THE iconic Tops Lookout or “Tops” in Barangay Busay, Cebu City will temporarily close its doors to tourists and locals on Oct. 21, 2022 to give way to renovation and redevelopment works.
Less than a month before the scheduled closing, the management of the Tops Lookout invited Cebuanos to enjoy the tourist destination until the last day of operation.
In a press conference on Saturday, Oct. 1, Fifth Avenue Property Development (FAPD) spokesman Raymond Serna told reporters that the renovation is a joint venture of their company and EMRO Holdings.
Serna said the redevelopment aims to rebrand the site and is envisioned to become an “incomparable icon.”
“We are going to build something beautiful, something spectacular. It’s akin to the Eiffel Tower of Paris, not a tower but akin to,” Serna said.
Serna said the redevelopment will take a least six to 12 months or more than a year. Development plans for the property have not been released yet.
Serna assured they will take care of Tops’ employees, who will be rehired as caretakers once the redevelopment is finished.
As for the food stalls and concessionaires inside, Serna said they will be relocated to the lower part of the Busay Road near the restaurants so they can continue to operate their businesses.
Tops is an observatory deck in Barangay Busay located 600 meters above Cebu City, offering visitors a scenic and panoramic views of the city and Mactan Island.
It was first opened in 1985 by the late Emilio “Lito” Osmeña before he became governor of Cebu. Soon after its opening, it quickly became one of Cebu’s most visited tourist attractions.
Serna said Tops has an average of 1,200 to 2,000 visitors at any given day.
To reintroduce Tops, the management has prepared social media contests, inviting Cebuanos to join TikTops Dance Challenge in Tiktok, Tops Pic photo contest, painting competition and My Tops Story storytelling contest.
A party will also be held on the last day of operation on Oct. 21. Organizers have yet to announce when tickets to the party will be available. Tickets will cost P200 each.