Cebu’s newest night market and bazaar called ‘Be U Cebu’ laid out its vision of becoming a new tourist destination serving both domestic and foreign markets’ shopping needs.
During a press conference held recently, ‘Be U Cebu’ Operations Manager Donna Belle Pongase highlighted that, “we envision ‘Be U Cebu’ to be Cebu’s new tourist destination where both local and foreign shoppers can afford goods at a very convenient place right at the heart of the uptown area.”
Pongase also underscored that a shopping center catering to tourists’ needs situated at the heart of the city has not yet been provided and ‘Be U Cebu’ aims to become the first of such kind to do so. But in order to attract foreign tourists that visit Cebu, she outlaid plans of collaborating with the Department of Tourism in this endeavor.
As a sublease type of business operation, almost about P1 million total investments was spent for ‘Be U Cebu’ as Pongase estimated with a total of 63 leasable business spaces. At the moment, it already has 26 committed locators, nine of which operates food kiosks or carts, 14 will be selling ready-to-wear items and three accessories shop.
Developed by Cebu Saver’s Development Corporation owned by the Cañizares family, ‘Be U Cebu’ is part of the whole lifestyle environment concept of ‘One Mango Place’ located at the Maxilom Avenue, deemed to become the city’s shopping, dining and recreational destination.
One Mango Place’s grand launching is targeted on the second week of January next year whereas “Be U Cebu” is expected to operate this month at the third level of the commercial complex.
The name and the concept of ‘Be U Cebu’ according to Pongase is a call to all Cebuanos to stand proud of their rich cultural heritage and colorful history. It will cater to both local and foreign market from mixed segments giving special focus to the younger ones.
Aside from its wide array of affordable product offering, “Be U Cebu” also provides its tenants opportunity for business growth as it offers a minimum of P200 per day lease for every designated space.
Aside from its night market and bazaars, ‘Be U Cebu’ will also showcase a common lounge area where customers can utilize wifi internet connections, and have fun in their Videoke bar and Billiard’s station.
Situated in Maxilom Avenue, one of the city’s most active night spots, Pongase is optimistic with the potentials of ‘Be U Cebu’ to hit and sees no potential treat in terms of competition with surrounding malls in the area.
“When malls around the vicinity close at night, there are still a lot of people in the area so we will not be competing with them in that matter.”
Considering its location which has high traffic, Pongase believes that the market will not become a problem for their business and even sees the call center locators in the area as one of their captive market.