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The Night Shift

It didn’t happen overnight. Slowly but surely, Cebu became the capital of fun.

It didn’t happen overnight. Slowly but surely, Cebu became the capital of fun.
Strewn with clubs, pubs, resto bars and lounges that cater to an eclectic, gung-ho crowd, the after hours have never been longer with nightspots that ooze their own definitive flavors. Find your niche and you’re likely to mix with other insomniacs.

The Penthouse

Giving heightened definition to partying is one of the country’s premier clubs—The Penthouse. Located in the part of Cebu that never sleeps (Asiatown IT Park a.k.a. call center jungle), it is a solid authority on hardcore clubbing with five resident DJs, and has hosted a string of events for international bigshots Ministry of Sound, Miss Nine, Junior Sanchez, Rosie Romero and Kaskade, among others. With a capacity to hold four hundred and fifty, you can just picture the mayhem that goes on when heads bob in unison to the blaring beats of House, RnB and Hiphop. (PE)

The Penthouse Cebu

3/F CJRS Point, Asiatown I.T. Park, Cebu City
Business hours: 10:00pm to 5:00am Fridays and Saturdays
Tel: 6332.231 3284, 238 0532
www.thepenthousecebu.com

The Veranda

Restaurant by day, hangout by night. The original Veranda was a house-turned-restaurant which eventually transformed into a club. Now in a mall location and staying true to its roots, Veranda offers Filipino-Spanish comfort food, but doesn’t stop there. By 7:00pm on weeknights, diners can also appreciate live music with their meals. Acoustic pop sessions reign from Sundays to Fridays, whereas Saturdays showcase local band talents Pandora, Purple Helmets, Shades of Blue, Mr. Mustache, Kage and Johnny, who perform mostly 90s and early 2000 covers by the 10:00pm. You need not worry about being overdressed at Veranda; many clubbers like to make it an early night stopover before they brave the rave. (PE)

The Veranda Cebu

Parkmall, Mandaue Reclamation Area, Mandaue City, Cebu
Business hours: 10:00am to 2:00pm daily
5:00pm to 12:00mn Sundays thru Thursdays
5:00pm to 2:00am Fridays and Saturdays
Tel: 6332.505 0007
www.theverandacebu.com

Treff

From the driveway of the Waterfront Hotel, one’s eyes can’t help riveting to a tall glass structure on the second landing. Derived from the German word “Treffen” which means “to experience,” Treff certainly piques the senses. The bar’s contemporary mix of white walls and furniture with dark wood and aluminum accents make it the choice of the chic social butterfly. Not to mention the transparent Philip Starck ghost chairs that mirror the all-glass roofing. Catch Treff’s happy hour everyday—50% off on a premium selection of wines, spirits, cocktail drinks and a hard-to-find picking of imported beer. (PE)

Treff

Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City
Business hours: 5:00pm to 12:00mn Sundays thru Thursdays
5:00pm to 2:00am Fridays and Saturdays
Tel: 6332.232 6888 local 8628
www.waterfronthotels.com.ph

The Joker’s Arms

A massive wooden bar counter and a framed collection of funny English anecdotes on the brick walls may make The Joker’s Arms look like an English pub, but it’s really the interactive atmosphere that seals the deal. The Joker’s Arms is a melting pot of different nationalities—ex-pats, locals and out-of-towners cheering their teams on during the World Cup, trying their hand at a game of pool, or battling it out for the weekly Trivia Night. Even families go to Joker’s on Sundays and bond over traditional English fare like the hearty Sunday Roast. (PE)

The Joker’s Arms

A.S. Fortuna Street, Mandaue City, Cebu
Business hours: 3:00pm to 12:00mn Sundays
5:00pm to 2:00am Mondays
4:00pm to 3:00am Tuesdays thru Saturdays
Tel: 6332.505 3193
www.jokersarms.com

