Lifestyle Destination Away from the Crowd

CEBU, Philippines - Most people certainly wish to get away from the madness of the city. While being close to industries that make life easy is a welcome advantage, the hustle-and-bustle of city living can at times just drives one crazy. Fortunately, in this city, there are options.

One good example is Banilad Town Centre - or popularly just BTC. Its location is ideal, a bit away from the dense city center but still accessible for everyone who would like to enjoy the variety of shops and restaurants it offers.  It is, in this sense, a lifestyle destination away from the crowd.

There are one-of-a-kind shops to complement every personality and lifestyle - from quirky to whimsy to sporty to fun and active. The lineup of stores at BTC really fits the lifestyles of the urban dwellers.

Lovely finds come aplenty at the specialty store Joan & Klaire, which carries the popular foldable shoe brand Suelas, among many other chic stuff. Endearing items to give as presents to a wife or a child are found at Modern Mama, the most versatile and functional things from brands like Medela, Stokke, Messy and Baby Bessy, MD Moms, Baby Spa, Baby K'Tan, Munchkin and Saltwater sandals.

For a wide array of apparel for men and women, including footwear from Sperry, there's Republik, whose shelves are filled with shorts, jeans, blouses and shirts for day to night wear, for weekdays or weekends. The guys who find shopping a bit tedious can have their time at Urban Superior, for a  good variety of men's items, all the stuff for even the most fashion-challenged, with the funky Onitsuka Tiger's shoes and the famed Urbanears headphones to complete the hip look.

Weekends are a good time to visit Cabana and Nail Island, to be pampered and browse their display of stylish swimsuits and cover-ups from Soak Swimwear.  After relaxing and enjoying hand-and-feet treatments at Nail Island, inside Cabana, a good next stop is at Panetteria Di Luigi, for their healthy and freshly baked products made in the traditional Italian style. Their breads are made with natural yeasts, premium flours and the freshest ingredients

Banilad Town Centre is a bike- and pet-friendly zone.  For added customer convenience, valet parking is available from12 nn. to 9 p.m. Their customer service phone number is (032) 345 32 60 - 61; website:  www.baniladtowncentre.com. (FREEMAN)