Tops Cebu: A Love Letter To Nostalgia And Change

Some places are best left as memories. You hold on to them, avoiding a second visit, because you don’t want to risk rewriting the perfect story. That was Tops Cebu, for me.

For years, I stayed away from Tops Lookout in Cebu City, clinging to my memories like they were precious artifacts.

The last time I was there was in the 1990s when life was so much simpler, and Tops Busay Cebu felt like a secret kept by the emerald mountains.

It was a local icon and a magical place where youngsters gathered for deep talks over cheap beer.

It was where lovebirds shared sweet moments and whispered promises under the stars.

And it was where the younger and starry-eyed version of me dreamed about a future as bright as the city lights below.

Then, suddenly, everything changed.

The Old Tops Cebu, with its unpolished and no-frills charm, was redesigned for the new generation.

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go back, but for some reason, I found myself standing on this Gen Z version of Cebu City’s Tops. 

Did it still hold the magic I remembered, or had it become just a shadow of what it once was?

Was it worth revisiting?

And did I walk away with a lesson, a new memory, or a fresh story to tell?

My Tops Cebu experience 

The modern Tops Cebu exudes an upbeat, extroverted Gen Z vibe. 

As an introverted aging millennial, I wanted no part of it.

Don’t get me wrong.

It’s nice, sleek, convenient, and picture-perfect.

But not everything is meant for everyone.

The thing is, I always prefer quiet, uncrowded places where I can pause and melt all my stress and worries away. 

I crave places where I can escape the madness and chaos of modern life.

When I take trips, Instagram-worthy pictures are just a bonus. 

It’s all about the journey, the atmosphere, and the experience that soothes my soul and clears my mind.

I love places where time slows down, and I can breathe. 

That’s the Tops Cebu I remember, and why the new version doesn’t feel the same.

Yet somehow, my niece convinced me to revisit this icon again.

And since I badly needed an escape from the daily grind, I agreed to her suggestion.

Taking the bus ride from IT park to Tops Cebu

Despite its immense popularity, there are many ways to avoid the crowds at Busay Tops Cebu.

One of the best ways to steer clear of the crowds is to visit it early in the morning.

And so, we woke up at around 5 in the morning to prepare for our journey to Tops of Cebu.

From our humble abode, we took a quick ride to the IT Park’s bus station.

Then, we hopped on a bus that would take us to Tops Lookout in Cebu City, Cebu.

To my surprise, there was no tourist or passenger bound for this attraction on the bus.

The driver informed us we’d have to wait 30 minutes before departing.

As we waited for the ride, memories of the old Tops came rushing back, intertwining with my curiosity about the new version.

Would it still have that magic and unique charm, or had time and change turned it into something different?

After the 30-minute wait, the bus driver roared the engine to life, signaling the start of our trip to one of the best attractions in Cebu.

And it seemed like we were off to a good start, even with the gloomy skies and mild rain.

Along the way, I had flashbacks of my adventures in Transcentral Highway and Cebu.

Before I fell in love with Mindanao, this part of Cebu was my playground.

From Mount Babag to Florentino’s Eco Park, this mountain highway showcases the best in Cebu. 

Soon, we arrived at the bus stop of Tops Cebu where we were greeted by an employee who collected the fees.

Our visit to Cebu City’s Tops officially started, and my niece couldn’t hide the excitement and sparkle in her eyes.

Entering Tops Cebu

Before entering the venue, I immediately noticed the differences between the new and old.

The new version was more polished and had a modern feel.

The rustic, no-frills archway was gone, replaced by a sleek multi-level building.

I must say it was impressive, and it even blew me away.

While a part of me yearned for the charm of the “Old Tops,” I wasn’t against development or change.

After all, I’ve gone through my own changes, and without them, I wouldn’t be here today.

The truth is, change isn’t the villain of my story. 

It’s the plot twist that makes the whole journey worth reading.

You see.

Every beautiful thing in life is a product of change. 

The mountains of Cebu turn immaculately green after the wet season.

A caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, after enduring its cocoon stage. 

How about those giant trees that provide shade and life?

They were once seeds buried in the soil. 

Even the seasons remind us that change is constant.

Without change, there’s no growth, new adventures, and opportunity to become the best version of yourself.

After paying the fees, we stepped inside, and my niece immediately squealed in delight, rushing toward the viewing deck.

As we explored the grounds, I noticed several more changes.