Z Bar

Z is definitely one of the most unique bar concepts Cebu, perhaps even the world, has seen. The interiors are an original creation by internationally acclaimed and Cebu grown designer Kenneth Cobonpue. By reinforcing bamboo twigs with steel and tying these with rattan to create cocoon-like shapes in the ceiling and over tables, Z Bar exudes an element of whimsy, and the play of mood lights enhance it. A wide selection of wines and spirits is available, best paired with an assortment of cheeses and cold cuts from The Tinder Box deli below. (PE)

The Tinder Box

Archbishop Reyes Road cor. Bauhinia Drive, Banilad, Cebu City
Tel: 6332.234 1681-85
www.thetinderbox.com.ph

Cowrie Cove

Part of luxurious Shangri-La Mactan, Cowrie Cove is the perfect balance between urban living and nature. Indulge in fresh seafood in a trendy setting overlooking the vast sea. The adjacent Chill Out bar is a favorite among professionals and couples looking for a rendezvous to share the day’s experiences over early evening cocktails. Try the kilawin tangigue (Filipino-style ceviche) and the seafood platter, which is heaped with lobster, prawns, mussels, clams and crabs, for dipping in Cowrie Cove’s signature sauce. (PE)

Cowrie Cove

Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa, Punta Engano Road
Business hours: 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Tel: 6332.231 8224
www.shangri-la.com

VUDU

VUDU continues to keep the magic alive under one roof. Their dance club, Luxx, sports two floors playing either House or R&B. On weekdays, there’s a slew of other entertainment style options including a rock band night and “VUDU-oke.” They’ve also recently opened Gilt, the first single malt whiskey lounge in Cebu that also serves a bevy of everyone’s favorite European beers, best paired with their baked oysters or potato fries. For company events, Luxx can accommodate 300 persons while Gilt can take up to 60, comfortably. (IB)

VUDU

Crossroads Mall, Banilad, Cebu City
Business Hours: 9:00pm till late Wednesdays thru Sundays
Tel: 6332.234 0836
www.vudu.com.ph

FORMO Restaurant and Lounge

The most loved mojitos and homemade potato chips in town can be found at FORMO Restaurant and Lounge. They boast of the longest happy hour in Cebu from 6:00pm to 10:00pm all week long, on cocktails and below-zero beers. Each night of the week is also dedicated to a different music genre including Fridays being House, Saturdays being Disco, and Sundays being Chillout. FORMO is also available for group functions accommodating 180 persons comfortably in their al fresco and non-smoking areas combined. (IB)

FORMO Restaurant and Lounge

Banilad Town Center, Banilad, Cebu City
Business Hours: 6:00pm to 3:00am daily
Tel: 6332.416 1990
www.facebook.com/FORMO.Lounge

MAYA Taqueria and Tequila Bar

Maya Taqueria and Tequila Bar mixes ancient Aztec charm with modern sophistication. They offer indoor and al fresco seating with soft reverberating beats for a subdued Latin ambiance. Tuesdays and Thursdays are “buy one, take one” on their famous tacos. Enjoy their happy hour on a wide selection of local and imported beers. And what’s a tequila bar without a few cocktails? Maya takes it to the next level with gourmet Mexican dishes like queso fundido with tortillas to complement your margarita. (IB)

Maya Taqueria and Tequila Bar

Crossroads Mall, Banilad, Cebu City
Business Hours: 5:00pm till late
Tel: 6332.238 9552 (Call 416 2442 for deliveries.)
www.theabacagroup.com

Level Ei8ht

If you love the nightlife and love to boogie, then this is the place for you. Whether it’s a sumptuous serving of calamares, salpicao or tandoori chicken that you crave, it will go perfectly with the stunning view of the city as you dine al fresco in the terrace, or inside as you get serenaded by the live band for the night. Reminisce the night away to the nostalgic tunes of the 70s and 80s while sipping their quirky drink, “Dancing Queen”—a must-try for curious cocktail cats out there along with many others that you might want to gulp down before hitting the dance floor. (PM)

Level Ei8ht

8/F Adnama Building, Larrazabal Avenue, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
Business hours: 6:00pm to 2:00am Mondays thru Saturdays
Tel: 6332.236 0027-28

