Do These Old Cebu City Spots Ring a Bell?

Over the years, Cebu City has become quite the modern metropolis. 

While it still preserves much of its history, it has evolved with time. It’s safe to say it has come a long way since its days as a fishing village under Rajah Humabon’s rule.

But with the emergence of modernity comes leaving some of the past behind. Many businesses have thrived well into the present time, while others have been left in the past. 

Sometimes, we can’t help but get nostalgic over old Cebu City spots that have long closed down. A logo or storefront has become a time capsule, triggering memories. 

One glimpse of them is enough to send us walking down memory lane.

Let’s go back in time and celebrate some of those spots. We’re sure that at least one of them will sound familiar to you.

FOODA SAVERSMART

Does the picture above ring a bell? You’re old enough to remember this grocery store’s heyday if it does. 

Fooda was a homegrown grocery chain beloved by Cebuanos. Its Mango, Kasambagan, Guadalupe, Talisay, and Consolacion branches served people with affordable groceries. 

Their stores stocked aplenty, giving people more than enough for their daily needs. 

Its catchy jingle was also frequently played on local radio stations. Many remember the famous tagline, “You’re first on the list.”

Fooda closed all of its branches on September 22, 2021. Every one of them has been replaced by Puregold.

AYALA LAGOON

Ayala Center Cebu has seen numerous changes throughout its 30-year run. As of writing, their major renovations are still ongoing, targeting a 2026 completion.

Among those changes was The Terraces.

Some may not know this, but it wasn’t initially part of the mall’s launch. Before its 2008 opening, the site was once a lagoon.

Shoppers sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed patches of green while taking a break from retail therapy. The lagoon took advantage of the natural sunlight, emphasizing its beauty during the daytime. 

At night, the mall’s lights would illuminate it, painting another picturesque scene.  

HANDURAW PIZZA GORORDO

Many memories have great food accompanying them. For some folks, Handuraw’s Gorodo branch was the backdrop. 

The 1950s two-story house was their safe space before its 2017 closure.

Handuraw is remembered by many for two things: the pizza and the live performances. 

Their thin-crust pies were developed after rigorous testing and development. The Handuraw Special was their ultimate bestseller, often paired with below-zero beer. 

Aside from their pizza, Handuraw Gorordo was a famous event space. Local artists would make the place their stage and perform. If not, they just hung out and watched fellow musicians. 

BOOKSALE

Ebooks are all the rage right now, thanks to handheld devices. The convenience lets people read books anytime and anywhere.

However, few things compare to flipping through a paperback’s pages. Booksale provided that joy since 1980 by selling books at friendly prices. 

Various genres were on display, from educational to general fiction. They also sold magazines of different specialties.

Unfortunately, its Elizabeth Mall branch shut down permanently in 2020 because of pandemic-related logistical complications. They’ve now expanded their presence on the internet by selling books on online shopping platforms, per a Rappler report. (2024)

BLUE MAGIC

Gift shopping can be daunting. Fortunately for us, some stores bail us out and sell random finds that make good presents.

Blue Magic was one of those stores. Just ask millennial kids and they’ll tell you why.

The shop sold toys, figurines, and other trinkets. From stuffed animals to funny knickknacks, people were bound to find something in the store for gift-giving. 

When options were running out, Blue Magic was the last (but effective) resort.

But as with all things, Blue Magic’s 26-year run ended on February 28, 2023. They’re now online on e-commerce platforms.

WHITE GOLD CLUB

Before its closure in 2018, White Gold was one of the city’s oldest malls. However, it also experienced much movement. 

The Gaisano-owned superstore was established in 1933. It moved in 1946 along Osmeña Boulevard, but relocated to Juan Luna Street at an unspecified time.

Fire struck White Gold in 1974, which led to its closure. Five years later, they re-entered the retail scene by reopening the store in B. Benedicto Street. 

Another fire broke out in 1989, but operations resumed a few months later. Yet another fire incident in 1997 caused them to close and move to a new location. 

They transferred to A. Soriano Street in the North Reclamation Area and stayed there until it closed its doors permanently in 2018 to make way for the Gaisano Mall of Cebu.