One of the top attractions and the grand-kept secrets here in Cebu City, Tops Lookout offers a notable view in a fortress-like viewing deck which makes the place more romantic and serene.
The vicinity has concrete structures adorned with fascinating circular stone architecture, green landfill and pasture and the undeniably cool air straight from the top.
Photo by @danielruedahhh
Photo by @pinkieross
Photo by @thepinaycatholicwanderer
If you want to keep your conversation longer, the place has a bar for beers and snacks and also have a dainty souvenir shop. This venue is perfect during the night but it is also breathtaking in the face of the sun up here in the mountain of Tops Lookout.
Photo by Cường Lê
Photo by Cường Lê
Photo by Cường Lê
OTHER INFORMATION
Operating hours: 10AM to 2AM daily
Entrance fee: ₱100 per person
Cottage fee: None
Corkage Fee: None
Allow walk-ins? Yes
Contact: 0909-890-5357
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Cebu Tops Road, Busay, Cebu City, Cebu — 20 minutes away from the main road (from JY Square).
BY JITNEY: Ride any jeepney going to Busay such as 04L or 04H and tell the driver to drop you off to JY Square. From there, ride a habal-habal (motorbike) and tell the driver to drop you off to Tops Lookout, approximate time of travel is about 30 – 40 mins. Fare is ₱100 per person (one-way).
BY CAR: If you’re driving your own car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “Tops Lookout” or refer to the map below. Parking space is available.
BY CAR / VAN FOR RENT: For van or car rentals, or to book an uphill tour (9 destinations in 1 day for only ₱999 per person), book with our trusted travel partner SquadPH Tours and Travels.
Photo by @johnmerinaerials
So what are you waiting for? Plan your itinerary here in
Tops Lookout.
Dusts and smokes are a common occurrence to us, Cebuanos. But this time, the abnormal amount of dust, smoke, and other dry particles in the atmosphere is a phenomenon we should all be aware of.
This atmospheric phenomenon is called the Haze. The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) – Region 7 have confirmed it and are taking actions to study the matter.
Raw photo taken last Sept. 17 Raw photo taken last Sept. 17
Official statement from EMB Region 7
Official statement from EMB Region 7
An air quality test is currently being done to see if there will be counteractions like having the people in Cebu wear masks.
Effects of Haze
Eye inflammation like irritated or watering eyes
Sneezing, stuffy or running nose
Dryness of throat or coughing
Headache, dizziness
Chest pain
Diarrhea and/or stomach upset, if drinking water sources are contaminated by dense haze and the water is consumed without further treatment;
Anxiety or stress
What to do?
Stay indoors as much as possible, and always keep your doors & windows closed.
Avoid jogging or running outside.
Wear masks when commuting or when exposed outside (N95 dust mask is recommended).
Drink lots of water and/or Vitamin C for immunity boost.
Watch or read the news for updates on the haze.
This phenomenon is a possible effect of the forest fires occurring in Indonesia.
We are part of the environment. There are no
boundaries when it comes to these things. Whatever country or race you’re from,
we are all affected.
Let’s all do our part and protect the environment. Raise awareness one laag at a time. Raise the flag of a responsible laagan!
These modern BEEPs (bus-jeepneys) are slowly taking over the Cebu City road as the newest “PeoplesJeep” starts to operate today, September 17.
Interestingly, they are offering FREE RIDES for their first 2 weeks of operations, or until September 30, 2019.
ROUTES:
Talamban-Ayala-Colon
Lahug-Ayala-SM
Bulacao-Colon-SM
Talamban-Colon (following 13C Route)
New Route: Talamban-Colon 13C
TALAMBAN-COLON
COLON-TALAMBAN
talamban to banilad talamban to country mall talamban to ayala talamban to echavez st. talamban to sikatuna st. talamban to colon usc to country mall usc to ayala usc to colon banilad to ayala banilad to echabez st. banilad to sikatuna st. banilad to colon country mall to ayala country mall to echavez st country mall to sikatuna st country mall to colon ayala to echavez st ayala to sikatuna ayala to colon
colon to hipodromo colon to ayala colon to banilad colon to country mall colon to talamban hipodromo to ayala hipodromo to banilad hipodromo to countrymall hipodromo to talamban ayala to banilad ayala to country mall ayala to talamban ayala to usc- talamban colon to usc-talamban banilad to talamban
So
what makes People’s Jeep different from the current jeepneys that we have?
1. Class 2 Modern PUV:
DTI BPS Philippine National Standard and Clean Air Act compliant
Fit for urban routes or stop-and-go routes in cities
2. Accommodation:
23 passengers (seating capacity)
35 maximum capacity
Standing passengers are allowed.
