Shell Robinsons is one of the first gas stations to have an art gallery
Gas stations are essential for any kind of road trip. You may need to stop by to get some fuel or buy food and beverages at the convenience store. Most of the time, these stores only sell items that you can take on the go, but a Shell gas station in the North Reclamation Area will make you want to stay a little longer.
Shell Robinsons is one of the first gas stations to have an art gallery inside the convenience store. Also known as Shell Select, it is more of a cafe than a store, especially with its aesthetics and available items.
This Shell gas station has a restaurant that offers hefty meals and desserts.
The station may look normal from the outside, but a walk past the renowned convenience store will make you want to check out what’s inside. Snacks, drinks, and toiletries are available, but they also sell items that you won’t likely find in places like 7-Eleven or Mini Stop.
Food items typically sold in a more high-end cafe in Cebu can be found on their menu. They have several flavors of cakes as well as different types of bread and coffee to choose from. They also have ice cream for those who want to cool off from a hot day.
Just like any typical cafe in Cebu, you can find all kinds of breads and pastries here.
This is one of the more unlikely places for you to dine in, but with an outdoor dining area on the ground and second floor, you might as well take out a book or your laptop to study or work.
Gas stations aren’t typically ideal places for you to get busy and productive, but the vibe is certainly fitting. Also, if you’re ever feeling hungry, there are various rice meals available.
Outdoor dining is available if you want to have a quick snack or meal.
What really sets this place apart, however, is the overflowing number of artworks set up inside. Several of these are made by critically acclaimed masters of painting in Cebu, namely Antonio Ylanan, Raul Agas, and Lamberto Acyatan. The paintings depict life in the Philippines, whether in the city or in the province.
There are a total of 84 paintings in this art gallery.
84 paintings are situated all over the store. From the aisles to the walls, it seems like there isn’t a spot or corner where you won’t be able to witness and admire the creativity of the aforementioned Filipino artists.
Even the restrooms, a very unlikely place for you to relax in, are interesting enough to make you stop and snap a photo. You will find pieces of artwork in the main hall outside the restrooms as well as inside, and there you will find all kinds of Filipino products and even game boards that give off a unique and interesting vibe.
Most people go to cafes to relax and chill, but this one allows you to experience an extensive art gallery.
Food items available in the store can be purchased through delivery services like Grab and Foodpanda.
HOW TO GET THERE
The gas station is very close to one of the shopping centers in the North Reclamation Area, the Robinsons Galleria. This is also close to SM City Cebu, and there are many public transportation options to get you there.
If you are staying in a hotel in Fuente, you can ride a free shuttle at Robinsons. That will be your best and cheapest option.
You can also take a MyBus going to Mactan Airport, Parkmall, or SM City Cebu. Just make sure it passes by Robinsons Galleria. That way, you’ll know it will also pass by Shell Robinsons. Most jeepneys going to SM City Cebu will most likely pass by the area as well.
OPERATING HOURS
Shell Robinsons is open 24 hours every day.
Most art galleries have their own spot somewhere along the road, but this Shell gas station makes a fine addition to get your fix of art, creativity, and relaxation. Your days of dropping by a gas station to get snacks are now over, as Shell Robinsons is a unique cafe that will definitely make you stay a little while longer.
