Robinsons Land's Southern comforts

MANILA, Philippines - Consisting of 168 islands, the province of Cebu has long charmed men and women, its beauty stirring the spirit so much so that even men from distant shores couldn’t resist exploring its charms centuries before the republic was born.

With an epic history behind it, along with a wealth of natural wonders and a proud and industrious people, Cebu has emerged as one of the most progressive provinces in the country, its offerings in terms of business, commerce and leisure rivaling even those of Metro Manila.

Helping fuel Cebu’s distinction as queen of all the provinces in the south is Robinsons Land Corp., one of the country’s premier property developers that is involved in the development of residential condominiums and communities, shopping malls and hotels, mixed-use properties and office buildings. In Cebu, Robinsons Land is transforming the urban landscape with such developments as Robinsons Place Cebu, Robinsons Cybergate Cebu, Blue Coast Residences, Aspen Heights, and AmiSa.

Robinsons Place Cebu stands in the heart of Cebu City’s three major thoroughfares—Fuente Osmeña Avenue, General Maxilom Avenue and F. Ramos Street—and is directly linked to the Cebu Midtown Hotel, another Robinsons Land property. Within walking distance from a number of office buildings, banks, pension houses, hospitals and other hotels, the four-level shopping mall features a solid mix of dining, retail and service establishments, with more than 90 stores that include popular Manila-based retail brands such as Guess, Bench, Penshoppe and Alberto, along with proud homegrown names, plus Robinsons Malls’ anchor brands (Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Supermarket, Do-It-Best Handyman, Robinsons Appliances and Robinsons Food Court).

The Cebu Midtown Plaza, meanwhile, is undergoing a massive renovation and will no doubt add to the excitement surrounding Robinsons Place Cebu as it is rebranded as Summit Circle. Befitting the upcoming rebranding, Robinsons Land is undertaking a major facelift not just for the lobby, which will be transformed into a sleek showcase of modern aesthetics, but also the hallways and all 212 guestrooms.

Robinsons Cybergate Cebu, on the other hand, is Robinsons Land’s latest project in the queen city of the south, located at J. Llorente St. corner Don Gil Garcia St. facing Fuente Osmena Circle. Within the very modern architecture of this PEZA-accredited building is a mix BPO offices and first-class medical clinics and wellness centers, such as Annie’s, Coco Salon and Salon de Rose, while the first two floors make for a shopping and lifestyle destination. Popular outlets include Jollibee, Shakey’s, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Bo’s Coffee Club, Savory, Koreya, Pino, Flame It, Japengo, Golden Cowrie, Mooon Café, and Quikshop, while sevices include Robinsons Bank, Western Union, Dr. Iben Ting Pharmacy, Rose Pharmacy, LBC Express and CD-R King, among others.

However, Robinsons Land’s attachment to Cebu runs deeper than its commercial potentials. It was, after all, in this gem of a southern province where John L. Gokongwei Jr.—the highly respected taipan who is the chairman emeritus of JG Summit Holdings, the parent company of Robinsons Land—was born, established roots, and built through the sweat on his brow the foundation of what has become an empire with an admirably diverse portfolio.

Thus, it is only fitting that some of the most exciting projects that Robinsons Land is currently undertaking are situated in this lovely southern province that once cradled its beloved patriarch.