3. Environment Friendly
Euro 4 Engine or better, Electric, -Solar or
Alternative Fuel
4. Safety & Security:
Side door, Speed Limiter
CCTV, GPS, Dashboard Camera
5. Comfort:
Air-conditioned
Automatic Fare Collection System
Wifi
Starting on October 1 (after the 2-week dry run), they will press the fare to ₱10 minimum.
Interiors
Cebu People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative, who is behind this project, has initially deployed 15 PeoplesJeep in Cebu City, as part of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
By June 2020, 200 modern jeepneys (BEEPs) is expected to be completely taking over the roads in Cebu.
Cebuanos are undoubtedly talented and creative, and it is very fitting that Cebu will be blessed with a specialty art store to realize our young artists’ aspirations – Art Bar, the famous arts and crafts chain.
Art Bar has it all – paints, pens, pencils, paper, markers, water colors, canvases – you name it. This retail chain is now open at SM City Cebu beside the National Book Store, and art enthusiasts will surely fall in love with it.
Pebeo, Daniel Smith, Gamblin and Caran d’Ache are just some of the famous arts and crafts brands that will be readily sold at Art Bar Cebu. With its varied and diverse selections, all types of artists, beginners and veterans, will surely find the right medium for their craft.
Pledging their purpose of finding their customers’ inner artists, Art Bar is fond of holding seminars and workshops that tackle about the arts, creativity and other related fields.
And if the store’s goods will not be
enough to hook all art aficionados in Cebu, the store itself showcases its
aesthetic and picturesque interiors. It would not make sense to sell a wide
array of art supplies if the place is not artsy at all, right? Art Bar will
surely be a sight for sore eyes.
So, ready that inner Picasso in you and head out to Art Bar soon to find what’s best for your art! It is now open, starting on December 24, 2019 at SM City Cebu (beside National Book Store).
A lot of the pioneer hot tea and coffee shops in Cebu are still around and active, but there are a lot of new players too, which leads us to the question: which tea and coffee shop is the best?
Here are some of Cebu’s top hot tea and coffee shops for you.
1. ISLAND TEA CO.
Serving the best in the world’s Sri Lankan Ceylon, Island Tea Co. offers you a variety of hot tea, milk tea, and coffee. Being the best one-stop shop when it comes to chilling and flavorful taste, Island Tea Co will surely never disappoint.
The best part? It offers unlimited refill for hot Ceylon teas! With over 15 branches nationwide, Island Tea Co serves tea shakes, tea smoothies, tea mocktails, with pastries to pair up with your tea.
If you are looking for tea, coffee, and smoothies, Island Tea Co is the place where you can find anything of everything.
Cebu Branches:
SM City Cebu – 2/F near the old VECO / SM Cyberzone
If you’re someone who is always on-the-go and you don’t have the luxury of time to prepare for your food, Cofee Bean and Tea Leaf is your go-to. They serve good coffee and tea, and meals you can devour any time of any day.
Branches:
SM City Cebu
Capitol Square
Cebu IT Park
Ayala Center Cebu
Chong Hua Hospital
Robinsons Cybergate
Light Site A.S. Fortuna
Robinsons Galleria Cebu
SM Seaside City Cebu
(They are almost everywhere in Metro Cebu.)
3.
YOLK COFEE AND BREAKFAST
If you are someone who craves for breakfast food at any time of the day, Yolk Coffee and Breakfast is for you. They specialize in breakfast food and coffee – perfectly delicious! They also have cozy and lovely ambiance – you can either go with your friends, go alone, or go with your special someone.
Branches
80 Tres Borces Street, Mabolo, Cebu City (Behind Bread After Bread, near St. John Seminary or Leona’s Mabolo): 7AM to 7PM daily
Cebu IT Park: 6AM to 12MN daily
4.
8th Mug
The
place who makes everything from scratch, but don’t get fooled because by
scratch, we mean good kind of scratch. They use organic and natural ingredients
to make sure they serve healthy food. And ever wonder why 8th mug? Because,
they serve 8 mugs of different types of coffee you can order from their 8th mug
wall. If you want comfortable seats too, they have couches where you can
slouch.
Operating Hours: 7AM – 12MN
Location: Dacay Bldg, N. Escario St., Capitol Site, Cebu City
Contact: 0915 840 3528
5.
