But sometimes, these preferences are bent for the sake of experiencing another kind of life from what we used to have. Or I say, to explore and discover what preferences we can put on the list of favorite places that vary in features and atmosphere. I prefer going to places by daylight and going home by dark because it is a good wrap. And I seldom visit a place that is at the darkest of night. But just last Saturday night, I had a quick visit to Tops Busay when we headed to the city for my relative's needs, who resided there after the massive flood that happened in the city. Before we got home, we had the chance to visit the Tops. Yes, it was a chance for me. A chance to try a new night experience in the city of Cebu.
At the Icon Tops Road, Busay, Cebu City is where Tops Busay stood since 1985. Doing the math, it is at least 40 years this year. Quite old, but as the saying goes, it is still gold. In the outlying area of Cebu City is where the Cebu Central Highlands can be found, where it carries the tourism weight of Tops Busay together with other popular destinations, and the slope of Mount Busay, where Tops is built, can be visited.
Approximately, Tops Busay stands 2000 feet above sea level surrounded by a continuous group of hills and towering mountains that lead to the interior of Cebu. To be clear, since it is over 600 meters built above sea level, you have to prepare heading to the top which you can either hike laboriously or ride a vehicle upward.
I can't distinguish which time of the day Tops Busay is famous because this destination offers you two views and experiences. By daytime, the view you can witness is a wide green slope and landscape of the highlands, which gives you a sense of relief from what you took before reaching the tip. It gives you a panoramic or 360° view of the city and island, especially the Mactan Island and its blue horizon. By night, the cool mountain air is as chilling as daytime, but what makes it different is how the evening dresses Tops Busay with another ambiance and atmosphere. Visiting Busay at nighttime is how I prefer to visit it.
And note, this has nothing to do with my preference for daytime when in beaches or in trek. This is not a liberation but quite an issue because daytime at the Tops is not something calming since Busay, as a popular spot, carries all walks of life 24/7, and considering it is possibly crowded in daylight in this tropical country, which is a scorching villain, I cannot enjoy the spot. The evening just eases the heat and irritation I feel, and even if it is still crowded, at least a sense of relief and peace is present.
Here is a GIF of the grand building in the Tops. The pleasing tiles inside and on the exterior, skyscrapers, modern railings, and stone arches make the whole place enchanting, and feel like a lullaby with its light that comes from soft and diffused beams of light from spotlights around the building spread through the misty night sky. It is magical and you know, it is enchanting once again. I mean, look at that light. It is just amazing to witness it even if it is not that natural, but the idea that the scene was like a scene straight out of a Disney movie still gives a sense of satisfaction and relief for visiting the place. City lights at night are best in this peak where you can see almost the whole world. The nighttime just gives me wonder, peace, and enjoyment that the daytime could not.
I looked for some information from the internet about a bit of history about Busay because talking about places cannot be complete without a slice of history. In a nutshell, Tops Busay was just a simple stone platform with long benches that stretched along the curve of the platform. The natural view is what made it gain wide recognition from visitors, and ever since, it was redeveloped for commercialization until 2024 when it was reopened in a new modest architecture and platform.
When it was reopened, Tops Busay received recognition in the 2023 Asia Architecture Design Awards for Best Commercial Building Architecture. It is shown in the photos how the exterior shows a grand and modern setting, as a destination with a circular building and open spaces that overlook the whole city and the sober of night. It looks clean, elegant, and stylish with its great architecture and designs composed of glasses. The tangible structure blends well with the cool highland environment and adds a luxurious impression to tourists.
But even if it looks that luxurious, the entrance fee to Tops Busay is affordable. One thing I like about a place when thinking of money to spend. Only 100 Php (1.75 dollars) is charged to every individual, with children below two and PWDs getting discounts or no charge at all. That's it. That is the only money you need to enter the place. But the real battle begins in its restaurants inside that offer a variety of foods ranging from local to international cuisines made by fine cooks and chefs. Room accommodations or hotels are also offered if you wish to spend more time in Tops Busay without worrying how to go home by midnight if you are not taking the Tops Bus. I did not experience a check-in there because usually I come with my family or friends, so I have people around me to not be worried how to go home at late hours.
Now, you might be thinking how beautiful Tops Busay is and possibly you are now wanting to visit there. If you wish, go there with your consent and experience a break from busy life and heat in this cool peak.
Here is how you can get to the said destination:
•If you are anywhere in the city, go to IT Park Bus Terminal by riding jeepney 04L if you wish to commute.
•When you arrive there, search for available shuttle that is headed to Tops Busay. Remember the ticket you pay is a round-trip ticket, which means the bus will be in service of you going up there and going down to the terminal. So you won't need to worry how to get home but stick with the schedule back and forth.
•You can also go directly to JY instead of IT Park, riding the same jeepney. From JY, you can ride a vehicle to Tops Busay. Just be careful when paying because they might overcharge you. As far as I know, the Tops Bus is 200 and it includes your entrance to the place, so I recommend this mode of travel.
•For private cars, don't worry, the road is yours to follow. You can reach Tops Busay anytime.
So, have you already decided about your next destination? For sure, Tops Busay could be the one to witness your next travel journey. I might not be able to give you all details about this destination because I am just writing from my experience, but you can search extra information on their website. Just search the keywords Tops Busay and the website will appear. This place is a whole new experience depending on the time of the day, but in the end, you go home with peace and joy after visiting it. And maybe, just maybe, it becomes one of those places your heart will always return to without question.