Bellini Champagne Bar

What could be more exquisite than sipping champagne from an alfresco lounge overlooking the city? From the Dedon furniture to the oversized, illuminated planters, Bellini basks in what would be a modern interpretation of old world European charm. Help yourself to their bestselling bufala cheese mozzarella, and make your choice from six different bubblies to accompany it. Bellini is also the first in Cebu to introduce a variety of champagne cocktails such as mimosa’s, bellini’s, kir royale and szazerac. With a bottomless special-blend bellini for the dames on Wednesday nights, Ladies Night has never looked so good. (PE)

Bellini Champagne Bar

Panorama Heights, Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City
Business hours: 6:00pm to 2:00am Mondays thru Saturdays
Tel: 6332.232 7375, 236 0097
www.anzani.com.ph

Blu Bar & Grill

You can never go wrong with a scenic elevator that shoots straight up to a hotel roofdeck, revealing a cityscape view from every vantage point at 1,000 feet high. At Blu, you can chill and dine with friends and colleagues, or set the right mood for a romantic date. Their continental cuisine is best paired with their signature cocktails—Blu frozen margarita, wild fantasy and déjà vu. Those coming from dinner at the other Marco Polo Plaza outlets can opt to munch on sumptuous pica pica or appetizers, like the slightly spicy gambas (shrimp in garlic sauce), beef tenderloin and sautéed garlic mushrooms. The best part is that you need not drive far to reach this trendy nightspot.

Blu Bar & Grill

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Nivel Hills, Apas, Cebu City
Business hours: 4:30pm to 12:00mn Tuesdays thru Sundays
Tel: 6332.253 1111
www.marcopoloplazacebu.com

The Outpost

Great music doesn’t necessarily have to come at a price. If you dig a bohemian vibe and support the local music industry, then check out The Outpost. Because it used to be a house, The Outpost makes you feel as though you’re just walking into your friend’s place for a jamming session. True artistry comes to life from painting-adorned walls and originals (mostly alternative) performed by local bands. You have the option to stay inside for the performances, or grab a cold beer in the al fresco area while rubbing shoulders with the free-spirited lot that frequent the place. (PM)

The Outpost

976-A Veteran’s Drive, Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City
Business hours: 6:00pm to 2:00am Tuesdays thru Sundays
Tel: 6332.417 2929

Business

bai Hotel Cebu named 2024 PH’s Leading Business Hotel at World Travel Awards

bai Hotel Cebu VP Operations and General Manager Alfred Reyes with World Travel Awards Founder and President Graham Cooke.

bai Hotel Cebu has emerged victorious as the Philippines’ Leading Business Hotel at this year’s prestigious World Travel Awards. Standing out among the nine other contenders from across the country, bai Hotel Cebu claimed the coveted title, solidifying its position as a premier business hospitality destination in Cebu.

The award was presented to VP Operations and General Manager Alfred Reyes Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications Carlo Rivera in an awarding gala ceremony held last September 3, 2024 at City of Dreams Manila.

Held at the City of Dreams Manila, the award was handed over to VP-Operations and General Manager Alfred Reyes and Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications Carlo Rivera last September 3, 2024 at City of Dreams Manila.

This accolade, being the first of many this year, reaffirms bai Hotel Cebu’s steadfast commitment to providing world-class Filipino hospitality. “I would like to thank our guests for continuously supporting and for patronizing bai Hotel Cebu,” GM Alfred Reyes said. “This win is also yours as your loyalty inspires us to deliver the exceptional service bai Hotel Cebu is known for,” he continued.

bai Hotel Cebu’s department heads celebrating its accolade as PH’s Leading Business Hotel.

Operating since 2018 with 668 rooms, 8 restaurants, and over 13 function halls, bai Hotel Cebu has established its presence in the industry having just been awarded as Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Tourism Standard Awards – ASEAN MICE Venue (Meeting Room Category).

