Isn't it an ecstatic feeling to be on top of the world?

Although this thrilling sensation can be applied to different scenarios such as success, triumph, or probably winning the lottery, I’m literally referring to breathtaking environments that actually ignite the human spark. And this couldn't be more relevant to what I'm about to share here.

Cebu City, the Philippine’s oldest metropolis, is also a rapidly emerging urban center. And with her continuous progress and development comes the infrastructural advantage of hosting soaring buildings, evergreen parks, and other modern perks of an advancing society.

I had the awesome privilege of personally witnessing her economic rise after all these years, most importantly her architectural and environmental grandeur from one of Cebu City’s elevated points. Our featured skyscraper for today is known as the Grand Residences, one of the city’s tallest landmarks. Apart from a massive pool at the ground floor and other impeccable public amenities, this twin-tower complex consisted of high-rise condominiums that doubled as hotel rooms (condotels), basically combining residential and hospitality business functions under one roof. Despite the tragic fire that almost incinerated the left tower during the later part of 2023, it fortunately survived and managed to remain standing regardless of all the odds. Thank goodness!

My unforgettable experience happened at the roof deck of the right tower. Its topmost level incorporated a posh restaurant and a spacious open-air lounge where guests could experience spectacular vistas of the metropolitan surroundings. And oh boy was I extremely thrilled to be there!

Look at those priceless views! Don’t they take your breath away? If you’re not terrified of staggering heights, this elevated platform was the perfect spot to shout “I’m on top of the world”! I tried yelling to the clouds, assured that no one was watching me, haha. I guess everyone was really busy with their hectic lives, right?

Moreover, I was simply delighted that I didn't forget to bring my digital camera, smartphone, and handy monocular to take advantage of the location’s stunning panoramas. You wouldn't want to miss the opportunity of capturing the locality’s historic skyline, would you?

From an ancient habitat with modest roots into the super metropolis we know today, it was clearly obvious that Cebu City has eventually evolved into a thriving world-class destination, rivaling other international places with her outstanding accomplishment.

But wait, there’s more…

Unexpectedly, I also had the wonderful privilege of returning to this elevated haven at night. And wow, was I in for a delicious treat! Stepping on the outdoor lounge, I immediately welcomed the romantic atmosphere that engulfed my being, inviting me to linger there for the rest of the evening. Would you feel the same way?

Pause, take a deep breath, immerse in the ambiance, and just feast your eyes on those magnificent night shots! Aren’t they truly astonishing? I stood at the safe edge of the roof deck as I gazed further into the infinite vastness of the city’s dark horizon and the dramatic metropolis it embraced. It was certainly an enchanting activity worthy of my time and effort traveling there. Aren’t you impressed yet?

Cebu City’s evening skyline had a different vibe as opposed to the daytime spectacle. And although both experiences were incredibly marvelous in their respective ways, the tremendous chance to be physically present there - to deeply savor this visual extravaganza - mattered the most. At least for me, it did.

Which bird’s-eye view of a metropolitan skyline would you prefer: day or night? What other elevated platforms of Cebu City would you suggest exploring? Are you fond of adventurous experiences like this one?

I look forward to your interesting remarks.

Meet the Author

Architect | Environmentalist | Adventurer
Creator of Architecture+Design Community on Hive

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