Starbucks
Starbucks,
famous for its great-tasting coffee also will not disappoint. And who doesn’t
know Starbucks here anyway? They serve not only coffee, but also pastries and
cold drinks. Moreover, their seats are always comfy – that’s for sure.
San Jose Dela Montana corner MJ Cuenco A Upper Ground Floor
I2, Asiatown IT Park
Level 1, Unit E110, Biliran Rd, Ayala Terraces
SM Seaside City
SM City Cebu, Upper G/F, Juan Luna Extension
eBloc 2 Tower, G/F, W Geonzon St
Space #1A, Oakridge Business Park, A.S. Fortuna Street
(They are almost everywhere in Metro Cebu.)
6. Tom N Toms Coffee Cebu
Originally
a coffee chain in South Korea, Tom N Toms has spread its wings and flew to Cebu
City. Tom N Toms has been labeled as ‘Starbucks of Korea’ because of its
branches and their delectable coffee. Apart from serving good coffee, Tom N
Toms also has a wide array of menu that you can choose from.
Operating Hours: 24/7
Location: The Greenery 6000, Pope John Paul II Ave, Cebu City
When one mentions Naga, the Baywalk is definitely one of the first things that would pop in mind. And why wouldn’t it be? The Baywalk is flocked, not just by Naga locals, but also from those the city because of its chill vibes, lively atmosphere and also, the Food Park.
Naga’s Food Park is one of the hot
spots in the town. The park showcases various food stalls as well as food shops
that showcase local Filipino food. That includes delicacies like lechon, street
barbecue, seafood and the like.
One of the known food parks there is Juan Food Park. This food park houses different food stalls. What makes the place livelier is that they have different activities and gigs, making them tourist attractions. It’s a perfect ambience that matches the vibe of eating local food in Naga.
The food park has it all – cold beers
and drinks for those who wish to chill after a hearty meal, ice cream and
halo-halo as sweet treats, street food for those who just wish to have that
good old fashioned local food and unlimited promos of their sea food and many
more.
The town of Naga is famous for its local food, including sea food since it is near the shore. So its not a surprise that the food stalls there primarily sell sea food.
Different food stalls there offer unlimited promos of sea food, including Eat All You Can Ni Juan that offers unlimited seafood and Filipino dishes for only P199 per head. The place is perfect for those whose favorites include crabs, shrimps, fish and other shell foods.
After that lovely stroll along the baywalk, surely the Food Park is one of the places you want to stop by. What are you waiting for? Go ahead and take a walk and drop by at the Food Park!
Other information
Operating hours: 5PM to 2AM, Mondays to Sundays
Contact information: N/A
Corkage fee: None, but strictly CLEAN AS YOU GO policy
How to get there?
Naga City is 45min to 1hr away down south from Cebu City. But may take up to 1.5 to 2 hours trip during rush hours. So if you plan to get there at night, might as well bring with you your extra patience and some food.
For commuters, you have two options:
From Colon Street, ride a jeepney with routes 09C/F, or 10F/H and drop off at Jollibee Bulacao or Pardo Church (P8 fare). From there, take another jeepney with route 44 to reach to Naga Plaza (P15 fare). There are also some 44 jeepneys from/near CIT University in N. Bacalso.
From South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Bato-Oslob or Carcar. Tell the conductor that you will be hopping off at the Naga Church, which is right along the National Highway.
If you’re bring your own car, just navigate via Waze or Google Maps and search for “Juan’s Food Park”. Naga City is in between Minglanilla (from Cebu City) and San Fernando (from Southern Cebu).
Looking for a good spot to have that
much needed caffeine boost? If you are somewhere around the area of Talisay,
then you’re in luck because the town has the very famous coffee shop franchise
– Coffee Project.
The Coffee Project in Starmall Talisay is a franchise is known to be one of the top “Instragrammable” cafes around the world. That’s right, the Coffee Project in Manila is listed as one of the top picturesque cafes around the world and now, they are bringing that vibe here in Cebu.
The place has been flocked by those
who wish to achieve that perfect Instagram snap. Its interior design is
definitely world-class. The set pieces used are varied yet each have their own
distinct style.
Their coffee specialties are always a
treat which includes Café Mocha, Ice Blended Green Mocha and Hot Espresso
Roast.
Their offerings are not only limited to caffeine beverages but with good food as well. That includes pasta, sandwiches, cakes, pies and many more, making the place a perfect spot to spend your busy Saturday afternoon.
Exact location: Starmall, Lawaan, Talisay City, Cebu.
BY PUBLIC: Ride any jeepney going to Minglanilla or Naga, and drop off at Starmall in Talisay City. You can also ride a MyBus from SM City (going to Lawaan). See MyBus schedule here.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Starmall Talisay”. Parking space is available.