We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to the country’s Department of Tourism headed by Secretary Hon. Christina Garcia Frasco for being recognized as Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign award for its “Love the Philippines” campaign and as Transformation Leadership in Tourism Governance.

Based in London and established in 1993, the World Travel Awards is dubbed the Oscars of the travel industry that acknowledges, rewards, and celebrates excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. It is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Events

A Feast for the Senses

Crimson Chefs - Masahiro Kinoshita, Naoki Eguchi, Daniel Johnston, Javier Garcia, Allan Barios, Andrew Simpson

By Joanna Cuenco

June 8 – Mactan, Cebu | For one of its biggest dining events of the year as part of the highly anticipated Cebu Food and Wine Festival, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan curated an epicurean journey that brought guests on gastronomic flights of fancy, fine cuisine. A Feast for the Senses showcased the creativity and excellence of the resort’s culinary team through a dine-around event at its four dining destinations that invited guests to sample the best that each restaurant had to offer: international cuisine at Saffron, Spanish at Enye by Chele Gonzalez, Japanese at Aka by Naoki Eguchi, and desserts and more drinks at Azure Beach Club.

Maria Paz Perdices, Ambra Anzani, Ema Onda,Kate Anzani, Kumiko Onda, Daisy Barns

Tamsin Booth, Didier Belmonte, Frances Siao, Celeste Miranda, Bert Miranda, Bob Booth

Spirits were high and beverages flowed freely the whole evening, thanks to Philippine Wine Merchant, A Wine Company, The Wine Club, Don Revy, Sommelier Selection, Engkanto Brewery, M. Lhuillier Food Product Inc., Future Trade International, Happy Living Philippines, Equilibrium Intertrade Corporation, and Bauhinia Brewery.

Allan Barios at Saffron dessert station

Ulysse Jouanneaud

Margarette Lhuiller and Perl Jacalan

For the after-party and entertainment at Azure Beach Club, renowned mixologist Ulysse Jouanneaud took over the bar, crafting cocktails with Bacardi, Don Papa, Cointreau, and Sula Brands. Chef Allan Barrios presented a dessert spread that included key lime pralines, vanilla bourbon truffles, honey coconut cryos, and tiny flower-potted bamboo shoots that turned out to be made of pistachio. These little works of art were planted alongside vibrant green foliage, smooth stones, and a faux fog effect that created a tropical rainforest diorama out of the dessert table.

Lechon belly station at Saffron

Dessert display at Azure Beach Club

Yellowfin tuna tataki

Grilled mackerel with laksa boullabaise

The night sky and the distant lights of neighboring islands were the perfect backdrop for a high-energy LED dance performance and fantastic fireworks display that left guests in awe and applause.

Rose Hudson

Chele Gonzalez

Brava potato with chorizo at Enye

LED and Tron Dance

Aka Private Room

The Cebu Food and Wine Festival is supported by the Department of Tourism – Philippines, Visit Central Visayas, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cebu Business Month, and Cebu Pacific Air.

Events

The First NUSTAR BALL

Janine Taylor, June Alegrado, Jackie Lotzof, Frances Siao, Ina Ronquillo and Christine Pelaez

The NUSTAR Ballroom, a magnificent venue at the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu, sets the stage for last night’s first-ever NUSTAR Ball.

Black was the color of night at the Zee table.

Glamorous guests from Manila and Cebu converged at the NUSTAR Ballroom, an exquisite venue within the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu. The evening unfolded with a seated 5-course dinner. The opulent feast started with Beetroot Salmon Gravlax, adorned with caper berries, caviar, set with delicate edible flowers; and a main course of Compressed Pork Belly with Crackling Skin and Baby Scallops. Another highlight was the auction of coveted items like Dior and YSL handbags, a limited-edition Bulgari watch, and an exclusive 2-night stay in Nustar’s opulent 3-bedroom villa—complete with a private pool and a dedicated butler. The charity evening benefited the Cameleon Association, an NGO based in Iloilo City created in 1997 that developed a global approach to act on the causes and effects of sexual violence against children.