pair of skates. SM allows guests to bring their own pair, but the rates remain the same.
You can also rent a Polar Bear skating aide for an additional Php 125 per hour in case skating by yourself is too intimidating. For better stability, you can hold on to the railings along the edges to keep your balance.
Other Add Ons:
Assist Coach – Php 200 (30 minutes)
Companion Pass – Php 100 (per person)
Locker – Php 50 (per use)
SM recommends these items as well when it comes to the proper attire while skating:
- Hand gloves
- Leg warmers
- Sports socks
- Correct size skates
THE PROPER ICE SKATES SIZE GUIDE
The correct skate size ensures that your feet don’t hurt, and that you avoid major injuries while on the ice. A smaller size will feel tight and uncomfortable, while a bigger one will feel heavier, reducing the skater’s control significantly.
Ice skates are designed to be smaller, ensuring a more snug fit, so you will need to go a size down from your regular shoe size. Here is a detailed guide on shoe and ice skates sizes based on foot length.
As mentioned in Skating Boutique, you can check your fit by putting a pen behind your heel. If you have to force it in, it’s too small, but if it goes in too easily, it’s too big. (2024)
Additionally, the heel area must stay in place when you bend your knees.
The most important thing is that your feet can move freely and feel comfortable so you can skate easily.
The SM Seaside Ice Skating Rink also has the Ice Bumper Cars from MOA, adding some fun competition on the ice.
THE STATE OF ICE SKATING IN THE PHILIPPINES
An article in Tatler Asia describes ice skating in the Philippines as a “test of passion against practicality.” (2025)
The lack of facilities and the country’s tropical climate means that ice sports fall behind other physical recreation like basketball and running. In fact, there have been no plans for building ice rinks in the future.
However, there is clearly a growing interest. Since joining the International Skating Union (ISU) in 2004, many ice skaters of Filipino descent have competed in major competitions.
Furthermore, SM hosted the Asian Open Figure Skating Trophy again at the MOA Skating Rink last August, highlighting the potential for more ice skating events in the future.
Plus, the SM Skating Academy continues to strive for world-class athletes.
It may be a niche sport, but it isn’t frozen in time. There’s a big chance for a resurgence, and we have places like the SM Seaside Ice Skating Rink to thank for it.
***
Ask anyone what SM Seaside activities they like doing, and ice skating will almost always be a top answer. It’s the only one in the city, and it makes sense that many Cebuanos and tourists take the chance to enjoy a bit of excitement and thrill on the ice.
This proves that a recreational activity associated with cold weather can withstand a hot, tropical nation like the Philippines.
REFERENCES:
Bohol, Gabriel. 2025. “Blades on borrowed ice: The fight to keep skating alive in the Philippines” Tatler Asia.
https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/sports/state-of-ice-skating-in-the-philippines.
Skating Boutique. 2024. “Why Is It Important That Skates Fit Properly?” Figure Skating Boutique.
https://skatingboutique.com/blogs/skates-blades/why-is-it-important-that-skates-fit-properly?srsltid=AfmBOoogrPI2TCWZ1HIbmcMZz31Yxcagbr1eFyT5a–Dz_y1ctRl_BjW.
