June 29, 2012 — Vice President Jejomar Binay was the guest of honor during the ribbon-cutting rites that officially launched Mall Of Asia Arena as a world-class entertainment venue. Joining VP Binay at the ribbon-cutting held at the Arena’s Marina Way were Pasay City Mayor Tony Calixto and wife Edna, Mrs. Felicidad Sy, Mrs. Josefina Mendiola and SM Prime Holdings President Hans T. Sy. They later unveiled a marker in honor of “World-Class Filipino Talents.”

The Arena’s launching concert was aptly titled “Icons,” for indeed, all the performers were icons in their own rights: Lea Salonga, Dulce, Freddie Aguilar, Verni Varga, Jose Mari Chan, Basil Valdez, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Erik Santos, Arnel Pineda, Christian Bautista, The CompanY, Rachel Alejandro, Jed Madela, Richard Poon, and Piolo Pascual. Other performers included comedians Pokwang, Willy Bayola and Jose Manalo, Bamboo and G-Force.

Hosted by Pops Fernandez and Jim Paredes, the show was highlighted by a video tribute to SM Founder/Chairman Henry Sy, Sr. after which all the icons gathered together to render the finale number, “The Impossible Dream.”

The well-attended event also marked the debut of the ABS-CBN Philippine Orchestra led by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.