SM Prime Holdings, Inc. marked Día del Galeón with the official turnover of the Museo del Galeón space at SM Mall of Asia. The event, held at Conrad Manila’s China Blue Restaurant, gathered key figures from the SM Group and dignitaries from the Philippines, Spain, and Mexico.

Día del Galeón, recognized by UNESCO, commemorates the 1565 arrival of the first transpacific galleon, San Pablo, in Acapulco, Mexico, from Manila. This marked the start of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade, establishing long-lasting cultural and trade ties between the Philippines and Mexico.

The highlight of the event was the formal handover of the SM Prime space to the Museo del Galeón Foundation, received by Chairman Ambassador Carlos Salinas. Dr. Jaime Laya donated a reproduction of the Velarde Map, followed by the appointment of the museum’s first Advisory Council members: Spanish Ambassador H.E. Miguel Utray Delgado and Mexican Ambassador H.E. Daniel Hernández Joseph.

Ambassador Hernández Joseph emphasized Mexico’s strong support for the museum, which he sees as a symbol of the deep relationship between the nations. SM Prime’s Hans Sy added that the museum will allow future generations to learn about the cultural exchanges that shaped the country.

The Museo del Galeón will feature a life-sized Manila Galleon, offering visitors an interactive experience that showcases the Filipino role in the galleon trade and the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between the East and West.

The turnover marks the start of a year-long countdown to the museum’s grand opening on Día del Galeón in 2025.