Tops reopens on Valentine’s Day

CEBU, Philippines — One of Cebu’s iconic landmarks, TOPS Lookout, is set to reopen on Valentine’s Day after over a year since it closed down for redevelopment.

As it reopens its doors on February 14, 2024, Tops will be showcasing the first phase of the more than P1billion redevelopment plan of the 10-hectare property.

According to Dino Group of Companies vice president Shaun Dino, the transformation of Tops is founded on the company’s strong confidence of Cebu’s tourism potential.

“That is something that we really wanted to do because of our belief in the economy of Cebu. We believe in the development of Cebu and the Cebuanos. And we believe that it is really worth investing over a billion for the project,” Dino said in a press conference announcing the re-opening of the destination.

Built in 1985, Tops has been one of Cebu’s premier tourism come-on, a destination that affords visitors to see the 360-degree view of the entire Metro Cebu.

For the phase 1, Tops will showcase the transformed main attraction, called the “Circle”, although the original circle at the Tops including its arches and hexagonal tiles which have been there since 1985, have been preserved. The circle, however, is now bigger compared to before, Dino added.

There are other phases in the development, which would be finished in the coming years including a Hillside Mini-Golf range, a Mercadillo open-air bazaar, and a Montebello Mountain Hotel.

On February 14, Tops will still have its usual P100 entrance fee but its facilities will already include a 5-storey building, which will house a variety of 22 popular food establishments, among which are some outlets from Manila.

It will also have an overnight stay option unlike before via its Hostel Honeycomb, which is tailored-fit for backpackers.

The Tops now will have facilities like elevators, ramps, and golf carts for PWD (person with disability) pregnant and elderly guests.

Its state-of-the-art parking space is an 8-storey automated parking system that could accommodate 800 cars at a time. The open-air concert area at the Circle has a capacity of around 5,000 people while its indoor function center can hold around 600 people.

Constructed in 1985, Tops became a popular destination because of its breathtaking view of Metro Cebu cities because of its 2,000 feet elevation from the sea level and now with its 5-storey building, Tops now offers a 360-degree view of Cebu Island. The area is also a popular dating site for lovers.

TOPS Lookout, located on Tops Road, Busay, Cebu City, is a joint venture between Fifth Avenue Property Development Corporation and EMRO Holdings, Inc., two entities dedicated to enhancing Cebu’s tourism and recreation offerings.  — (FREEMAN)