My eyes wandered around, and I saw many sleek and modern restaurants in Tops Cebu.

Although it has retained some of its old stone walls, it has somewhat lost its magic.

Maybe it was just me.

Perhaps I preferred the old rugged and nostalgic look of Cebu City Tops.

For the younger generation, the old version might seem boring because it only had simple benches and tables.

But the raw, rugged charm of that version made us focus on the views rather than fancy facilities.

I mean I could just sit on one of the benches there, and do nothing for hours.

And that was the magic of the old Tops. 

Doing nothing wasn’t just okay, but it was the whole point.

When you sat on stone benches, you could let your mind wander. 

You didn’t need any distractions or flashy amenities. 

The stunning view did all the talking. 

It told stories of the city below, hinted at dreams waiting to be pursued, and reminded you of how small you were in this expanding universe.

Tops Cebu was a place where stress, anxiety, and worries fade away.

In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, the old Tops would have been a gift for weary and stressed-out souls.

Sometimes, the best way to clear your mind is to stop doing and start being. 

That’s what the old Tops taught me.

Enjoying the best view in Cebu City

Slowly, we walked towards the viewing area of Tops Cebu.

And fortunately for us, there were only a few people visiting this site that day.

Most people say the best time to visit this overlook is at night.

And I would agree.

With fresh mountain breeze and dazzling city lights, visiting Tops Cebu at night would be an unforgettable experience.

But I prefer admiring Tops this way when it’s free from crowds, noise, and chaos.

As I admired the views from Tops Cebu, I was transported into a different time.

Even with the modern railings and Cebu’s new skyscrapers, the view gave me a glimpse of the past.

The soft morning glow and the bird’s perspective of the city made me forget all my deadlines, goals, and worries.

And it was just like the good old days.

The view transported me to a time when life was simpler, brighter, and more alive.

It was comforting and gave me a quick escape from the chaotic reality.

I guess Tops Cebu hasn’t completely changed.

At least, it has retained its most important feature: a view that lets you escape, dream, and let the weight of the world melt away.

Exploring Tops Cebu

The Tops Cebu views were, no doubt, the highlight of our visit.

With a unique mix of natural scenery and cityscape, it was a sight to behold.

Furthermore, it was a nostalgic and humbling experience that made me feel better.

I’ve read a few Tops Cebu reviews before saying the entrance fee of PHP 100 is too expensive for just the view.

I do respect their opinions, and they may have a different point of view.

But PHP 100 is way cheaper than therapy.

Furthermore, I’d rather spend my hard-earned money on experiences like this than hospital bills.

Besides, what can you buy with 100 pesos these days?

In the ‘90s, you could get a cassette tape (record album) for just 100 pesos.

But nowadays?

It’s hard to find an item with that kind of value for 100 pesos

After admiring the view, we checked out another feature retained from Old Tops Cebu: the stone arches.

With a little creativity, you can snap tons of cool photos with this Tops Cebu feature.

Afterward, we took pictures of another classic feature: the hexagon-shaped surfaces.

While the old-world and rugged charm of the Old Tops is now gone, we at least still see some remnants of it.

Dining in Tops Lookout Cebu

As we explored this observation deck, I heard a rumbling sound in my stomach.

Since we left early, we barely had time to eat a good, full meal.

Fortunately, there was a tiny food joint available, offering burgers and breakfast combinations.

My niece ordered the tapsilog, while I went with their burgers.

I wouldn’t say it’s best in Cebu City, but the burger is tasty and ideal for satisfying a grumbling stomach.

There was also a beverage store, a gelato stand, and a vending machine open at the venue.

Other restaurants in Tops Cebu weren’t open yet, but their presence hinted at a solid food scene later in the day.

I guess it’s one of the conveniences and perks of this upgraded version.

The food scene at Tops Cebu today is so different from what I remember back in the ’90s. 

Back then, the food options were as simple as the place itself. 

You’d be lucky to find a small stall selling chips, bottled drinks, or maybe a tiny food stand on busy nights. 

If you came hungry, your best bet was to bring your own snacks or head back down to the city after taking in the view.

So, as I mentioned earlier, change isn’t exactly a villain.

Sometimes, it’s just hard to rewrite a story of a place with so many beautiful memories.

Back in the ’90s, Tops Cebu was all about simplicity.

It had an old-world charm that focused on the view and the people you shared it with. 