Lake Pingganon is definitely one of Toledo’s gems. It is a secluded lake that is surrounded by mountains. At first sight, the lake could not be spotted but at a closer look on the road side, this majestic lake can be seen.
The lake is also known as “Lake Bensis” primarily because it was claimed to be situated at Sitio Pingganon, Brgy. Sinsin, Cebu. Formerly, the site was a mining pit that was then closed. Over time, the area turned out to be a verdant and Eden-like lake.
Lake Pingganon, as described by those who have visited it, was indeed a sight to behold. They said that the beauty of the lake is mesmerizing. The fresh water of the lake made it crystal clear, that you could almost see the bottom of the lake. Matched with fresh breeze, being in the area will surely provide you that much needed break away from the city.
Most of the
people who visit the site are mountaineers and campers. Surrounded by
mountains, the lake is the perfect swim after a few hours of trekking. Trekkers
can camp out beside the lake, as there are spaces that are suitable for setting
up tents.
Sarge Garfield
Sarge Garfield
Sarge Garfield
Rates & Other Information
FEES:
Entrance fee: ₱10 per head (sight seeing )
Camping fee: ₱20 per tent (for campers)
Boating: ₱50 per person
HOW TO GET THERE?
BY PUBLIC: If you’re commuting, from the highway or CIT University or Punta Princesa, take any jeepney or multicab going to Tabunok/Minglanilla/Naga. Ask the driver or conductor first if it will pass by Tabunok. Disembark at RD Pawnshop in Tabunok Market.
From there, ride a habal-habal that can take you to Lake Pingganon/Bensis. Estimated fare is around ₱200-250 per head (roundtrip). They can take you to the church near Lake Bensis and the travel time is roughly 30 minutes. Upon arriving to the church, you can ask the locals for directions towards Lake Bensis.
BY PRIVATE: If you have your own private vehicle/motorcycle, you can use Google Maps or Waze and search for “Lake Bensis” in Toledo.
Next time you
plan you trekking getaway, make sure to include Lake Bensis as one of your
stops. Surely, the beautiful lake will mesmerize your traveler soul.
The future of fast food is getting faster and faster.
Usually found in some fast food chains in other countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, this system has now arrived to Cebu. Interestingly, Cebuanos can finally experience the new self-ordering kiosk of Jollibee at Ayala Center Cebu.
High tech self service have never tasted so good.
How to use it?
Choose order from their Self-ordering Kiosk.
Fall in line at the Kiosk Payment.
Wait for Order Number to be called and displayed on the screen.
Claim order.
Take-Out orders are available outside the store.
Experienced it already? Comment down to share it! Spotted another fast food establishment in Cebu also adapting the Self-Ordering Kiosk? TAG or message Sugbo.ph on Facebook.
Pit Senyor! The Queen of all festivals is fast approaching.
The entry of “ber” months may remind the people that Christmas is near but to the Cebuanos, it reminds us of the three big celebrations.
It reminds us that Christmas is coming, next is New Year, and then the month-long celebration of the biggest and grandest festival of the miraculous image of Sto. Niño, the Sinulog which is celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January. For the new year, the grand Sinulog Festival will be on January 19, 2020.
What makes the Sinulog memorable and much awaited by
everyone is everything about it; the solemnity and strong faith felt it in
every novena especially in the grand procession, the music, the beat, the
dance, and the smiling people. Nothing beats the feels of this celebration.
Brace yourselves for the organizers have promised to have a
grander Sinulog 2020 with the cancelled activities from last year’s Sinulog
being reintroduced including Miss Cebu which was one of the highlights every
year. They have started the planning last August 2019, making it 5 months ahead
of schedule which brings our hopes up for a well-planned exciting and fun
activities.
