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<div class="text-justify">I remember reading the book Moby-Dick three years ago and stumbling upon the line, "𝙄𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙥; 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙧𝙚." The author meant that the most meaningful experiences and places aren’t found on a map, but in the emotional state of the visitor. As I thought of that line again today, I found myself recalling the places I visited this past July. I realized that it wasn’t their popularity that made them special to me, but the peace they brought. Because of that, I valued them like precious gems found in my hometown.

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It’s not just a specific place that the line brings to mind, but also the emotional and mental experiences it makes you feel again poetically. Coincidentally, I visited a few places here in Cebu, Philippines this summer break—and these three destinations became the highlights of my short trips in July because of the solace it brought to me. But to be clear, I only spent around three to four hours at each location because I was simply looking to unwind or eat somewhere different. Regardless of the time spent, these places quickly made it to my list of favorites—and for good reason. I truly believe they are gems in my city.

📍**FIRST STOP: THE AMAZING 360° TOPS BUSAY**

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Undoubtedly, Cebu is home to quality tourist attractions, whether beaches or famous restaurants. Along the surface of Icon Tops Road, Busay, Cebu City, stands the towering, massive, and well-loved spot surrounded by emerald mountains—Tops Busay, whose popularity continues to grow with the steady flow of visitors day and night. Or let me say, an iconic landmark is standing proudly in that location.

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Tops Busay is the best place to visit if you wish to see a 360° view of Cebu City and its neighboring cities. The architecture of the place is sublime and elegant, intriguing tourists from the outside alone. It was awarded Best Commercial Building Architecture Design in 2023, and that recognition speaks volumes about its marvelous construction. It has several floors you can explore depending on your preferences and desired experience. On the highest floors, the Skai 360° deck is open to visitors, offering the most expansive and breathtaking view of Cebu’s landscape. The skyscrapers, modern railings, stone arches, and artsy tiles of Tops Busay make it picture-perfect and stunning for all who visit. In short, the architecture is honestly mesmerizing—it meets and even exceeds expectations when it comes to places of this altitude.

Tops Busay requires an entrance fee of 100.00 pesos for adults and children above 2 years old, and 70.00 pesos for PWDs. It’s a cheap price, but the quality of the infrastructure and the overall experience is too expensive not to try. You can take a shuttle from IT Park Transport Terminal, Geonzon Street, Lahug. Just look for the Tops Shuttle Bus for a direct round-trip fare of only 200 pesos—very budget-friendly, especially for the experiences that await. The place also features restaurants, event halls, accommodations, and other destinations that give visitors a complete experience.

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Tops Busay holds meaning for many Cebuanos. Some had their first dates here, families reunited at this very spot, others celebrated birthdays, parties, even weddings. 

But what stayed with me most was how friendly and reflective the place felt. For that short time, I found solace and calm, and the cool mountain breeze made everything more peaceful. This is the truth about Busay—people often go here not just for the view, but to unwind, reflect, and mentally escape. It’s a wonderful space for releasing negative energy, especially if you visit when it’s not crowded.

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There’s something about Busay—especially the night we went—where the city lights shone brighter than my dreams. It made me reflect deeply and feel grateful just standing by the railings, letting the wind caress me, and being in the present moment. And what I truly treasure about Busay is that it feels like a shared space for kindred souls. Truly, a top-tier destination.

📍**SECOND STOP: CASA DE MEZZA CEBU**

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This elegant and marvelous restaurant was my shortest visit this summer. I was only there for about an hour, as I was invited by a friend but was too tired to stay longer. It’s located near Tops Busay—just 6.5 km away via the city highway. That's just a few minutes of travel.

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Described as “a symphony of tastes that will elevate your senses,” Casa De Mezza offers a unique gustatory experience. Every corner is carefully designed to create a complementary and relaxing dining atmosphere. They also offer packages for romantic dinners—perfect for couples seeking a memorable night. Honestly, it’s the coziest place I’ve been to in Cebu (sorry, cafes). The night lighting, paired with warm wood accents, adds to the overall impression of comfort and elegance.

This place is also great for family dinners and friend reunions—especially if you're lucky enough to catch a live musical performance, which makes dining even more enjoyable. It’s a must-visit for food enthusiasts, as their dishes are as excellent as the ambiance. From indulging in international cuisine to sipping wine from their impressive collection, Casa De Mezza offers more than just a meal—it delivers a memorable, elegant experience.

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Personally, the highlight of Casa De Mezza was their Mediterranean cuisine and their foreign-inspired menu, which introduced flavors new to my taste buds. For example, their Spaghetti Alle Marinara and Gambas Pasta are both priced at 389.00 pesos. These dishes are passionately curated to deliver both taste and quality.

📍**THIRD STOP: PURITA FARMHOUSE**

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This farmhouse was the last place I visited this summer, and after that, I’ve mostly been cooped up in my room juggling paperwork. As I write this, I find myself craving a return to somewhere like Purita—but not a resort. I’m longing for a quiet farm in town, maybe with an oak tree where I can lie underneath all day and feel the fresh air filling my lungs. I hope I can do that again before summer ends.

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Purita Farmhouse sits on a four-hectare mango orchard owned by a local family in our town. The orchard existed even before the vacation house, having been established in 1981, which gives the place a touch of history. Located in Bangkal, San Remigio, Cebu, this area is well known for its nature-rich surroundings. The farmhouse gained popularity shortly after its opening, and locals continue to support it today. It’s ideal for family events, special celebrations, or quick getaways—especially for those who want to swim while being close to nature. Even the hexagonal huts are carefully crafted with bamboo and nipa materials, making nights spent here refreshingly cool.

During our visit, we didn’t plan to swim—we just went for dinner. The staff were highly skilled in preparing local seafood dishes, which we enjoyed the traditional way: on banana leaves laid out on the table. It’s truly a place that brings people together over meals, and if you’re with family or friends, it’s the perfect spot.

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They also have a kid-friendly and adult pool, complete with a slide for a more fun swimming experience. Beside the pool is a balcony that overlooks the mango orchard. And yes—it’s all planted with mangoes. In a four-hectare space, it’s big enough to roam around, whether by walking or singing in the KTV. I highly recommend walking barefoot to fully absorb the relaxing nature of the place and let go of stress. Trust me—it helps.

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I didn’t have time to take photos, but I was able to appreciate the beautiful architecture and cozy feel. Purita Farmhouse is a proud provincial signature business. The prices for food and accommodations are reasonable and worth every peso. Once you enjoy it, you’ll definitely want to go back.

In that short stay, I felt like I had a weekend-long break. Maybe it's because nature is close to my heart, and this place truly called to me. These three places I visited this summer are gems, even though I stayed in each for just a few hours. Regardless, I felt recharged, knowing I was taking care of myself and prioritizing time to relax, unwind, and explore.

If you’re planning to visit Cebu, Philippines, add these three spots to your bucket list. Just search the names online—you’ll easily find more info on their menus, accommodation, and how to get there.

Thank you for reading this blog! To wrap it up, feel free to share in the comments your best experiences from any summer vacation—whether it's a place or a moment. We’d love to hear your stories and maybe even recommend more great places to visit.</div>