People didn’t come here expecting luxuries or variety.

They came for the escape, the conversations, and the heavenly. 

Today, the modern touches, like the food options and sleek amenities, make it easier to stay longer and enjoy more comforts.

While I do miss the old days, I can’t deny the perks of this new version. 

A cup of gelato while admiring the view, or a hearty breakfast before heading back down makes the whole experience more pleasant and convenient.

Maybe that’s what change is about. 

It doesn’t exactly erase the past.

It adds new layers to create more meaningful moments. 

And when we embrace change, we might discover that these new moments can be just as meaningful as the old ones.

After having a quick breakfast, I still wanted to enjoy the view of Cebu City from this observation deck.

And so, we went back to do it all over again.

There’s no time limit at Tops Lookout, so why rush it?

Why spend a few minutes of your time when you can spend hours just sitting down and enjoying the view?

Enjoying the Tops Cebu views: Part 2

I couldn’t get enough of the views of Cebu City from this observation deck.

With its modern touches and awe-inspiring city views, it reminded me of my visit to Victoria Peak in Hong Kong.

And like I said before, it has a hint of nostalgia.

To me, nostalgia is important in everyone’s life.

When life feels heavy, nostalgia has this extraordinary power to lighten your load. 

It reminds you of simpler times, of moments when laughter came easy and worries seemed far away.

Furthermore, nostalgia is not just about escaping reality, but it’s also about finding comfort in knowing you’ve lived through beautiful things and that there’s still more to come.

While looking at Cebu City’s ever-changing skyline, I realized nostalgia has a way of grounding people. 

Nostalgia connects your past self to who you are now, showing you how far you’ve come and how much you’ve grown.

The view reminded me of how Cebu and I have grown and evolved throughout the years.

Departing from Tops of Cebu

Moments later, the crowds started to arrive at Tops Cebu.

And that was a sign for me to bid adieu.

As much as I wanted to spend the whole day there, my body craved some sleep and rest.

So, we went outside to the bus stop and boarded the vehicle that would take us to IT Park.

And the bus was comfortable and convenient.

In the old days, we didn’t have this option.

Even motorcycle taxis weren’t available before.

To get to Tops Cebu, you’d have to either hire a tour agency or drive your own car.

And speaking of driving, the road to Tops wasn’t always safe and convenient.

There were many accidents and even urban legends on this highway in Cebu.

Looking back at it, it made me appreciate the importance of change, and identify the drawbacks of nostalgia.

Here’s the thing.

Nostalgia feels like home and transports you to a place you wish you could revisit, even if just for a while.

But nostalgia can be a little tricky as well.

While it gives us warmth and hope, it can also trap us in a past that no longer exists.

Standing at Tops Cebu, I felt that yearning for my childhood days and the quiet simplicity of the ‘90s. 

But nostalgia only made me remember the positive moments.

It filtered reality and made me forget the inconveniences, the imperfections, and even the things I didn’t love as much in the 90s.

Nostalgia can often feel like chasing ghosts. 

It makes you compare your messy, unpredictable present with a polished, highlight-reel version of your past.

I’ve been guilty of holding on so tightly to the “Old Tops ” that I almost missed out on what it has become.

And this experience made me realize that life isn’t meant to be lived in rewind and flashbacks.

It reminded me to embrace the “what is” instead of longing for the “what once was.”

Those old memories of Tops Cebu won’t be erased or rewritten but will be used to create stories about how far we’ve come.

The magic of Tops Cebu hasn’t disappeared.

It just changed, and is now creating memories and stories for the younger generation.

On our way home, I reflected on how important it is to treasure the present. 

Today’s experiences, after all, could become cherished memories that bring comfort and happiness in the days to come.

How to go to Tops Cebu

If you’re commuting, the best and most convenient way to get to Tops Cebu is to take the shuttle from IT Park. It’s just PHP 200 (back and forth), and already includes the entrance fee to Tops Lookout. Even better, it’s safe and comfortable.

How much is the entrance to Tops Cebu?

The entrance fee to Tops Cebu is PHP 100 per person. You’ll have to spend PHP 200 if you’re taking the back-and-forth shuttle ride.

Tops of Cebu opening hours

Tops Cebu is open 24 hours a day.

Tops Cebu bus schedule

The shuttle service is available at IT Park daily from 07:00 AM to 03:00 AM. Pets, food, and drinks are not allowed inside the bus.