SINULOG 2020 OFFICIAL THEME: “Señor Santo Niño — Cause of our Unity and Charity”
Schedule:
January 9, 2020 (Thursday) – Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus (1st Novena Mass)
January 10, 2020 (Friday) – Launching of Sinulog festivities
January 11, 2020 (Saturday) – Sinulog sa Lalawigan (Ticket: ₱100)
1PM – Parade of Participants from Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
2PM – Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan at Cebu City Sports Center
3PM – Little Ms. Festival Queen at Robinsons Galleria Cebu
4PM – Jollibee and Mang Inasal Event at Fuente Osmena Circle
7PM – Sinulog Idol 2020 at Fuente Osmena Circle
January 12, 2020 (Sunday) – Tribu sa Kabataan (Ticket: ₱100)
12PM – Parade of Participants from Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center
2PM – Tribu sa Kabataan 2020 at Cebu City Sports Center
3PM – Little Ms. Festival Queen at Robinsons Galleria Cebu
6PM – Sinulog Festival Queen 2020 Runway at Robinsons Galleria Cebu
6:30PM – Cultural Show at Fuente Osmena Circle
8PM – Sinulog Idol 2020 at Fuente Osmena Circle
January 15, 2020 (Wednesday):
9AM – Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
6:30PM – Cultural Show at Fuente Osmena Circle
8PM – Sinulog Idol 2020 at Fuente Osmena Circle
9PM – Tough Mama Event at Fuente Osmena Circle
January 16, 2020 (Thursday):
9AM – Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
5:30PM – Balik Cebu, Welcome Party @ Ayala Center Cebu
6:30PM – Cultural Show at Fuente Osmena Circle
8PM – Sinulog Idol 2020 at Fuente Osmena Circle
9PM – Cignal TV at Fuente Osmena Circle
January 17, 2020(Friday):
4AM – Start of the Penitential Walk with Mary
7AM – Translacion Motorcade from Basilica to National Shrine of St. Joseph
8AM – Sinulog 2020 Baroto, Bugsay, Layag Ta @ SRP IL Corso
8PM – Sinulog Festival Queen 2020 Coronation Night at Cebu City Sports Center (Ticket: ₱100)
8PM – San Miguel Beet at Fuente Osmena Circle
11PM – Send-off Mass at National Shrine of St. Joseph
January 18, 2020 (Saturday)
12AM – Translacion Motorcade from National Shrine of St. Joseph to the National Shrine of Virgen sa Regla
4AM – Mass for the send-off of the Pilgrim Images for the Fluvial Procession
6AM – Fluvial Procession at Mactan Channel
9AM – Solemn Mass in Commemoration of the First Baptism & Mass and the First Wedding
12NN – Kapuso Show at Cebu City Sports Center
1PM – Solemn Foot Procession of the Venerable Image of Senor Sto. Nino de Cebu
3PM – Kapamilya Show at Ayala Center Cebu
6PM – Misa Pontifical De Visperas at Basilica Minore del Santo Nino
6PM – Cultural Show at Fuente Osmena Circle
7PM – Smart Event at Plaza Independencia
7PM – Sinulog Fireworks Competition at SM City Cebu
7PM – Kapamilya Show at Cebu City Sports Center
8PM – Coke Studio at Fuente Osmena Circle
January 19, 2020 (Sunday)– SINULOG GRAND PARADE
4AM – Mananita Mass at Basilica Minore del Santo Nino
6AM – Misa Pontifical De La “Fiesta Senor”
7:30AM – Holy Mass at Cebu City Sports Center
9AM – Sinulog 2020 Grand Parade Kick-off
6PM – Globe and TM Republicaravan with Parokya ni Edgar at Plaza Independencia
6PM – Globe Puso Sinulog Event with Sponge Cola at Ayala Center Cebu
7PM – Grand Finale at Cebu City Sports Center
8PM – SM Seaside’s PyroMagic Fireworks & Drone Light Show featuring PowerSpoonz
8PM – Culutral Show at Plaza Independencia
9PM – Pyrospectacular Show at SM City Cebu
9PM – Festival of Lights – Grand Fireworks Display at Ayala Center Cebu
January 20, 2020 – Sinulog 2020 Awarding of Winners (Ticket: ₱150)
Where to buy the tickets?
You can only buy tickets at the entrance of Cebu City Sports Center (formerly Abellana School Grounds) at least few hours prior to the event. The earlier you can go, the better!
For inquiries, call Sinulog Foundation Inc at (032) 253-3700.
Globe events:
January 10-11, 2020:
Globe Mobile Legends Tournament Sinulog Cup
Ayala Malls Central Bloc Activity Center
January 16-17, 2020:
Globe At Home StreamFest
Ayala Malls Central Bloc Activity Center
January 17-19, 2020:
Cebu Puso, One Globe Sinulog Fair
Ayala Mall Activity Center
January 19, 2020:
Globe Sinulog Night Featuring VisPop Artists
San Diego Dance Company and Sponge Cola
January 19, 2020:
FunPinoy Featuring Parokya ni Edgar
Plaza Independencia
January 13-19, 2020:
TM Goalkada Fair
Plaza Independencia
Where to stay?
We recommend to book your stay as early as today, as most hotels and other accommodations in Cebu City get fully booked as early as November.
